Host a Rally Event Guide

Step 1:

Plan event logistics.

• Pick a date and time that will have the best turnout for both students and community members. You’ll want as many people there as possible. The rally should happen before the event to which you are responding.
• Choose your event location! A public venue is the best choice for a rally. Choose a location that corresponds to the event that you’re responding to. For example, if a senator has written a pro-abortion bill, you can rally in front of their office.
• Research the area or public space to find out if a permit is needed. Follow all local and state laws!
• If insurance is required, SFLA will need to know 24 hours in advance. Contact your Regional Coordinator immediately if this is the case. 
• Will you have speakers? If so, who? Think about speakers that would be appropriate for the event (for example, if it’s about abortion and women’s rights, you don’t want all male speakers). Will you need a podium? Ask a local church or reserve one with your school. If need be, use a music stand! 
• Expecting a large crowd? You may need sound equipment. Check with a local church or your school media department for borrowing speakers. Megaphones can be an alternative. Check all sound equipment the day before the rally.
• Are you providing signs and/or encouraging people to bring signs? Give participants ideas of what to write on their signs so that they coordinate with the event. You can also ask your Regional Coordinator for SFLA signs and t-shirts!
• Make sure you bring plenty of water; ask for donations ahead of time for this.

Step 2:

Gather volunteers.

• Ask for volunteers well in advance and keep them updated.
• Assign some to be photographers. Find two volunteers who will be willing to take pictures at your event. If you plan to film the event, assign someone to take video, as well.
• Make a list of appropriate speakers based on the topic. Email speaker requests immediately with as much information as possible to make sure they can at least secure the date! Be sure to clarify whether they require any travel expenses.

Step 3:

Promote the event.

• The sooner you advertise, the more people you’ll gather. You can advertise by... 
  
  • Posting on social media. Regardless of how many Facebook friends you have, create an event to keep updates organized. You can share this via many platforms. Send it to your Regional Coordinator to extend the reach, too. You can also ask your Regional Coordinator to contact local media for you.   
  • Sending personal invites. There’s nothing like being personally invited to an exciting event. Ask others to help you spread the word! 
  • Contacting local, like-minded groups like other student organizations, pregnancy resource centers, and churches. Give them flyers to distribute, as well.

Step 4:

Set up and keep the energy high.

• Arrive at least an hour early to set up all materials and resources. 
• Bring emergency supplies like duct tape, scissors, markers, paper, batteries, a first aid kit, pens, clipboards, and trash bags. 
• Print an agenda and review it with all volunteers and speakers. Print an extra copy for each volunteer. 
• Ask your photographers and videographer to arrive early. Assign a “shot list” to be sure you get every picture you want!
• Check all sound equipment once it’s set up. 
• Once the event is over, clean up! You don’t want to be the group that left signs and trash.

Step 5:

Thank your volunteers.

• All that’s left after an amazing event is to thank your volunteers, participants, and speakers. A thank you note goes a long way and will help strengthen your relationships!