Host a Demonstration

Why organize an Event/Demonstration? - By Stand Up for Nuclear

Public outreach events play a crucial role in educating, engaging, and building connections with communities while influencing positive social change. These events also serve as an effective team-building activity that enhances group cohesion and helps guide the direction forward.

Many of the successful demonstrations we have organized at Stand Up for Nuclear are in response to the current pressing energy situations. For example, in California, the impending closure of Diablo Canyon back in 2018 prompted a group to organize tabling events at the local university leading up to the large pro-nuclear demonstration held in town.

Steps

1. Assemble your core team and start a group chat 

Depending on the size of the event it could range from 2 - 10 people. Our favorite platform is WhatsApp but Imessages or even slack/discord works as well. But its critical the application be able to be on phones for easy communication.

2. Core Group answers these questions: 

2. • What is the goal of this demonstration?

   •  What do you hope to accomplish? 

   • Who is your target audience? 

   • How will we measure its success?

3. Set a date!

Setting the date is the catalyzing moment for your group and campaign. Once the date is picked, there is now a deadline for everything you do. 

However, make sure it doesn’t fall on holidays, graduations, or other big events that might take away from yours. 

4. Pick a location for the event! 

When deciding on a location here are questions to have answered,

• Is this a place with heavy foot traffic? If so, what times of the day are best? (this will determine how long you do your event for)

• Is the venue a good place for photos and will it make our event look big or small? You would rather want a space that is smaller than bigger - better for photos

• Is it close to public transit? 

• Do we need a permit to host a demonstration? 

  • *You may need authorization from local authorities for the ability to use the public space, sound system and electrification, and infrastructure (tables and tents)

5. Create an event page with details

Dependent on your target audience you will determine what platform is best to host your event. Options include Luma, LinkedIn, Eventbrite, or Facebook.

6. Announce your event via Social Media (Twitter/Insta/TikTok/LinkedIn) and to your networks

It is helpful to create a flyer or post (we recommend Canva) with an image of the location, your logo (if an organization), the time, date, and location, a small description of what to expect, and the link/QR code to the event page.

7. With the goal of the event in mind, establish the storyline and speakers of the event

The main attraction of a large demonstration is who is attending and who is speaking. When determining your speakers, your team must consider;

• The messages they want to highlight

• The charisma of speakers

• The reach of the speakers and their ability to garner attention

• The length of time they will speak (people get bored and lose interest fast)

For example, in Spain. 

Our main goal - engage with the public and get media coverage. 

Main message - stop the nuclear phaseout in the name of climate change

Speakers Timeline and what they spoke about -

• Spanish Org Co-founder - welcoming the group 

• Spanish native engineer - Spain’s current situation 

• German Nuclear activist - Germany’s situation & cautionary tale of phaseout

• Finnish Biologist - Finland’s pro-nuclear public and how they got there

• Italian nuclear activist - Italy’s departure and repercussions

• California nuclear activist - How California saved its last nuclear plant

• Spanish co-founder - closing words and call to action

     *all spoke for 3 - 5 minutes

Once your speakers and lineup are chosen, you should arrange for a group call to go over speeches and answer any questions.

8. Publicize the speaker's list

When you have a set itinerary for the event add this to your event page and highlight in posts your high profile speakers.

9. Invite prominent figures and groups to join

With different groups and popular individuals in attendance, it help increase your visibility. Also, reach out to your local ANS/NAYGN and other relevant groups to attend (i.e. nuclear engineering students, environmental groups, or university organizations.)

10. Determine the layout of the event and procure the necessary materials/equipment

Assuming you have submitted the necessary permits to the authorities you will need to establish the materials and equipment required. 

• How many tables will you be using?

• What print materials will you have? Banners, posters, call to action signs, brochures?

• Will you have multiple tables or booths?  If so, what topics will those booths cover, and/or what activities will they offer? (you want the tables and individuals to be interactive) 

  • Quizzes

  • Bananas

  • Stickers 

  • Games

• What will each core member's job be? Speaker manager? Equipment manager? Social Media person? Who will take photos? Who will be at each table?

11. Create a Press Release

You will need to send this out 2 weeks, 1 week, and 2 days before the event. And 1-2 days before you should call their offices. 

12. The week of the event 

• Have a call with your team and go over the timeline, the equipment checklist, and outreach.

• Follow up with attendees, posting on the event page to remind them of details.

• Keep posting on social media and personally follow up with invitees you have a connection with. 

13. Day of Event

On the day of the event make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to set up - sometimes you forget things or things don’t work. 

Take photos! Visibility is a crucial aspect of this demonstration. Post any photos in your channel or tag the associate accounts.  You must have someone posting on your most popular social media channel throughout the day. 

Be engaging and social! 

14. Right after the event

Send Reporters the updated Press Release with photos.

This module was created and provided by Stand Up for Nuclear. If you want to know more, have questions, or need help organizing a demonstration, please reach out to Stand Up for Nuclear! 

info@standupfornuclear.org