Event Organizing Guide

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Hundreds of Green Jobs Now events all across the country on September 27 will make green jobs policies a top issue for our elected officials.  Whether you're planning a block party, a creative photo opportunity, a local service project or something else, there are a few things to keep in mind.  Follow the easy steps below to ensure the success of your Green Jobs Now event!

1. Choose an Action and a Location
   Part of the beauty of September 27 will be the variety and creativity of events organized around the country.  Check our event ideas to start brainstorming action possibilities for your community.  Consider holding your event in a visible location like a street corner or a park so you can engage passersby.  Whatever you choose to do, be sure to take an "I'm Ready" photograph and collect signatures on the "I'm Ready" petition.
2. Register Your Event Online
   Once you're ready, sign up your event and get on our national action map!  You don't need all the details set in stone (you can add and edit them whenever you like), but registering your event ASAP will help us build momentum for the national movement. 
3. Spread the Word and Get Your Community Involved
   Recruit your friends, family, and other members of your community to attend your event!  Also reach out to local organizations in your community and ask them to turn out their members, and get people involved in helping you plan, manage, and execute your event.  You can spread the word in a variety of ways:
• Phone, e-mail, and word of mouth: See our sample recruitment phone-script and e-mail, and let your friends know through our Spread the Word page.
• Visibility: Download posters, postcards and flyers to hang up and hand out around town.
• Organizations: See our sample event posting and customize it for use in local newspapers, organizational bulletins, and local websites and blogs.

Consider setting a goal for how many people you want to attend your event – then shoot for twice as many to make sure you meet it!

4. Figure Out Logistics
   See our logistics checklist for important things to consider as you're planning your event.  For example, if you need to reserve space or secure a permit for a particular event location, do so as soon as possible!  You can contact your city's parks and recreation department or town clerk to learn more.

5. Reach Out to the Media
   Getting media attention is key to spreading the Green Jobs Now message far and wide!  As September 27 approaches, do two things:

• Submit a letter-to-the-editor (LTE) to your local newspaper – use our LTE guide.
• Invite local media outlets to cover your event by sending them a media advisory three days beforehand.  Refer to our media outreach guide and sample media advisory to ensure your success!
6. Invite Elected Officials and Other Leaders
   We want September 27 to have as powerful an impact as possible, so it's a good idea to reach out to elected officials. Invite your Congressional representatives!  Also consider inviting state officials, mayors, town selectmen, and other speakers and community leaders.
   Visit http://www.congressmerge.com/onlinedb/index.htm to find the contact information for your local Congressional district office.  Call the office and ask to speak to the scheduler.  You may need to mail or fax them a formal invitation letter, so check out our sample invitation letter for elected officials.
7. Make "I'm Ready" Signs
   Each event on September 27 should have large signs and banners saying "I'm Ready" and "Green Jobs Now."  Get together with your friends to make signs, and add a personal/local touch.  (e.g., "Atlanta is ready for solar," "Oak Street is ready to grow organic food.")  One idea is to host a house party on Friday, September 26 during the Presidential debate.  Bring sign-making materials to use while people are watching!
8. Take Action!  Hold Signs, Gather Petitions and Take Pictures and Video
   This is the moment you've been waiting for.  Make it visual, make it educational, and make it fun.  Put someone in charge of taking photos and/or video.  Gather signatures on the "I'm Ready" petition by having people sign petition copies or text GREENJOBS to 69866.  Pass around a sign-up list to keep everyone connected as part of your local movement for change.
9. Report Back
   As soon as your event is over, upload your best photos and video clips and a description of your event to GreenJobsNow.com.  Also mail or fax copies of your petition signatures to our headquarters so we can deliver them to your elected officials (keep a copy of the names for yourself to use in future organizing efforts!).  These steps are vital to delivering the strongest possible message to our Presidential candidates, Congress, and the nation in the days following September 27.
   
   Mail petition copies to:

   Green Jobs Now Petition Team
   1611 Telegraph Ave., Suite 600
   Oakland, CA 94612

   Fax petitions to: 510/663.6510