Organizing a rally can be a highly effective advocacy tool. A rally can energize your members to work on advocacy activities. It can attract the press, so that community members can become informed about our issues and positions. A rally is also an opportunity to be heard by legislators.
Here are some ideas for organizing a rally (note that you can select all or just a few from the list).
- Decide on the purpose of the rally. What is your message?
- Decide on a date, time and location. (Note items 3 and 4 below). Choices include the following:
a. Lunchtime at an elementary school. Parents can bring their children to the rally from recess without affecting class time, and elementary-aged children holding signs make great photo opportunities for the media.
b. Saturday morning at a school or park. Parents can bring their children in a relaxed atmosphere.
c. After school at a school field or park. - Obtain approval for the rally by your PTA and record in the minutes (necessary for insurance).
- Obtain any necessary permits from the school district or the city/town.
- Invite speakers. Options include:
a. PTA president
b. Local legislators or their staff
c. School superintendent
d. School board members
e. Teachers
f. High school students
g. PTA legislative chairman (good for wrap-up)
Note: Ask each speaker to talk for no more than three to four minutes to keep speeches brief. - Select a moderator, someone who can keep the rally on track.
- Arrange for a high school band, or a few of its members, to play.
- Invite the press, including TV news stations, radio, newspapers.
- Publicize the rally to parents and the community.
- Make signs.
a. Download a PTA advocacy logo or make hand-painted signs.
b. Affix to paint sticks (request from a painting supplies store) with staples. - Hold a letter-writing campaign, by providing sample letters for participants to sign.
- Sign up new members at the rally. Prepare for handling cash and bring membership cards.
- Consider videotaping the event for PTA websites and other websites.
- Let us know how it went by email to legislation@capta.org and communications@capta.org.
