Rally against poverty wages

Overview

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Click here to listen to a recording of the host prep call

Eighty percent of voters support an increase in the minimum wage—but your House Republicans are opposing this common-sense policy. If we can draw the attention of voters and the media now to their support for poverty wages, we can put them on notice that their time in Congress could be up.

In order to defeat the Tea Party this November, it’s critical that we make it crystal clear that Republicans stand with big corporate interests and not the 80% of voters who support raising the minimum wage. That’s why these events protesting poverty wages are so important.

Before your event

Line Up Speakers

Here are a few examples of speakers it may make sense to invite:

• Everyday folks with compelling personal stories related to the issue: For example, during our health care campaign, members often invited people to speak who had been denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions.
• Small business owners
• Community leaders
• Veterans have a unique role and stature in public policy debates because of their service to our country.
• Clergy
• Local and state elected officials: mayors, state representatives, state senators, city council members, and others in the area (Note: In an election year, do not to invite anyone who is running for public office.)

It’s very important that you prepare your speakers well. Make sure to have a prep call or meeting with everyone who is speaking at your rally.

Plan logistics

What roles need to be filled? This depends on the size and details of your event, but here are some roles to consider planning for:

• Greeter: As the rally host, you’ll have a lot to attend to, so it’s good to designate someone specifically to attend to the people who come to your event, greeting them as they arrive, talking with them, making them feel welcome, and signing them in. (Click here for a sign-in sheet.)
• Emcee: This person starts and concludes the rally, introduces speakers, and keeps the program on time. Think of this person as the master of ceremonies.
• Cheerleader: This person leads chants and cheers at the rally.
• Visuals and Sign Coordinator: This person is in charge of coordinating a group of folks who will make or print signs and other visuals for the event.
• Media Coordinator: See the media section below.

Prepare the materials you’ll need

You’ll want to have your petition printed out and make or print signs to hold at your event. Other materials you may want to have on hand include sign-in sheets, copies of the media advisory, and notes about what you want to say. Scroll down this page for links to all the materials.

Recruit people to your event

Hit the phones: The most tried-and-true way we know to get people out to events is to pick up the phone and call them. Our call tool makes it easy to call active MoveOn members in your area. Click here for the MoveOn Recruitment Guide.

Emails: You can also invite people via email from your host tools page. Here’s how:

• To send the invite email, log in to your host tools page. From there, you can easily send invitations using the “Invite Others” tool. (This will automatically add the details of your event and a link to RSVP.)
• The personalized link to your host tools page is included in the confirmation email you receive when you post your event online.

Contact the media

News coverage educates other constituents on the issue and puts additional pressure on your target. Click here for the MoveOn Media Guide—use it to invite members of the media to your event.

Have a final check-in call with your group

Walk through the event from start to finish to make sure everything is ready and everyone is clear about their role. Anyone who is speaking or playing a role should be on the call. You can also discuss any breaking political updates related to the issue.

Make final preparations—including reminder calls

In the last 24 hours before your event, make sure you’re ready! Re-read this guide and review all your materials. Also, be sure to check in with any local organizational partners (if applicable) the day before the event to finalize any logistics items and talk through any questions.

Your registered guests should hear from you in the 24 hours leading up to the event. This is by far the best way to help ensure that people show up. You should give them a reminder call. If they listed their phone numbers, that information will show up on your host tools page. You should also log in to your host tools page to send an email to everyone who RSVPed, reminding them what time you are starting and how to get there.