How to organize in YOUR community for
the FEBRUARY 4TH DAY OF ACTION

Decide What You Want Your Action to Look Like.

Communities across the country will be organizing for February 4th to send a clear message that Americans don't want a war in Iraq, especially when a driving force is the oil industry that stands to profit. The actions will range from large demonstrations to press conferences to handfuls of citizens handing out information at the nearest gas station. Each type of action is needed to engage everyday Americans in the discussion about the connections between the oil industry and the drive for war. Decide what type of event you want to organize, where it will be held, and how many people you want involved.

Recruit!

Once you decide how many people you want to participate in your day of action, start asking your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, church members, and anyone else you can think of to help out. Generally about half of the people who say they will participate will actually show up, so recruit extras. You may also want to involve local progressive groups in your action and print the flyer from www.targetoil.com to post in public places.

Learn About the Connection Between Big Oil and War

Check out www.targetoil.com to learn about the connection between the oil industry and the war. Urge your friends to educate themselves as well.

Alert the Media

If you decide that you want media coverage, invite local reporters a few days before the event and write up a press advisory and press release. Check out our guide for getting media coverage at: http://www.citizenworks.org/tools/town/tools-town-get_noticed.php

Get Your Materials Ready

Download flyers and other info from www.targetoil.com to hand out on Feb. 4th. You may also want to make signs that communicate our message.

Check Out the Gas Station

Gas stations are on private property, so it is unlikely that the owners will let you hand out info to their customers. Be respectful of the gas station owners and always be polite. Try to find a gas station that has a sidewalk with foot traffic so you can talk to people as they walk by.

On February 4th

One of our most important goals is to begin create discussion about the real reasons for Bush's war. When you hand people flyers, try using a quick phrase to grab their attention like, "Have you thought about the connection between the oil industry and the war in Iraq?" to start a conversation.