To start a Women in Black vigil, all you need is a
commitment to a cause that falls into the category
of "against war and for justice". That's the main
thing.
Below is a description of how many vigils work, but
you can establish any formats or rules you like.
Remember: every vigil is autonomous. You don't have
to ask permission about anything from anybody, other
than your own group.
Here are some general guidelines.
(1) What's a vigil?
A vigil, as Women in Black use the term, generally
means a nonviolent demonstration of one or more
people in which we hold signs in a public location
to express our political views. It’s not a march,
but Women in Black around the world have sometimes
also held marches.
A vigil can be one woman (yes!) or a small group or
even a large group.
A vigil is good to do at a busy intersection or a
public location (e.g., in front of a government
building or embassy), if that has any symbolic
importance. It’s good to always meet in the same
location, just so women know where they can find
you, even if they don’t come regularly.
(2) Most vigils are composed of women.
However, men have joined in a great many vigils
throughout the world.
(3) Most vigils meet on a regular basis. Some meet
once a week, others once a month, others just "upon
occassion". Some last for one hour at a time, others
for longer.
(4) At vigils, we hold signs that declare our
political beliefs.
The variety of slogans is amazing. Some address
international issues, such as the war against Iraq,
while others address local issues, such as the rise
of neo-Nazism in some countries.
Israeli Women in Black vigils hold signs that say
"End the Occupation". Internationally, many signs
read "End the Israeli Occupation".
In some countries, signs read, "End War" or "End All
Oppression" or "Stop the Cycle of Violence" or
simply "Peace".
(5) Are vigils silent?
Some vigils are silent – women stand with their
signs. Others are not, and allow participants to
talk to each other (or to bystanders). Some
designate one woman to be the spokesperson to
onlookers or the media.
Most vigils do not have chanting of slogans, but
some do.
Most times, participants just begin holding a vigil,
and discover over time what is right for them.
At some vigils, Women in Black pass out flyers to
passersby; some don't. Those who pass out flyers
often speak to those they meet.
In short:
There's a great deal of flexibility, and every vigil
gets to decide for itself.
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