Action Tips: Organize a Rally for Your Cause

Not only are rallies exciting and fun, but they also bring a bunch of people together for an awesome cause.

Purpose

Before the rallying begins, there should be a cause you want to spread awareness of. Media attention is super important because it allows you to reach more people about your cause. 

Plan it

• Try to avoid days where there are sports games, musical concerts, or tournaments.
• Pick an area that can hold a lot of people. Call your local police station to find out if you need a permit. 
• Recruit a team of supervisors/staff/volunteers to help out.
• If there will be bands or guest speakers, who will they be and how will they be heard. Think: podium, speakers, mics, sound system, etc.
• Be prepared to clean up after the event.
• Contact reports and media members a week or so prior to the event.

Speak

Try to get a powerful speaker to attend your event. An inspiring panel can add different insights, stories and perspectives. 

Spread the word

Create a “group” email list that includes your official and community group contacts (including potential speakers), plus friends, family members and co-workers. Distribute updates about your event to this group, and encourage them to forward your emails to people they know.

Post flyers around the neighborhood, at community centers, on school and church bulletin boards. Everywhere!

Petition

Create a petition for your cause that you can pass around at the rally for people to sign. Or you create one online – just don’t forget to attach it to your e-mails. For tips on how to write or start a petition, check out our tipsheet here.

Rally 

• Make sure there's a schedule of events.
• Have all the right permits and that the police are down with your peaceful assembly.
• Have flyers handy with some facts about your cause. 

Tell us about your project. GO