October 17th. - Stand up for the Millenium Goals

Just 2 weeks to go until October 17! We now have information from over 50 countries about the plans but we are still waiting on more. If you are participating in the Stand Up and Speak Out action, you also need to register your events on-line at www.standagainstpoverty.org

Political demands and actions
We need to know more about your specific policy demands and campaign actions. We can already see a range of demands based on the Montevideo Declaration – however to make this action strong politically, we need to understand each country’s specific demand to the media. If you have not communicated these already, please let us know by emailing sarah.gregory@civicus.org – and if you are undertaking a petition or e-action, let us know so we can publicise it on the website.

Requiem, Political Delegations, Banners and other actions
Many people around the world are focusing their efforts on October 16^th and 17^th on activities that will not count towards the Guinness World Record challenge. You will receive communications directly about what is required of you for these events via the different point people ( Joe: Banners, Ben: Delegations, Irheen: Requiem etc.). In all events it is important to send copies of your press release and any materials or images to www.whiteband.org

Stand Up and Speak Out Guinness record Action

Materials for the Stand Up and Speak Out mobilization are available to download at wwww.standagainstpoverty.org (or e-mail the support team). They include:

• Brochures
• Posters
• Postcards
• A4 flyers
• Resources for youth and teachers
• How To Stand Up - Animation
• Stand Up and Speak Out Video clip – available for downloading in different versions at www.whiteband.org/resources/audio-video/

If you are organizing a different action you can access different mobilisation materials via your regional focal points.

Counting Process for Stand Up and Speak Out Guinness Record Challenge:

For countries with broad internet access:

Before the event: All events to be counted in the Guinness record challenge must be pre-registered on www.standagainstpoverty.org. Make sure all groups you work with know that their events must be registered! All events should have an event “organizer” who will log on with a user name and pass code. Don’t forget this as you will need it to record the numbers!

During the event: Count the numbers of people who stood up and where possible get photographic evidence. Remember: all events must take place between 9pm GMT October 16 and 9pm GMT October 17 to count towards the record.

After the event: Record the numbers on www.standagainstpoverty.org and upload your photo if you have it. Remember: You must record the numbers before 6am GMT on October 18 or they won’t be counted!

There are already hundreds of events listed on the stand up website so make sure yours are there!

10 tips for planning stand up and speak out actions:

1. put the stand up and speak out logo on your website with a link to www.standagainstpoverty.org so that everyone visiting your site can organize an event
2. contact schools, trade unions, NGOs and faith groups to make sure they are organized for the stand up
3. send an email and the brochure to your supporter networks reminding them its 2 weeks to go
4. download the on-line resources - put posters up around your city in public areas, schools and universities, drop the postcards in cafes and shops – organize teams of volunteers so you cover all areas
5. get in touch with the media in your country and let them know about your key events – you can download a media advisory from the website
6. organize a stunt to take place in front of a government building or place of interest
7. make sure you have a photographer ready to capture the moment and where possible get it on video too – we will be producing a clip of all the stand up events taking place around the world
8. prepare your ambassadors to speak out on the issues and the key policy asks in your country
9. invite local politicians to your events so that they can be made aware of the public pressure
10. Make your stand up count! Don’t forget to have a plan about how you will convey the impact afterwards – to media, politicians and all your supporters.
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