If you live in a major city, there is likely a march or rally (or both) scheduled for March 17. Usually, these events are organized by a local peace group. Use the Internet to find the peace group in your area, and connect with them to find out the details.
You may also want to get involved in the peace event planning process. Usually, peace coalitions are more than happy to welcome new volunteers. Many are small, with few resources, so more hands make lighter work. Some of the tasks which need to be taken care of before an event takes place include booking the location(s), getting insurance, booking speakers, making placards, postering, and getting permits.
If you plan on walking off the sidewalk into the main road, you will need a permit. Usually this can be obtained by going through your municipal council, who will direct you to the proper person to contact. The permit allows the group to march in the road, and usually provides for police escort. In exchange, marshalls have to be provided by the planning group. Marshalls are identified by vests similar to what construction workers wear for visibility. The marshalls help guide the marchers along the pre-determined route.
Postering can be a lot of fun. Make sure you hang posters in areas with high traffic, and where people who are interested in peace and social justice will be targetted. But be careful about postering on public property - in some areas postering can be considered vandalism, or will just be ripped down at regular intervals. And start postering early enough that people will actually be aware of the event with enough time to plan to attend.
Insurance can be tricky. Usually it is intended to cover if someone gets hurt during the event. You may have to check with your local municipality to know what is covered and what is not. Sometimes a local union may be able to help out by "loaning" their insurance for the day. Do the necessary research -- it is worth it.
Venues are usually rented out on a first come, first serve basis. Be sure to check the availability of where you want your rally with enough lead time. You'll also need to check into rental fees.
Of course, no peace event is complete without placards. Have a sign-making party and create some meaningful placards. Poster boards and wooden dowels are readily available in craft stores. Use duct tape to fasten the poster board to the dowel - masking tape will not hold. Glue takes forever to dry and if it is snowing or raining on the day, may give out due to the moisture. If possible, use water proof markers, not paint, for the same reason.
Speakers should also be booked well in advance. Make a list of potential speakers with your group, and then check on their availability. And also make sure to clear up any issues such as if the speaker expects payment, or what their position really is. Sometimes you may think someone has a certain position, but in reality it may not be so -- save some major embarassment and do some research on your speakers.
If you will be distributing literature at the rally, make sure it is something that has been agreed upon previously. Usually a peace coalition will have a few people designated as a writing committee. As far as presentation goes, smaller is better - you want people's hands to be free to carry signs, not carry around a load of literature. Try to keep it to a handbill or a folded piece of paper.
Planning is the key for any successful event. Make it safe, meaningful, and communicating the message of peace.
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