Simulation Sunday at Sylvania Stores.
Human rights activist Pete Stevenson, also known as Pete the Poet, considers
alternative ways of holding a meeting.
Those of us committed to the promotion of peace and socialism are often
disappointed at the numbers attending the meetings we organise. We can spend
hours online booking venues, designing attractive posters, contacting those who
have signed petitions and declared their willingness to be told of future action. We
get up early to paste posters, legally and illegally, around town. We make calls to
local radio stations, send text messages and knock on doors. We put out chairs, then
sit and wait to welcome five people, two of whom leave early.
So, what can we do to improve on this? Well, we could book a well-known speaker
but, the diary of someone like Jeremy Corbyn is often full for months ahead. Surely
the task is to build local support by introducing creative elements to the meeting,
often involving ordinary people with extraordinary talents. For example, local
musicians exist on almost every street and can powerfully express our values by
bringing something authentic to an event.
We recently hired a local community café for an evening of food and music from
around the world, organised as a fundraiser for Medical Aid for Palestinians. We
found performers by contacting a local musicians’ group on social media and they
helped to spread the word. The evening included a testimony from a Palestinian
teacher plus talks by a member of the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign and
supporters of Stand Up to Racism.
The speeches appeared in between the music and performance poetry. Sympathetic
groups such as Quakers and members of an International Friendship Group were
invited and some of them also performed. A moving anti-racist speech from a
community activist led to support for a large demonstration in support of race
equality held in town a few weeks later.
On another evening, we were impressed with a brilliant Chilean classical guitarist, an
American jazz pianist, an Italian folk group and a community choir whose slogan is
“Singing for a better world”. We even had contributions from a pre-school group who
also hire the community café. A four-year-old led a singalong where everyone joined
in! Open mic opportunities gave a more a chance to show their talents. Bring-and-
share finger food, labelled with food allergy information, was a communal and helpful
offering.
Every one of these contributions added emotional and social significance to the key
message of the events and it is important to understand that whilst there are
musicians and performance poets who embrace our message of peace and justice,
there are others for whom taking part in such an event is a developmental
experience. They ask to perform because they want to play but during the evening
they might read a leaflet, purchase a badge and feel inspired by the speakers. Many
peace activists have been recruited this way.
There is also great value in linking with local gardeners, growers and cooks. Much of
the food that featured at a recent event had been grown by members of a local co-
operative.
Other tips are:
- Look for supportive venues. The Quaker meeting houses are often a good
choice. Community cafes can be ideal. - Seek a contact at your local college or university.
- Invite trade unions.
- Avoid serving alcohol.
- Define the start and finish times. 7.00 – 9.00 pm works well.
- Encourage those present to make connections. The Palestinian Solidarity
Campaign connects well with CND, Stop the War Coalition and Stand Up to
Racism. - Have a compere to co-ordinate the evening, with an agreed running order.
- Make time for the speakers to deliver short speeches in between the
performances. - Make time for people to chat.
- Ensure the speakers can be heard. There is no need for large PA equipment,
especially if the hired room is in a residential area. A small amplifier and
microphone will be enough for small venues. - Count those attending. Fifty is a good number. Try to achieve more next time.
- Make it a free event but have relevant collecting boxes and ways to pay by
card, phone or online. - Announce the next event before people leave.
Pete is an active member of Stand up to Racism and Stop the War Coalition and
lives in Exeter. He can be contacted at www.petethepoetcreativity.co.uk
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