Group Education Manual - Peace Corps Wiki

Handout 11I: Marches or RalliesWhen organizing a march or rally, keep in mind the following:1. Theme/Key MessageIt is important to identify the theme(s) of your rally or march and to focus on just a few key messages sopeople do not get overwhelmed. Rallies or Marches work best when planned for a particular day (e.g.,Father’s Day; National VCT Day; World AIDS Day) and can help individuals and communities respond to ahorrific event. For example, if a violent act is committed in a community, a march or rally can help residents”reclaim” the negative space.2. Preparation/Human ResourcesYou’ll need a variety of people to plan and carry out a rally or march:• One or more people to coordinate and retain overall responsibility for the event. This person orpersons should be motivated and able to work well with others, to ensure that the plans for therally/march remain on track.• One or more “motivational” resource people to get the crowd “warmed up” before the march orrally and to champion the issue at the end. People well known to the community are best, but dynamic,motivating people are all that is needed.• Entertainment at the rally. A good public address (PA) system is needed to attract a crowd. Hiringlive musicians is best, but playing recorded music may be enough.• You will need to check with local authorities, such as the police about the permits necessary to stagea march or rally. Involving the police can result in support on the day, which can be helpful in attracting acrowd as well.• The support and participation of Community Members is needed to make the event successful.There is nothing worse than calling a rally or march and having only five people show up.Media is also important to assist in publicizing the event before it happens and reporting on it after the fact,for greater impact.3. Financial ResourcesWhen planning your rally or march, you will need to identify your financial needs and resources. For example,you may need funding for a PA system, a stage, food, drinks, posters, signboards, or prizes.116