Posted on 05/19/2004 7:34:30 AM PDT by ItsOurTimeNow
I need some advice, guidance, opinion, etc here.
I'm planning a "Defense of Marriage" rally on the lawn of the RI State House for June 26th, noon-4. I've finally hit my breaking point with the judicial tyranny, media acceptance, and liberal activism of my neighbor to the north, Massachusetts, and have decided to do something about it. A rally is the best thing I could think of. I feel that if we can gather and make a loud enough voice, it'll hopefully let our local RI politicians and judges know that we're not going to tolerate this tyrannical nonsense any longer.
I've already scheduled the date with the local Central Services office, and submitted my letter of intent.
Now, all I need are people. I'm reaching out to all local churches, the media, faith-based community action groups, and of course all of the wonderful FReepers.
My questions are - is it customary to have guest speakers? Or, is it acceptable to just have signs/slogans? Reason being, I don't have any PA equipment, and would have to find a way to secure some. Finding some guest speakers wouldn't be that difficult, but honestly, I don't know what the best course of action is.
This is the very fist rally I've ever organized, and I'll admit I'm a bit lost on how to get things rolling. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
When I talked to the Central Services office this morning, the lady I spoke to said that I don't need a permit. I just need to let them know where, when, why, and how many.
I'm going to contact Carcieri's office and let him know...I'd LOVE to have him as a speaker.
I'm also having a meeting at WARV tomorrow to talk promotion of this event. I know TSB has some influence with some State "movers & shakers", I'll let her know about this too.
Anyone know where I can get/borrow/rent some decent PA gear? All I'll need is a microphone and some speakers.
When the Free Republic Network organized the "Rally for America" (over 200 rallies) last year, we had several pages of information on exactly what you request. The pages are down now, being transformed for the upcoming "National March Against Terror" on September 11th, but I'll check with Nick Danger to see if he can get you copies or access.
Much obliged, sir!
May God bless your rally
Is this worthy of the H.A. pinglist? It's a counter-measure that I'm taking. I want this event to be huge, and could use as much FReeper prayers and support as I can get.
Thankee
Righteous cause bump!
Why not ping the Massachusetts and Connecticut lists, since they're so close? I'll ping my Homosexual Agenda list, maybe some live close by or know people who do. I feel like jumping in my van and driving 3,000 miles to join you!!
I think a few punchy speakers would be a great idea. People who are used to public speaking and won't be scared by homo-nazis, and can make their points in a short time. I wish I could come!!! I like to speak to groups - I bet I could rile up some people. I mean, enthuse them!
Can you send the word out to all conservative churches in the state? What about pro-life groups, they're probably on the same wave length.
Homosexual Agenda Ping - A brave and outraged Freeper in RI, ItsOurTimeNow, is organizing a Defense of Marriage rally in June. Any Freepers in RI, or who know any conservatives in that state, or live in adjoining states, may want to get in touch with ItsOur, and help out.
A highly worthy cause, and I hope we see more and more of these kinds of rallies. The more colorful, loud, well-advertised and well-attended the better!
Let me know if anyone wants on/off this pinglist.
Defense of Marriage bump
As for a PA system, see if one of the churches or people you contact can loan you one or can get you in touch with someone who can loan one for the cause. If you plan to be out there four hours, a few speakers would probably help. Testimonials from the crowd would be okay too (screen for disruptors, of course.)
ItsOurTimeNow, I'll be there! I have family in RI, but I think they'll be protesting. :^P
Advice for a newbie rally organizer?
Now, all I need are people.Good plan, so far.I'm reaching out to all local churches, the media, faith-based community action groups, and of course all of the wonderful FReepers.
Next step: TALK RADIO.It would be WONDERFUL if you could get a local talk radio host to do a LIVE remote from your event.
The next best thing would be to get a local talk radio host to aggressively PROMOTE this rally on the air - preferably with an interview with someone witty, warm and ARTICULATE from our side.Could that "someone" be YOU? :o)
WOW! What a difference a day makes!
So, I was researching some local churches on line, and discovered that 35 RI Clergymen drafted and signed a resoultion, stating their opposition to gay marriage.
I printed up the list and started making calls today, thinking that if I can get 35 clergymen to tell their 35 churches about this event, the turnout could be great!
On my 3rd call, I spoke with one of the pastors, told him what I was doing, and he laughed. He said, "This is odd...I was just having a conversation with the man that publishes "The Good News", and he and I were trying to get something just like this organized! Great timing!".
So, he put me in touch with the man that publishes the monthly newsletter, and he in turn put me in touch with the woman, who as we spoke, was writing an article for the June publication, asking church members to sign a petition, stating their opposition to gay marriage. Her deadline for final submission of the newsletter to go to print was only TWENTY MINUTES after I called.
She was thrilled that I had the place, date, and time all scheduled. She literally shouted. She and the owner and the pastor I spoke with had been going back and forth for weeks, trying to get a rally place and date scheduled.
She took all of the information, a few quotes, my contact information, and said it will be in the next issue, which will hit ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY CHURCHES IN THIS AREA on June 6th!!!
180 churches!!! Praise God!!
I also have an interview scheduled with "Life-Changing Radio" WARV 1590 on June 7th.
The power of God bringing all of these events together. He certainly does have fantasic timing, doesn't he?!
praise the Lord!
"...So, he put me in touch with the man that publishes the monthly newsletter, and he in turn put me in touch with the woman, who as we spoke, was writing an article for the June publication, asking church members to sign a petition, stating their opposition to gay marriage.The Lord moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform, eh?
Her deadline for final submission of the newsletter to go to print was only TWENTY MINUTES after I called.She was thrilled that I had the place, date, and time all scheduled.
She literally shouted..." - ItsOurTimeNow
Praise the Lord!
And looking forward to the "after the action report".
Indeed He does, sir...indeed He does.
Great News!!!
Just shows how God helps those who help themselves. (Although I think a better way to say it is God gives those who want to serve him the means and the energy.)
May God bless you effort!
Complete Connecticut state list. Sorry for any duplications of other people's pings. An important event!
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