San Francisco organizers are taking it to the streets -- their ironing board, that is.
Here's what they're suggesting as an Iraq Moratorium activity on Friday, the ninth monthly Moratorium action:
Make a difference - join us in neighborhood outreach! Stand at an ironing board at a busy location with a partner to help you and speak to that frustrated, angry person who doesn't know what to do. Get them to write a message on a postcard to their congressperson or presidential candidate. It's fun, people are so appreciative and eager to speak out! In an hour or two you will reach 50+ people. Please help, choose a time and location of your choice, we have materials! Locations: Golden Gate Park, City Hall, Farmer's market, 9th and Irving, City College, Tenderloin and more.
One woman who's tried it out lately says that is an effective way to engage people and get them to do something. Why an ironing board? They're portable, quick and easy to set up, and allow people to write standing up.
Progressive organizers have spent many hours over the years sitting behind tables filled with literature, signs, petitions, and buttons -- so many that the act of sitting at such a table has developed into a verb. They call it "tabling."
One of these days, will we be at a meeting where we hear talk of "ironing boarding?"
The ironing boards are but one facet of plans for Iraq Moratorium #9 on Friday, as evidenced by more than 100 events listed at the Moratorium website.
Cincinnati's Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center will sponsor half a dozen neighborhood vigils in different parts of the city on Friday night.
In Manitou Springs CO, Iraq Veterans Against the War will sponsor "Words of Resistance," an evening of poetry and spoken word from Iraq veterans, and a chance to share your own as well.
In Naples FL, a group of military veterans and spouses from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and parentswho have sons in Iraq will hold a roadside vigil.
In Chicago, it's Art Against war, with a night of music and poetry at the Heartland Cafe.
And in Laramie WY, there will be a vigil on the corner where there has been a vigil every Friday since January 2003. In Lansing MI there's been a Friday vigil at the State Capitol since September, 2001. Oak Park IL has more than five years of vigils as well.
There's a full list on the website, along with some ideas about what you can do as an individual if you can't find or attend an action where you live.
The whole idea is to do something -- anything -- to show your opposition to the war, whether it's wearing an armband or writing your members of Congress or donating to a peace group working to end the war and occupation. Or get out your own ironing board and do some outreach. All it takes to have an action is two people and a sign. Or maybe one person and an ironing board.
Friday's the day. Please do something.
