Organizing a Local ILS Event on Short Notice*

For ILS Steering Committee Members

1. If you’d like to put on a local event (a protest, a vigil, a visibility action, picketing, etc.) post your idea on the “ILS Steerco” channel in Signal. (See below for a description of the required elements of an event plan plus a list of other things you might consider.)
2. The other Steering Committee members will review and discuss in Signal, and, within 24 hours if not sooner, come to an agreement on whether to approve or disapprove.
3. If approved, you as the event proposer will organize the event.
4. After the approved event, please post an after-action report on Signal.

For Other ILS Members

1. ‍If you’d like to put on a local event (a protest, a vigil, a visibility action, picketing, etc.), send an email to indivisiblelincolnsquare@gmail.com, describing your idea. (See below for a description of the required elements of an event plan plus a list of other things you might consider.)
2. ‍The moderator of that email address will quickly post your request to the Signal group described above.
3. ‍The Steering Committee will review and discuss in Signal, and, within 24 hours if not sooner, come to an agreement on whether to approve or disapprove.
4. ‍The ILS convener will immediately notify you of the committee’s decision.
5. ‍If approved, you will organize the event.
6. ‍After the approved event, please send an after-action report by email to indivisiblelincolnsquare@gmail.com and the moderator of that email address will post the report on Signal.

Elements of a Complete Event Plan

• Core message or inspiration for the event: Define the main message or purpose of the event and the type of event (e.g. protest, vigil, visibility, picket)
• Organizer(s): Identify the individual(s) or group responsible for organizing the event.
• Date and time: Specify when the event will take place, including estimated end time.
• Location: indicate where the event will be held.

Other Considerations

• ‍Will you need a permit? (A permit is not needed if this is a protest on a public sidewalk and amplification is not used.)
• Will you need marshals for security purposes?
• Will you need a sound system (e.g., a bullhorn)? Historically, use of a bullhorn has not been a problem for protests.
• Would you like an ILS banner?
• Will you need help setting up a Mobilize form?
• Will you need help sending email(s) to ILS members?
• Will you need help publicizing the event on social media and/or the ILS website?
• If you believe that your event would be of interest to people outside our neighborhood, let us know and, if approved, we will try to amplify through Indivisible Chicago.
• After the event, it is recommended to share photos or videos online, thank participants, and discuss potential next steps.
• This ACLU “know your rights” document has some excellent information and advice.