Ideas for spreading the Beyond War message to the general public

[john gribbin]

I'm a member of a Beyond War group that meets at a Unitarian Fellowship in West Chester PA. We are now at a point where we want to expand in our community. Any ideas on how best to accomplish this objective would be appreciated. Please e-mail John Gribbin at [e-mail].

[Leonora]

John,
Expanding is good! Can you give me an idea about what your group has been involved with so far?
[e-mail]

[Sally Suzanne Marie]

Hello John.
In Eugene Oregon we like to set up Introductory sessions for churches, other community groups, neighbors and friends.
These involve showing the DVD and having a discussion about it (which works well with a group of 12 or less). With a larger group like at a big church, we take comments and questions afterward. We always have them fill out "Contact Sheets" which let's them get on the newsletter list if they want. It also gives them an opportunity to sign up for the Study Series. We prefer to have one female and one male presenter.
If you want lots of details, Martin Jones is the one to contact. He has lots of factual information to impart. For me it is the emotional connection that seems most valuable.
If none of this makes sense, let me know. Or maybe you do these things already???
I'm not sure "where you are starting from" which I think is what Lenora is asking.
Sally Marie

[Beyond War]

Hi, John --

I thought you might be interested in this posting from Martin Jones of the Eugene, Oregon team describing some of the activities their team is currently engaged in. I'm sure he and Sally Marie would welcome an email conversation (or phone, if you prefer) if you have other questions. You can also call me at the administrative office in Ashland, Oregon Monday through Thursday fro 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time (541-488-5525).

Here's the link: http://beyondwar.ning.com/profiles/blogs/brainstorming-what-we-do-and

Thanks for all your work to help spread the BW message!

Best wishes,
Mora
[e-mail]

[Leonora]

John,
I think connections build trust among people, so inviting people you have some connection with, however incidental, i.e. via work, clubs, neighbors, groups, etc. to an introductory evening usually produces the best attendance. And, you need to not only invite them, but also remind them as the date approaches. Mailing them a post card doesn't hurt either.
The other way is to offer to go to their organization/home and do a presentation or be a guest speaker for their group.
Look for ways to associate/cooperate with like-minded groups to cross fertilize and leverage both agendas.
As Sally Marie suggested, inviting them to fill out contact cards afterward is always important in helping you to follow up.
Have something to hand out, a piece of information about BW, a flyer, or a card, that displays the BW web site to encourage them to find out more, and be sure they know how to contact you.
Also helpful in gaining visibility is PR....such as getting interviewed by a local paper or radio station.
As important as outreach is "inreach". Depth of conviction in the hearts and minds of those who are reaching out allows people to experience the empowerment that education offers.

[jerry simotas]

John,

I've spoken to members of your group in the past and have attended the downtown WC demonstrations.

I'm giving a 2 part presentation at "Essene" in Philadelphia on March 4 and March 11, 7 pm on "The Five Steps To Peace".

It's an interactive discussion involvng the beliefs that keep the world from establishing peace. I hope you and your members can attend.

I'd like to know more of your WC Church and activities.

Jerry

[Anne Millhollen]

In addition to the talks Sally described for us in Eugene, we have had a lot of fun finding ways to get the Beyond War name and principles out into the community in alternative ways. This is just another way to spread Beyond War ideas within one's sphere of influence. One's sphere of influence can take many forms.

For instance, during tabling events at summertime fairs, we included opportunities to draw one's vision of a world Beyond War or to make peace flags at a table in our booth. While children did the art, Beyond War members would talk with the adults accompanying them. Then, we displayed the drawings and peace flags in our public library. Signs explained Beyond War as sponsoring the display.

Another opportunity comes with holidays. For the month of Martin Luther King's birthday, we invited high school art teachers to encourage their students to create art on the theme of nonviolence and peace. We then displayed the art in the library and had flyers around town and announcements in our two newspapers. At the display and in the announcements, Beyond War was described as the sponsor with our principles listed. I'm attaching the MLK quotes we used in the display.

We are also listed at United Way as having volunteer opportunities. We are described at the website (https://volunteer.united-e-way.org/uwlane/org/10253954874.html) and in periodic newspaper announcements of our volunteer opportunities. In addition to all this mention in various media, we have been joined by wonderful volunteers.

Anne