Win Without War

Past Actions: 2006 Citizens' Tool Kit on Iraq: Grass Roots Guide

Bird-Dogging:

What is Bird-dogging? Bird-dogging is a tactic that many organizations, and concerned citizens, use to pressure candidates to take a public stance on an issue, or to question a stance that a candidate has already taken.
Locate the candidate One of the easiest ways to find out where a candidate will be is to join his or her email list, or to check the website of the candidate or the candidate’s party. Your local media sources may also have a listing of where political candidates will appear.
Prepare your questions. Look to Speaking Up! for suggestions on questions for candidates and incumbents on Iraq. At a town hall, it's imperative that you act quickly in getting your question heard so make sure once there's an opportunity for questions and answers that you're quick to raise your hand. When you ask a question, be prepared with a follow up question. If you have a group of people at the event, split them up. Dispersing at the event might allow everyone in the group to ask a different question.
Take notes. Make sure you get an accurate quote of the candidate's response. It’s always best if you can get the candidate’s response on camera, but either way, having an accurate account of their response allows you to pass the information on.
Take to the streets. You don't have to be limited to town halls. Follow the candidate or your Member to all of their public speaking events and continue asking your questions. You can hold up signs or grab the media's attention through creative ideas like dressing in a chicken costume is the candidate has refused, several times, to answer the question. Make your voice heard!
Keep it cordial. Keep in mind that you are also likely to get more of a response from candidates, and make a positive impression on the media, if you are calm and respectful in your demeanor.

Hosting House Parties:

Why House Parties? House parties are a great grassroots resource to get the word out to your family and friends. The objective to an effective house party is gathering people together to view a poignant documentary or an educational presentations that starts a dialogue around an important issue and motivates you and your guests to take action.
Get your materials. There are several very engaging documentaries on Iraq. We've provided a list of the most recent films, along with a slideshow presentation on the Eyes Wide Open exhibit. In October, "The Ground Truth" and "Iraq for Sale" will be organizing coordinated screenings in local communities to mark the authorization vote for the invasion of Iraq. You can visit their websites for more information about screening in your community or to purchase the DVD to you can host your own house party. Send out your invitation and prepare refreshments and a sign-in sheet to record the names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of your guests.
The day of. As your guests arrive, welcome them to your party and have them introduce themselves. Once everyone is comfortable, you will want to share the reasons why you were inspired to have the house party.
Screen the film or video presentation.
Discuss. After the movie is over, facilitate a discussion by asking people to share their thoughts on the film and the issues. The Iraq Fact Sheet can help supplement the discussion.
Take Action. Use this grassroots guide for ideas on how you and your guests can take action in your community. Most importantly, make sure everyone is registered to vote!

Dropping Literature:

What is a Lit Drop? Literature drops are easy and inexpensive ways to conduct voter education and reach a large number of people.
Take it to the People. Position yourself in a busy area - like a college campus, office building plaza, shopping center or transit stop - and cordially distribute the information. You can also go door-to-door in your community and leave the information on your neighbor's front step.

Organizing Peace Vigils:

Why organize a peace vigil? A peace vigil is a way of expressing a commitment to peace visibly in your community and in the world.
Organize a peace community. You will need to find a few people who are committed to being part of your vigils. Look to local peace, political or religious organizations in your community to publicize your event.
Choose your location. You want to be creative about the location that you choose. Find a public place where you'll be noticed, which can range anywhere from a local park to outside your Member's congressional district office.
Publicize the event. Follow our media how-to guide on alerting the press about your event.
Take Action! Silent vigilers generally stand in a line or a circle with candles. Designate someone to quietly distribute leaflets or brochures to educate the participants and the public, and consider having someone read the names of all of those that have died in the war in Iraq, while others remain silent.

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