From November 3rd to November 6th, young people across the county will be throwing Peace Parties! Celebration, culture and resistance have been a vital part of social movements throughout history, and that is why NYSPC is calling for Peace Parties on the heals of Election Day to not only commemorate but also celebrate this resistance - through what else - but through partying! And remember, the mid-term elections are on November 7th, and we want everyone to vote Books Not Bombs!
Step One: Register your event.
Since this event is locally based, with national significance, with global implications - it is extremely vital that you register your event at www.NYSPC.org so that we can record this historic and unprecedented day of celebration and resistance.
Step Two: Build an organizing group.
No one should try to organize an event alone - nor should they. One of the biggest keys to movement building is including others and building relationships. Gather a group of dedicated friends, family members and/or organizers (experienced or newcomers) to help throw party/cultural event.
Step Three: Determining the type of Event and finding performers, artists, etc.
The type of event can be anything that you and your organizing group wants. Feel free to be as original as you want. Here is a list of suggestions:
These are just a few suggestions and can be done individually, combined, or ignored. The whole point is to celebrate art and culture and the impact that it can have on movements. Come up with your own event; display your own talents and/or others.
Also decide if you would like your event to be open to the public, or private.
Step Four: Finding a location.
The location is important because it is vital in any movement-building event to try to involve new people (this is only if you decide to host a public event), so therefore think about where you can hold the event that will attract people who have not yet been involved with activism/organizing like this. Think about how large your community is and how large of a space that you might need. Feel free to think outside the box as well. For instance, talk to an owner or DJ at a local club to see if they would be interested in hosting the event and have the DJ make periodic announcements. Here is a list of suggestions:
Step Five: Outreach
This is probably one of the most important steps to having a successful event (again, only if its public). From the second your organizing groups decides and secures a location and once you know what type of event you are going to have - you should start advertising it. Utilize every mechanism and medium at your disposal:
Just remember, the goal of these events is to end the war, fund education and other key social programs, and build a strong youth and student peace movement. As long as you keep these goals in mind - the event will be a success.