{"article":{"id":33251,"heading":"Pasadena #2 Vigil Report","author":"Provided to IMC by C. Higa","created":"2003-03-06 03:54:45","modified":"2003-03-06 03:54:45","last_modified":"Thu, 06 Mar 2003 10:54:45","article":"<p>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. <br><br> 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. <br><br> 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. <br><br> 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.   <br><br> 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. <br><br> Thanks, and keep up the good work, <br>  <br> C.  Higa <br><br>  <br>  <br> <\/p>\n","contact":"cmhiga@earthlink.net","link":"","address":"","phone":"","parent_id":0,"mime_type":"text\/plain","summary":"Dear Indymedia,\r\nOur vigil is an example of a totally grassroots effort.  One week there were two participants, the following week five, and then there were 29. \r\n","numcomment":0,"fileurl":"\/uploads\/","filesize":null,"article_url":"\/news\/2003\/03\/33251.php"},"attachments":[],"comments":[]}