How to Host an EARTHDAY Rally

Here at EARTHDAY.ORG, we are Investing in Our Planet by mobilizing governments, businesses, and individuals to make significant and immediate contributions to the climate movement.

There is simply no time to waste. We need urgent and ambitious action at every level, from heads of state meeting their Paris Agreement commitments and cities walking the talk, to private sector leaders lowering emissions across the supply chain, finance heads divesting from fossil fuels and greening their investments, and individual citizens using their unique influence to drive change and make an impact.

Although one person can make a difference, together, we can make a movement. Consider the communities that you are a part of, whether it's your neighborhood, your school or PTO, your company or organization, your faith institution or yoga group or football team. Collective action can have a major impact – and major influence – for change.

GATHER SUPPORT BY MOBILIZING A GROUP FOR ACTION! FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE 8 STEPS TO ACTIVATE YOUR COMMUNITY:

- Choose a public location for people to meet: a park, church, or a similar community site that is ideally accessible by public transportation or bicycle.

- Select a date. TIP: Earth Day is on April 22nd

- Select a Time: Depending on where you are, choose a time that allows for plenty of daylight and comfortable temperatures for volunteers. TIP: The time should reflect the needs of your community. If the rally is for students, is the meeting time after school hours?

- If you are planning on leading a march, select an accessible walking route. See step 3 to learn more about blocking off roads. TIP: Plan your route around significant landmarks, like city hall or the courthouse.

- Decide who will be organizing the rally. Whether it is your friends, your organization, or just you!

- Invite members from local government, civic organizations, clubs, homeowner associations, churches, and media to serve on the planning committee. TIP: Having a diverse coalition can help the event run well.

- Appoint site captains who will manage the event and designate roles so that the event goes well.

- Peaceful protest is a constitutional right under the First Amendment of the US Constitution. However, there are certain governmental restrictions that dictate the time, place, or manner of rallies and protests.

- In general, protest organizers should be prepared to obtain a permit in advance through an application and a small fee. Tip: It may take up to 90 days in advance to obtain a permit, so start this research ahead of time.

- Each state has its own form of protest laws, and some individual municipalities and cities may also have varying laws.

- Speak with a local attorney or contact your representative to learn more about your city's rules and regulations.

- Register your rally to list your event on our map and connect it to our global network of volunteers

- Advertise to your organization, family, friends, and/or community members
TIP: people from different organizations and associations can help turn out volunteers and bridge community members through the rally ie: A reverend asking their ministry

- Online: Use Facebook or Eventbrite to create the event and manage volunteer sign-up, and share event information. Create a shareable flier to post to a wide range of social media platforms.

- Offline: Put up posters around the neighborhood, on the elevator in your apartment building, on the bulletin board in your building or dorm, etc. Get creative and make sure to include the important details of the rally in your flier!

- Decide if you want to host a poster-making session before the event or on the day of.
An art build is a great way to facilitate community bonding and get to know other individuals passionate about the environment before the main event. Bringing people together beforehand can increase commitment and turnout to the actual event.

- Ask local vendors and restaurants to donate food for volunteers. Be sure that contributors get credit for their donations in promotions.

- Gather supplies:
- Poster supplies: poster board, markers
- Water and snacks
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- For larger events, a megaphone is helpful
. - Print out fliers with QR codes to any petitions you want attendees to sign onto. We recommend our petition to end plastic pollution, or you can make your own!

- Closer to the date, check the weather, and plan to dress appropriately. Wear something you can comfortably move in!

- Send a reminder to all participants and key individuals that you hope to attend the night before or the day of.

- Invite local media outlets to cover the event and spread awareness.

- As a leader, arrive at the event early to set up before volunteers arrive.

- Have a check-in table and posters that are easily identifiable.

- Host an orientation and a brief safety talk once everyone has arrived.

- Direct your volunteers to sign a petition (we suggest using our petition to end plastic pollution, but you can also make your own)

- Take pictures throughout your rally and share them on Twitter and Instagram. Use handles #

- Share your images with local newspapers, magazines, and EARTHDAY.ORG at [email protected]

- Write thank you emails to any cooperating government officials, businesses, and organizations.

Keep the momentum alive after the rally

Share these resources with attendees to deepen the impact of your event: