Did you know...

A rally is a great way to bring a large number of people together to learn more about the importance of certain issues in our communities. You might choose to hold a rally about anti-violence, equal rights, the environment, or animal welfare, for example. The community, politicians, and businesses will be sent a clear message about the importance of the topic you choose. And best of all, children of all ages can take on leadership roles in the rally.

Project:

Excite and educate your community about an issue that is important to you by holding a rally.

Here's what you need:

• Permission. This is a big one. Ask the police and the people in your area if it is okay for you to hold a rally.
• Poster board
• Markers
• Flyers
• Access to a copy machine
• Optional: t-shirts

Here's how you do it:

1. Talk to your volunteers about the issues that matter to them. What issue do they want to call attention to? That issue will be the theme of the rally. If at all possible, try to find a theme that everyone is passionate about.
2. Brainstorm and research with your volunteers to come up with slogans.
3. For your rally, pick an area that can hold a lot of people. Call your local police station to find out if you need a permit. It's always in your best interest to keep the police well informed and to cooperate with them.
4. Plan and recruit a panel of inspiring, well-rounded experts to bring insights, stories and perspectives. Chants, music, performances, and street art can also make a rally much more enjoyable and generally more noteworthy. You may want some "pre-rally" entertainment, such as a band or a dramatic performance.
5. Create and distribute a schedule of events. Ask a local copying service if they will make copies of your schedule of events for free or for a discount. Ensure that your speakers are ready and know how long they can talk.
6. Make sure you have all the right permits with the police and community development groups.
7. Have flyers handy with some facts about your cause and create some extra signs for people to hold. Again, see if you can get a discount on making copies.
8. Hold your rally! Enjoy and reflect on your experience.

Reflection Questions:

What was the best part of this project? Why?

What was the hardest part of the project? Why?

What have you learned that you didn’t know when you started this project?

How did you help someone through this project?

How did you and your team work together?

How might you work together better next time?

How will you continue help others in the future?