Bringing Signs on the Campaign Trail: "War Is Not the Answer" on CNN
When Airlie, a student at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina, heard that Hillary Clinton was coming to her campus for a rally, she thought it would be a great opportunity to promote a message of peace. Airlie organized students to hold up "War Is Not the Answer" signs at campaign events and these actions were captured on CNN!
Airlie even got Clinton to autograph her "War is Not the Answer" sign, just by asking!
"While we waited in the gym for the rally to start,” Airlie recalls, “the Secret Service man who was patrolling the front walked by [a fellow student], gave her the up down look, and said, ‘I agree.’ He was referring to her ‘War is Not the Answer’ sign. As soon as Hillary walked on stage, she acknowledged my ‘War is Not the Answer’ sign. She even signed it, as did Governor Mike Easley. While she signed it I told her that she had the power to make change, and that she needed to cast her vote for peace. I hope it made an impact on her.... It was well worth standing in line for five hours!"
Yard Signs Can Start a Conversation About Peace
Suppose that you've staked an FCNL's “War is Not the Answer” sign in your front yard. A plumber comes to your house to make some repairs, and seeing your sign, asks, "Why isn't war the answer?"
Have you thought about what you'd say? A “War is Not the Answer” sign can begin a conversation with someone who doesn't necessarily agree with you or who is curious about your beliefs.
FCNL's April 2008 Washington Newsletter article on "War is Not the Answer" conversations can help you have an effective dialogue about peace.
Putting Signs in the Public Eye: Spreading a Message of Peace
So a lot of your neighbors are displaying yard signs or bumper stickers. How else can you spread the message that "War is Not the Answer"?
Chances are, local businesses may want to put up a "War is Not the Answer" sign as well. Try asking owners of local grocery stores, coffee shops, bookstores, or food co-ops if they're willing to make a statement about peace. Some around the country already have.
Local organizations and churches may also be looking for a way to express their concerns about peace. FCNL's tips on interfaith outreach will help you connect with peace-minded faith groups in your area.
Using "War Is Not the Answer" to Educate Your Neighbors
NEW: Download FCNL's new flyer to advertise "War Is Not the Answer" signs in your community!
Try putting up the flyer in libraries, local grocery stores, coffee shops, and other progressive businesses. Or hand them out at rallies.
Just be sure to ask for permission first!
Present "Making Peace an Election Issue" to community groups, like your meeting, other churches, or local organizations.
Other Public Events:
Sometimes, the most effective way to spread the word about FCNL is to just set up a table at a public event, display your "War is Not the Answer" signs, and encourage other people to come to you.
The preceding suggestions are just a few of the simple ways to get involved in FCNL's work for peace around the country. For more ideas and stories, see our Grassroots Toolkit or find out what people are doing in your community.
As always, we at FCNL love to hear about what you're doing in your community.
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