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How to Organize a “Stop the Deportations” Vigil
1. Put together a planning committee that will plan and carry out the vigil. Designate roles and responsibilities.
2. Pick a location that is symbolic and central. A church on a main road is a good location.
3. Request and collect names of people who have been deported, or are awaiting deportation, from local community groups, churches and advocates who work with the immigrant community. [Jobs with Justice can provide you with the names of some deportees if you cannot identify any in your congregation.]
4. If you would like the press to attend, put together a list of media contacts who usually cover immigration topics in your community. Be sure to send them a Media Advisory (to be sent 2 weeks beforehand) and a Press Release (to be sent the day before and the day of).
5. Create a list of people you will invite to the vigil. Use all forms of invitation, not just emails.
6. Identify diverse spokespeople to speak at the vigil. Be sure you provide them with talking points. Encourage them to share their stories and the names of people they know who have been deported or are awaiting deportation.
7. Be creative and provide visuals! Set up a memorial, enlarge photos of deportees, and/or make placards with deportee names that vigil participants can hold. Some useful materials may include: candles, flowers, pictures, and posters with deportee names and “stop the deportations” messages.
8. Make a list of prayers that participants can read at the vigil. The following is an example:
Prayer to Welcome Immigrants
by Dorothy Day
O God,
Who welcomes all his children,
And embraces even the prodigal ones,
Help us open our hearts
And welcome all who come, searching
As our ancestors did,
For the promise of a new land, a new life.
Root out fear from our souls;
Help us form the words
“Sister” and “Brother”
As we greet the newcomers.
Let us remember that,
With your grace,
There are enough loaves and fishes
To go around
If we come together
As your family.
Give us the courage
And the compassion
To respect the rights of all
In this country of abundance,
To embrace all in
The name of Your love.
9. Consider playing Arlo Guthrie performing Woody Guthrie’s moving song, “The Deportees.” You can access this at:
10. At the vigil, be sure to:
a. Identify someone who will greet and guide press representatives. Make sure you give them a press packet that includes the press release.
b. Identify someone who will be the emcee. Make sure they have a pre-printed schedule for the vigil that includes the order of speakers and a list of deportee names that can be read out loud.
c. Provide the opportunity for participants to share more names and stories.
d. If necessary, designate someone who will be able to provide interpretation for those who do not speak English, or who feel more comfortable sharing in a language other than English.
e. Identify participants who would like to speak with the media.
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