Liberty Weekend Debriefing...The Good, the Bad, the Ugly.

Free Republic Network ^ | 3-24-03 | Bob J

[Bob J]

ALL CHAPTER LEADERS AND RALLY ORGANIZERS

As a resource for future events and future rally organizers, please use this space to list the things you did that produced excellent results, the ones that didn't and the things you would do differently or add next time. Let's try to be brief and concise, keep the general discussion to a minumum and make this thread high speed and low drag.

[Bob J]

I'll go first...we forgot to bring FR and FRN business cards to hand out to everyone. FR was prominent, but we need to give people something to stick in their pockets and take home.

Also, even though it was kind of a crazy day, we should have had an email signup list to get new members for our chapter.

[Bob J]

Good - We bought 1800 of these 12x18 flags in bulk, so we got them at .25 each (I didn't believe it until D1 got the shipment!). They are cloth and on a sturdy straw thingy so they don't violate laws against sticks. We passed out these flags for free and it really made the difference!

This may be too much for individual chapters but maybe chatpers could split an order?

[GRRRRR]

If you're planning on electricity--check the location. If it weren't for the Chicago Cops going and checking on it themselves we MIGHT not have found the electric sockets in the BUSHes for our PA system.

Also, make sure your PODIUM area is really well controlled with something==stantions?, Rope etc. to keep the "regular" people out...

Just a coupla...

GRRRRR

[Bob J]

You're right about that GRRRR. At the Judgement Day rally back in..well...a long time ago, we couldn't find the outlet at the Capitol steps...

Also, make sure you have one of those pigtails that convert a 3 prong locking plug into a standard 3 prong grounded plug. That was all they had and I spent about 2 critical hours the morning of the rally looking for an open hardware store...heheh.

[Rabid Dog]

Suggestions for smaller rally


Signs: (Get the foam board at Office Depot/Staples)

Definitely have one that says “Honk for the Troops”
One that says “Pro-Troops/Pro-USA Rally – HERE!!!”
Sign that announces your next rally (if you have one)

I never mount the signs – too lazy and don’t want splinters.
Don’t forget to use the back of the sign! If nothing else, I put Freerepublic.com or Freep On.

If someone flips you off – point your index finger up – “We’re number 1”
If someone gives you the peace sign – yell out V for Victory – this gets them really upset.

Talk to your local flag shop and see if you can borrow some flags.

You can often post your rally at the local radio and newspaper websites under Calendar events.

Go door to door and deliver flyers to people that have flags up. They are usually very grateful. Ask them to help get the word out.

Contact your local biker clubs/motorcycle shops.

Contact your police station & fire station and ask them to post flyer.

I e-mailed all of the above with the rally info in the text of the e-mail – hoping that they would just forward it along.

Most Important: Find a military spouse that is willing to talk to the media - this was KEY!

[MinuteGal]

I worked the Sarasota rally crowd and the patriots' lines on Hwy. 41, handing out between 50-75 FR business cards. I know we picked up new freepers.

Later, I approached and engaged in conversation a soldier standing rather apart with his young son on the outskirts of the crowd during the program. I walked over, gave him a card and explained FR. I shook his hand and thanked him for his service. A reporter took notice and came over and interviewed him at some length.

I didn't hear the interview, but from my conversation with him, he resented the anti-war demonstration that had been held in the same park the day before. I'm sure he did well with the reporter.

Keep your eyes open for the military in the crowds. Approach them to express your appreciation.

It's doubly productive for freepers to work in timed relays, some on the lines and some working the crowds. Then alternate with each other. Get 500 FR cards printed up this week at your local insty-print-type shop. The cost is reasonable. The value is incredible.

Leni

[MinuteGal]

Let me clarify my comment above. It's doubly productive for freepers doing the flag and sign waving things on the street to also work the crowds passing out cards and talking to folks. Alternate with each other so both missions are constantly going on.

Leni

[EdReform]

Excellent suggestions - thanks!

[Bob J]

ping

[Jimbaugh]

At the San Diego Rally people just kept coming, and honking and coming. My ears were ringing from the noise. It was great.

[dixie sass]

This is an excellent idea for the hotair balloon plus the booklets.

[Mr. Silverback]

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