Making announcements about October 5th will be key in spreading the word and creating a buzz on campus in the short time span we have in the run up to October 5th. In our experience, chapters that have worked with professors and spoke in front of dozens of classrooms, had the highest turnout on the November 2nd walkouts. In the lead up to October 5th, we need to be speaking in classrooms everyday and on some days aim for 25 classrooms.
Some professors might agree with World Can’t Wait, but are hesitant about allowing organizers to speak because of th intimidating right wing atmosphere and the absurd terms of “presenting both sides.” The Bush crew ” expresses” their side of things on the t.v. and newspapers everyday. If we are not able to make an announcement about a protest because some Hitler youth is going to throw a fit, than that is capitulating to the ridiculous terms set by the right wing and not allowing students to hear the truth they need and a way to really change society in a positive and meaningful way.
Talking Points
(1) Essential Information. ” The Bush Regime is criminal and needs to be driven from office. On October 5th there will be a national day of protests and walkouts to bring these crimes to a halt. As people living in the United States with have a responsibility to the world to visibly regect Bush’s program and launch a massive movement to drive it from office – there is too much in the world at stake to wait another two years before Bush’s term is up.” Announce the time and place you will be meeting and your area’s main convergence point.
(2) It is crucial to challenge people’s false hopes that the leading Democrats and politics- as – usual will stop the fascistic direction Bush is taking society and why the protests on October 5th will matter. This needs to be a challenge for students not to remain spectators and the role youth can play in bringing these crimes to a halt. Example: ” Your outrage about endless wars, Katrina, torture and call for impeachment will not be expressed in the 2006 elections and hinging your hopes on the possibility that Congress or the Democrats will stop all this madness is not only a waste of time, it is demoralizing and paralyzing. There is a way to make a difference. History is made by people taking to the streets and students have always been on the forefront. Massive protests calling for the removal of Bush from office on October 5th can make a real impact and you must act now because the future of the planet is in your hands.”
Make sure to connect up what you are saying to the leaflets that you are handing out to the class. Have signup sheets and briefly announce how people can get involved; ex. meeting times, drop in meetings, place to pick up flyers, ect. Read the 1st and 2nd F.A.Q’s on the World Can’t Wait website for more ideas for this talking point.
(3) Students are up on a lot of things, but don’t always know exactly what is going on in the world. Read the ” Today’s Reason to Drive out the Bush Regime” on worldcantwait.org to weave into your talk and bring to light the crimes and immoral acts committed by the Bush Regime EVERYDAY. Also draw on the seven ” Your Government” points in the WCW Call and link them up to what is going on in the world today.
At this point your time might be up. However, in some cases teachers or professors might allow you to stay much longer. Push for that, but feel out the situation. After you have hit all of your basic points, open it up for discussion and ask if anyone has any questions. Like anywhere else, have sign up sheets and a donation envelope.