Anita Cameron
Purpose of this Guide
The purpose of this Guide is to explain to ADAPT members what a vigil is, why vigils happen, and how to plan a successful vigil. This Guide reflects the experiences of Colorado ADAPT, who recently did a very successful vigil, but also draws on the experiences of other ADAPT chapters, namely, Pennsylvania and Kansas, who have put on successful vigils in the past.
So, what is a vigil?
From an ADAPT perspective, a vigil is basically a demonstration or protest that happens each day. It can last for a few hours each day for a set period of time, or it can last day and night for an indefinite period of time. Vigils can be done by an individual, by a group of people, or by an organization or coalition. ADAPT has done both kinds of vigils, but this Guide refers to the latter description—a full-fledged day and night sit-in that is put on by an organization or a coalition. Some call it a Tent City, or Lounge Chair City, or campout, but Colorado ADAPT members referred to that event simply as “Our Vigil”, so throughout this Guide, that is the term that will be used. Feel free to use your own terms to describe your event.
Why would we have a vigil?
Basically, vigils are done to stop, change, or repeal a course of action such as a law, or a specific policy or action. A vigil can be very effective in bringing public attention to an issue or a cause that a group feels is important to them. Vigils can be done against an individual, a company or an organization, or even the government, or a governmental agency. A well-planned vigil can demonstrate a stunning example of the power, commitment, and energy of a group. For example, Colorado ADAPT did a vigil in response to state budget cuts that resulted in a sharp cut in the reimbursement rate that Medicaid gives to home health agencies for home health aides, or attendants. These cuts would have resulted in a loss of funds for home health agencies that would have lead to cuts in attendant salaries, reductions in client services, and the possible closure of several home health agencies in rural areas. Ultimately, many people with disabilities would have been forced into nursing homes. The issue was so important to members of Colorado ADAPT that a typical ADAPT action was not enough, and a full-fledged vigil was planned.
Planning your vigil
A
well-planned vigil is more likely to result in success. It is impossible
to factor in every eventuality, but a well thought out vigil will allow
flexibility in case of an unforeseen event. Here are some basic steps for
planning a good vigil.
Look
at the issue and decide if a vigil is warranted. Sometimes, a regular ADAPT
action will suffice.
Decide
what demands you will make of the opposition, and what your compromise,
if any, will be.
Do
you want to have a vigil in front of the entity you are protesting, or
do you want to do it in a symbolic location? Be practical and realistic.
Sometimes, an entity is located in an out-of-the-way location. Your vigil
site must be in an area where there is either good car traffic, or good
foot traffic, or both. Take notice of restaurants, parking garages, etc.
that can be used during the vigil. Have plans for an alternate site, or
two in case your group is ran off by the police, or other plans emerge.
Will
it last for one day, or one week? Sometimes, this isn’t easy to decide,
but the group must have a clear idea of how long they are willing to sustain
a vigil. When Colorado ADAPT did our vigil, the decision was made to stay
until the cuts were rescinded. We had no idea how long that would take,
so we devised an open-ended plan that would allow the vigil to go on for
a few weeks or months, if necessary.
This
is essential. Decide who among your group or coalition is willing to participate
in a vigil, and for how long, and in what way will they be able to participate.
Colorado ADAPT realized that we would be the only group actually sitting
and sleeping in front of the State Human Services Building, but there were
two other home health agency directors who acted as major supporters of
the vigil, and spent over $3,500.00 on food, water, T-shirts, and portable
toilets. The mother and grandmother of two ADAPT members spent almost $1,000.00
on food, and brought extra blankets, sheets, and pillows for the vigil,
and one of the attendants loaned us his coffee pot for the duration of
the vigil, and brought the first can of coffee and coffee fixings. One
actually doesn’t have to spend one minute on your vigil to be a supporter
if they are doing things in the background. The parent of one activist
spent hours e-mailing every state representative and senator about the
vigil, and even got one of them to call the vigil site and speak to an
ADAPT member about what was going on, and to offer their support.
This
is extremely important. Try to think of everything you will need for the
vigil, even if it seems small and insignificant. This is important because
you might get to the vigil and find that you need something that you don’t
have. Or, as in the case of Colorado ADAPT, you might get to the site and
find that you don’t need something. We had planned on bringing a generator,
but when we got there, we found that there was electricity, so all we had
to do was to get a couple of power strips to plug everything in. We still
had the generator back at the office as backup in case we lost electricity.
Try to have as many of these items as possible beforehand. Here is a list
of the things that Colorado ADAPT had for our vigil:
Food
and water
Blankets
and pillows
Sleeping
bags and sheets
Banners
and flags, if possible
Tents,
if possible, and tarps
Bullhorns
Plastic
rain ponchos—trash bags can be used if you can’t get a hold of the ponchos
Portable
toilet, if possible—a supporter donated ours
Generators,
plugs, power strips
Extension
cords and adapters
Tables
and chairs, including lawn chairs
Cell
phones
T-shirts—we
had some made up for the vigil, and donated to us by one of our supporters,
but you can wear ADAPT T-shirts if you have them
Pens
and pencils, markers and chalk
Radio
or TV, if possible, and tapes and CDs
Vans,
or other form of transportation
Batteries—all
sizes
Trash
bags, paper plates, and plastic utensils
First
aid supplies and protective gear
Colorado ADAPT had a van that we used as a command center. Here are some of the items we kept there:
Sound
equipment, cameras, and video equipment
Media
contact list, cell phone list, and ADAPT contact list
Laptop
computer and printer
Paper
and poster boards
Floppy
disks
Flyers
and press releases
This is only a partial list. You may find that your needs are different. Most of these things were donated, or were already around. Try to have as many things as possible donated in order to offset costs.
Here is an example of a “to do” list that was made before the vigil:
I.
Co-ordinate with other groups
a.
To get, and train people from their groups
b.
To assist with resources such as money, food and meals, equipment, etc.
II.
Decide on vigil site
a.
First choice
b.
Second choice
c.
Third choice
III.
Scope possible sites
a.
For visibility
b.
For clearest access, and right of way
c.
For location of command center
IV. Decide demands, and/or conditions of compromise
V.
Create theatre
a.
Posters
b.
Flyers
c.
Banners
d.
Stories
e.
Marches
f.
Chants and songs
VI.
Create media list and opportunities
a.
Create a press release
b.
Contact TV, radio, and newspapers
c.
Find a “media buddy”.
d.
Link with other chapters
e.
E-mail contacts
VII.
Get our folks together
a.
To see who needs attendant services
b.
To prepare them for, and to pump them up for the vigil
VIII.
Co-ordinate runners and volunteers
a.
To get food and equipment to the vigil
b.
To staff the command center
c.
To do attendant work
IX.
Create schedules for all staff and volunteers
Will
the group meet with the opposition, or stay put? Will the group go for
arrests as part of the vigil, or stay peaceful and quiet? Will the group
do other actions within the vigil, or concentrate on the vigil alone? This
is best decided beforehand, instead of during the vigil, but sometimes,
things happen, so at least, be prepared. Think through everything. Ask
about all the “what ifs” you can think of. Do this for all aspects of your
vigil.
Although
ADAPT feels that each of us are spokespeople, it is a good idea to have
at least one or two people to act as contacts and negotiators during the
vigil. Colorado ADAPT had two people in addition to our press person to
speak to the press, and two different people to act as negotiators with
the police and building officials. There was also a core group of about
seven people who would meet with the opposition, although anyone who wanted
to could sit in on those meetings. It is also essential to have alternate
contacts, leaders, and spokespeople in case things come up. Several ADAPT
members, including one of our lead spokespeople went to Boise, Idaho for
the National Governors Association meeting. Several days in advance, a
plan was made to have alternate spokespeople and contacts until the others
returned from Boise.
It
is very important to determine the responsibilities of each person in the
group, even if it’s just showing up. Decide who will be responsible for
getting food or water, or blankets or sleeping bags. Find out who will
be runners or attendants. Find out who will organize and staff your command
center. Decide who will write press releases, letters, or flyers. Find
out who will be responsible for keeping watch on shifts throughout the
night so that everyone will be safe. Decide who will be responsible for
making signs, writing chants or songs, or organizing any theatre that you
may do. Determine who’ll be responsible for informing the entire group
of the outcome of meetings, or decisions that the leadership has come to.
Make it so that each person feels that they have a part in, and ownership
of the vigil.
Surviving your vigil
Ok,
so, you’re out there on your vigil. Now, what do you do? Actually, you’re
doing one of the most important things by just being there. You have a presence.
At this point, any number of things can happen. Large numbers of any group
of people are sure to attract attention, especially ADAPT members. Count
on a visit from a member of the opposition, or an official, or manager
of the building or entity where the vigil is being held. Explain why you
are there, and ask to see someone in charge. If you have the name of the
person you wish to see, so much the better. When, or if they come out,
state why you are there, and give your demands, preferably in writing.
If you have flyers, hand them out to passersby. Expect that the police
will be called, especially if your group has chosen to block entryways,
or if you are chanting and making noise, or if the media is present. In
the case of Colorado ADAPT, a decision was made to keep an open path, and
not block anything in order to have the vigil last as long as possible.
This fact was just being announced as the police and building officials
arrived. Incredibly, they thanked us, wished us luck, and left. In fact,
the police stopped by only about five times throughout the entire duration
of our vigil, and were quite nice! If your group chooses not to block,
make that very clear from the start, by announcing it to the public via
bullhorns or a loudspeaker, be it human, or otherwise.
So,
what do you do during a vigil? A vigil is basically an ADAPT action, so
your group would most likely do the things that are done during a normal ADAPT
action. Chant. Sing. Do theatre. Colorado ADAPT didn’t have a march to
our vigil, but your group may want to incorporate one into yours. You can
sing and chant, if that is part of your strategy. With the exception of
an incredible episode of chanting and singing during a fierce rain and
hailstorm on day six, Colorado ADAPT decided to be relatively quiet, so
that we could maintain our vigil as long as possible. We passed out hundreds
of flyers and talked with passersby. There was only one entrance to the
building that we were in front of, so every day, the Director of the Department
of Health Care Policy and Financing had to pass by us as she went in. The
group never missed an opportunity to talk to, and to meet with her, or members
of her staff and tell them about how the cuts would affect thousands of people around
the state. We constantly let her know that we would not leave until the
cuts were rescinded. We made huge signs and put them up. We made a sign
that announced each day of the vigil. Our press lady’s daughter drew a
huge ADAPT flag on the ground. There were lots of kids on the vigil so
they drew pictures on the ground to amuse themselves. One day, several
of us went over to the Capitol, which is one block away, and talked with
the aide of one of the state representative who supported our vigil. We
left information for several other representatives and senators, and returned
to our site. A few of us attended several meetings upstairs while the rest
were on the sidewalk. Sometimes, we did some theatre. One day, we set up
a polling place, and had state workers and passersby vote for how they
wanted their state Medicaid dollars spent. Another day, we passed out flowers
to the state workers. What, then, do you do when the day is over, and evening
is settling in, or you’re just plain bored? Here is a list of some of the
things that your group can do:
1. Talk to each other—get to know one another
2. Have meetings and recap the day—this gives everyone a chance to give input, and ideas
3. Write press releases, and flyers
4. Make signs
5. Eat dinner
6. Play cards, and other games
7. Set up your tents, blankets, etc.—we set up our blankets, and left them on the ground all the time, leaving neat rows of blankets on the ground. Just make sure that passersby don’t trip over them
8. Watch TV
9. Listen to the radio/tapes/CDs
10. Pick up trash
11. Read a book
12. Do some work—we actually had an office set up, so that some of the Atlantis staff could do their work at the vigil site
13.
Take pictures and videotapes—if you have the equipment, be sure to bring
it so that you can have pictures and videotapes to share with other chapters
It
is very important to set up shifts of people to keep watch over the group
during the night so that everyone can be safe. Assign 2-3 people a shift
of 11/2-2 hours from about 10:30pm until 6:00am. Make sure that at least
one or two people on the shift has a working cell phone in case the police have
to be called.
Count
on all kinds of people coming up to your group and asking what is going
on. Explain to them what is going on, and how they can help, or support
you. Give them flyers or any brochures or information that you may have
about your group, or reason for the vigil. Explain exactly why you are
there, and not, say, at the Capitol, or some other site. This is the time
when it really pays to be polite, because you never know who’ll end up
being a supporter, or even an ally. Colorado ADAPT received incredible
amounts of support from people who worked inside the building where we
held our vigil. Many folks donated food, water, soda, and even money! Many
of them were glad that we were there, and admired our tenacity and resolve.
When our electricity went out, an official from the Department of Health
Care Policy and Financing (the agency we were protesting) came out and
publicly demanded to her superiors that our electricity be returned, or
she would call the media. She sat with us while HCPF bigwigs were scrounging
around trying to fix the electricity. After we got our power back, she
sat and talked with us some more, and when she left, she gave us $50.00
in cash for the vigil. Many ordinary folks off the street stopped by with
donations of food, water, money, books, and even treats for our dogs, and
toys for the kids. A gubernatorial candidate came to our rally, and donated
water and soda for our vigil. A few days later, the senate majority leader,
and our chief of state came by to offer their support. Even homeless people
sometimes came by with donations of food. In fact, one homeless man ordered
and donated $40.00 worth of pizzas for us because the week before, we’d
given him some food and water when he was sick. What do you do if you’re
dealing with a difficult person? The best thing to do is to be polite,
yet firm. Ask them to leave if they’re making the group uncomfortable.
If they’re being especially nasty, get on your cell phone and call the
police!
If
you are not blocking as part of your vigil, chances are, you won’t see
much of the police. Be sure to have someone assigned as a police negotiator
in case your group has to deal with the police. It is a good idea to be
co-operative with police officers, especially if you’re not planning on
being arrested. Your group may even be able to use them to negotiate with
the opposition if they are being difficult.
Make
sure that you have a media list and use it! Try to contact the media shortly
before your vigil, and during it, as well. If there is a certain newsperson
that shows up at your local actions, try to get them to cover your vigil.
Make sure that you send out press releases each day. Don’t be too disappointed
if they don’t show up. The media is fickle, and there may be any number
of reasons why they may choose not to cover your event. Colorado ADAPT
didn’t receive very much coverage, but overall, what we did receive was
pretty decent. We even received some coverage after the vigil.
Make
sure that you get the word out to other ADAPT chapters about your vigil.
Send out e-mails before the vigil, and take an ADAPT contact list with
you to the vigil site, and call people on the list and keep them abreast
of what is going on. That is also a good time to get support and advice
on what to do. When Pennsylvania did their vigil, they faxed and called
in daily reports to us in Denver. During our vigil, Colorado received support
from many chapters, particularly Philadelphia (they gave us lots of great
ideas) and Chicago. When we did our vigil, we were fortunate enough to
have Tim Wheat from Memphis with us, and he set up a Colorado action site
within the Memphis Center for Independent Living website so that everyone
across the country could know what was happening. The folks in Texas were
also sending out e-mails as well. The support that you’ll get from other
chapters will be a real morale booster.
Of
all the support that your group is likely to get during your vigil, the
most important will be the support that you receive from the home front—the
Center or agency that you work for, or are associated with. Lack of support
from these folks can be particularly devastating to the group sustaining
the vigil. Make certain that the folks on the home front know exactly why
you are doing your vigil, and what it will mean to them, and ask for their
support. Let them know that their workload may be a bit heavier, but ask
that they have patience. In the case of Colorado ADAPT, there was a great
deal of support from the attendants, because they knew that we were out
there fighting for them, as well as for ourselves. Several of them donated
food and drinks, and many of them came down just to be with us, and several
slept on the sidewalk with us. The Director of Atlantis Community slept
outside with us for a couple of days, and along with the Co-director, was
out there every day, as were many of the staff and their children. Several
other Directors of Centers and agencies were down with us, as well as some
of their clients and attendants.
Here
are some basic, but important tips for surviving your vigil. These are
probably the most important tips in this Guide.
1. Trust each other—your lives are quite literally, in each other’s hands.
2. Look out for each other—we are all in this together.
3. Stick together—present a united front to the opposition. Don’t argue among yourselves in front of the opposition because they’ll quickly try divide-and-conquer tactics that will tear your group apart.
4. Don’t back down—choose a bottom line, and stick to it. The folks at HCPF didn’t believe that Colorado ADAPT would stay until the cuts were rescinded, but by day 11, they began to wake up and smell the coffee, and actually began some serious negotiations with us.
5. Be flexible about the details of your vigil—sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and you have to step back and punt.
6. Do the unexpected—be creative, and do something that will blow the opposition’s mind, and possibly gain your group support. Day 6 was particularly trying for Colorado ADAPT, and it ended in a fierce rain and hailstorm. The opposition thought that we would leave, but we stayed out there, singing and chanting in the rain while they watched. Early the next day, ADAPT members passed out flowers to the workers in the building. “Just a little something to brighten your day”, we said. Believe me, we gained quite a few more supporters from then on, just from that simple little act of goodwill.
7.
Share with one another—not only food and such, but support, ideas, and
feelings. It will bring the group closer to each other, and make it easier
to get through the hard days.
After the vigil
Now
your vigil is over, and hopefully, as in the case of Colorado ADAPT, has
ended successfully. What do you do now? Here are a few things to start:
Before
you leave the vigil site, thank the members of your group for their hard
work and resolve. That will go a long way.
We
aren’t pigs, and even the opposition will be appreciative. Leave a mess,
and the community at large will be sure to know about it.
Within
a few days after the vigil, get your group together to celebrate your victory.
Have a party and a meeting at the same time. This can be done at someone’s
home, your office, or a favorite restaurant. This gives everyone a chance
to reminisce, and to share what he or she liked, or didn’t like about the
vigil.
As
soon as possible, send out thank you letters to all of your supporters
thanking them for their donations and support. Do something special for
those who were especially supportive. Also, thank any members of the press
for any particularly good stories that they may have put out.
Keep
on the lookout for any activity by the opposition. If they have made any
promises or arrangements, make sure that they keep their word. Let them
know that if they don’t keep their end of the bargain, you’ll be back.
Well,
there you have it—a basic guide to surviving a vigil. Remember, every group
is different and has a different style and approach to things; thus, every
vigil will be different as well. Your group may come up with ideas that
we haven’t thought of. We hope that this Guide will at least help with
the basics. Good luck on your vigil.
Colorado ADAPT
©
2002. Anita Cameron/Dread1myn Productions. All rights reserved.
I
hope you found the Guide interesting, whether you're an activist or not.
Now, go back to the Writing
Room, back to my ADAPT
site, or go back home and see what other treasures
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