Maximizing your NORAID units' presence within the community

Pertinent contact information is at the bottom.

What follows is our philosophy and tips on effective community outreach and grassroots activism. We hope you'll be able to use our ideas in your own towns and cities. As we learn more, experiment with new ideas, we'll share the results here. And we'd like to hear your ideas as well! Why not drop us a line at by clicking here. Tell us ideas that have worked for you in the past, as well as the ones that didn't turn out so hot.

The Demonstration: Alright. We've all walked the picket line at one time or another. We've carried the banners and shouted the chance. Without cranking up the volume on the megaphone, here's how you can do it even better.

I. Who do we want to reach?

Well, the "Brits" seems to be a logical answer, and it is. But you really have three targets when you stage a demonstration: the business/government office targeted for the day, of course, but also the press and the general public, as well.

Now, these last two targets are easy to overlook, and if you've already added them to your game plan, then congratulations! While they do take a bit more work and preparation, here's why they're important.

First, the press. When local reporters, photographers, or television crews arrive on the scene of your demo, they should be approached and greeted by a designated NORAID spokesperson with a professional demeanor (this is not the same thing as a suit and tie, though!)and who is comfortable enough with public speaking and knowledgeable enough about the subject of the demo to easily field the questions the press will want to ask. The press should be welcomed at your event -- even those whose portrayal of the situation in the North is not all we'd like -- they're our allies in that they help us get the word out. Even if they don't agree with us, they'll be impressed by professionalism and will be more likely to listen to our message. If they want to get in a better position for a shot, lend them a hand. Be courteous. Have on hand a press kit: give all press persons a flier that explains the "who's" "what's" and "why's" of the demo so they can accurately report the nature of your event. When possible, give them a press release as well. This is something your unit P.R.O. (Public relations officer) should write ahead of time. If there is a "local angle" to the event you're staging, state it. This will increase the chances that you'll get a write up in the paper. When available, use a press release written (as for a nation-wide action) by the National P.R.O, Christy Ward. Detail is important -- giving the press a flier that simply lists the time and date of the event, plus directions, really isn't enough.

Okay. So how do you get the press to show up at your event in the first place? Well, you invite them! You announce your event, and loudly. First, know your local papers. Definitely target any local Irish American papers that might be out there, but don't forget all those others. Papers inevitably have an "Upcoming Events" section -- be sure to list your action her. All papers have a fax number, and many an email address, to make this easier. Most weekly publishers will need to know about your event one to two weeks before they go to press. For instance, if you've planned a demonstration for the middle of July, you'll want to have submitted your press release right around the first of the month. Ideally, you want your event to appear in the paper the week the event is to take place, as well as the week prior. Call your papers and double check their deadlines. And don't forget the Editor's Desk! Target it as well.

Now, we move on to the general public. You definitely want to motivate the curious and the sympathetic alike to turn out to your event, and you reach them by many of the same channels that you do the press people. Your community also reads the "Upcoming Events" section, too, of course. But don't forget the radio. See if you can get your local college or public radio/alternative station to announce your event. If you don't have any "connections" here, now's the time to start making them! If you have a unit member who's online, list your event with RM Distribution, the IAIS (Irish American Information Service)and other similar news services. You can also post fliers in local pubs and hand them out at festivals and Irish/Irish American events.

But what about those anonymous persons who pass by your ongoing demonstration, who don't seem to be quite sure what you're up too? They're probably pretty leery, perhaps curious, and maybe a bit cynical to boot. Here's how to win them over. At each demo, designate one or more persons(preferably more)to hand out fliers to passersby. If people seem interested, try to get them to chat with you, and by all means, invite them to hang out and participate in the demo. Explain why the action was called, and the Irish history that goes along with it. Don't be shy. As a matter of fact, be charming!

Why is this step necessary? While shouting "Bobby Sands -- Lives On!!" is stirring and poignant, this chant really only makes immediate sense to a very limited number of people -- the protesters themselves, and the owners of the facility targeted by the demo. People passing by on foot and in their cars might not have a clue as to what you're up to. You have to TELL them. But why go to all this extra effort? Because the general public are a source of potential recruits to the movement; further, new members bring with them new energy and ideas. Often, because new members don't know what they "can't" do, they achieve tremendous results. Also, sympathizers can be turned to when it comes time for fundraising. So go out there and get your public!

Two other tips: Bring a clip board with a sign-up sheet attached to every demo. Pick one person from your unit to sign up all those who do stop by the demo -- ask them if they'd like to receive more information about the Irish struggle, or would like to be notified when a similar event takes place. Get their name, phone number, address, and any affiliation they may have. You can use this information in a number of ways. First, you can start a mailing list, to be used for both fundraising letters and also action alerts. Second, you can develop a phone tree with it: if you've ever wondered if "size matters" it does with a demo! Having just a few people turn out for a protest will inevitably make the protestors and maybe even the cause look weak. Size creates impact, especially with the press. So call everyone up, and urge them to come out and pound the pavement with you! And why not tempt them with the idea of a post-picket social?

Lobbying Politicians. As an activist for political prisoners in the North of Ireland, there are several "tiers" of politicians which you should begin lobbying for support on a regular basis. There are first, your local congress people, including your representatives and senators. Put together a comprehensive list of representatives and their contact numbers for your city and region. The White House is now online, so you can now lobby through email as well! Let them know Irish matters matter to you, and that they should take an interest if they have not already. Keep track of how they vote on Irish issues. Are they involved in any Congressional Irish activities such as Ad Hoc Committees? If not, press them to take part. Call them. Write them. Fax them. Email them. (While you're at it, don't forget your local politicians, those involved in city government.) By all means, write the President as well! You can include the British Prime Minister Tony Blair in your campaign too.

Paper vs. Electronic Communication. Keep in mind that while email is much easier, politicians tend to pay more attention to actual letters and phone calls (they carry more weight, literally and figuratively). Handwritten letters carry the most weight.