by Provided to IMC by C. Higa
Wednesday, Mar. 05, 2003 at 7:54 PM
cmhiga@earthlink.net
Dear Indymedia,
Our vigil is an example of a totally grassroots effort. One week there were two participants, the following week five, and then there were 29.
We have averaged about 30 people for the following three weeks. We built our group through Email,phone calls, a few leaflets, and just being out on the street.
I think it is important for people to know that they can do something without money, meetings, or an organization. Being out there consistently and reliably makes a big difference. Many people may take time to decide to join in, but if they know there's going to be a group to join they will make it eventually.
We also try to make it clear that this vigil belongs to whoever shows up. We always have a variety of homemade signs and materials for people to make their own. We have not censored anyone's signs.
It has been encouraging to see the response of motorists: the honks, waves, thumbs-ups, and especially people joining us. It has also been a pleasure to meet so many thoughtful and committed people at our vigil.
Some people express the view that we are starting too late. I certainly agree that earlier would have been better, but the response right now is tremendous. Compare the attitude of people now with that of a year ago. We were all intimidated to whisper a word of dissent a year ago, and now we have vigils, marches, rallies, and whole cities expressing dissent.
Thanks, and keep up the good work,
C. Higa