The Abolitionist Action Committee

F&V Welcome & NEED TO KNOW INFO

June 01, 2004

Dear Friend,

You are receiving this material because you have requested information about Starvin' for Justice 2004, the AAC's 11th Annual Fast and Vigil to Abolish the Death Penalty at the U.S. Supreme Court. This event is sponsored by the Abolitionist Action Committee (AAC) and coordinated by Citizens United for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (CUADP).

For background/details on the history of the Fast & Vigil, and what happens in general, please visit the webpage at www.abolition.org.

WHAT TO BRING

We STRONGLY suggest you bring the following items with you to the Fast and Vigil:

* Light clothes. The weather will be sunny, hot and humid. Thunderstorms are common at this time of year - we always have at least one very strong downpour. At night, the weather will be dark, with wildly spreading light in the morning. On occasion, the all-night vigil has been damp and chilly.
* Sunscreen AND sunglasses AND hat.
* Rain gear
* Water bottle
* Folding chairs and an ice chest (if you are driving to the F&V)
* Low denomination bills for Metro fare cards (if you plan to use public transportation)
* Money for AbolitionWear, and YES, there will be an official Fast & Vigil t-shirt!

IF YOU ARE STAYING WITH US AT CCNV....

LODGING:
If you plan to stay at CCNV, you may arrive there any time after 1pm on June 28. Check-out time is no later than 11am on Saturday, July 3.

BRING....
* a sleeping bag OR bed linen
* a pillow
* a towel
* shower shoes
* a flashlight
* EARPLUGS and an EYESHADE if you are a light sleeper.
NOTE: Blankets will be available. (CCNV's air conditioning was NOT operational last year, but we assured that it is working this year.)

OPTIONAL
* Camera

Street Theater at the F&V

When you reviewed the schedule, you probably notices LOTS of open time. This is when we don't have anything specific scheduled besides the normal activities of our action.

While we are working the tables, holding our signs, etc., your creative juices may be flowing. There are several people interested in putting together street theater skits, songs, or whatever. If that interests you, bring along whatever props you feel might be useful. If you play an instrument, bring that! Let's see what we can come up with.

REGISTRATION FORM

Starvin' for Justice 2004
11th Annual Fast & Vigil to Abolish the Death Penalty at the U.S. Supreme Court
2004 Registration Form

PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY. PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY. PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY.

Name:___________________________________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________________________

City____________________________ State ________________ Zip______________

Phone (day):______________________ Phone (evening):______________________

E-mail:__________________________________________

May we include your information on the list of participants to be distributed to fellow F&V participants? YES_____ NO_____

______ YES, I HAVE COMPLETED AND SIGNED THE MEDICAL HISTORY FORM

______ YES, I HAVE READ, SIGNED AND AGREE WITH THE NONVIOLENCE PLEDGE

I will join the group for the “last meal” on Saturday, June 28 at 9:30 p.m.: YES____ NO____

I will be staying with the group at CCNV: YES_____ NO_____

IF NO, I may be contacted at ______________________________ during the F&V.

I have attended the following previous Fast & Vigils (please circle):
    ‘94   ‘95   ‘96    ‘97   ‘98   ‘99    ‘00   ‘01   ‘02

I plan to fast this year: YES_____ NO_____

PLEDGE OF NONVIOLENCE

Our intent is public witness of our opposition to killing by the state. We know and understand that this Fast & Vigil is part of an ongoing, determined campaign to abolish the death penalty.

We will use our anger at injustice as a nonviolent force for change.

We will act with respect toward those who oppose our point of view.

We will respect the decisions of those organizing this nonviolent action.

Our attitude as conveyed through words, symbols and actions will be one of respect toward all, including police officers and other government officials, members of the community at large, and all vigil participants.

Accordingly, while participating in the Fast & Vigil:
· I will carry no weapons.
· I will not vandalize.
· I will not use or carry alcohol or illegal drugs.
· I will not use abusive or insulting language.
· I will not run, or otherwise make threatening motions.
· I will not assault either verbally or physically those who oppose or disagree with us, even if they assault us. I will protect those who oppose us from insult or attack.

I will honor the directions of the designated coordinators. In the event of serious disagreement, I will remove myself from the Fast & Vigil.

I will return to my community and renew my work to end the death penalty.

SIGNED___________________________________________ DATE____________________

MEDICAL FORM

Starvin' for Justice 2004
11th Annual Fast & Vigil to Abolish the Death Penalty at the U.S. Supreme Court
2004 Medical History Form

Dear Participant,

It's gonna be hot, and you never know what might happen. We seek the following information so that IF you have a medical emergency, we can give the paramedics a little more than, "he/she is a good abolitionist."
This information will be held in the strictest of confidence and will only be released to emergency medical personnel in the event that you keel over and need to be carted off. It will be destroyed after the Fast & Vigil concludes. Thanks.

PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY. PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY. PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY.

Emergency contact: Name:_________________________________________

Phone #:_______________________ 2nd Phone#_________________________

Please complete and sign the following statement:

I AM FASTING: YES________ NO _________ AGE_________

I am on the following prescribed medications:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

I have the following allergies (list medications, foods, bites, etc):
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

Please state any medical information a medical practitioner should know about you in an emergency situation (diabetes? epilepsy? Heart condition? Hypertension? Recent surgery?, etc.):
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

I, ________________________________, plan to participate in the 11th Annual
Fast & Vigil to Abolish the Death Penalty at the U.S. Supreme Court. If I am fasting I have read information provided to me about the dangers of fasting. I also understand that there are dangers related to the weather and the fact I am participating in public political advocacy. I believe my physical and mental health is generally good, such that my participation presents no threat to myself or others. I agree to stay aware of my health and to look out for the general health and well being of those around me. Should I need medical attention, I agree to seek it or leave the event. I am age 18 or older. (If younger than 18, legal guardian must sign also.)

SIGNED___________________________________________ DATE____________________

Legal Guardian __________________________________ DATE ____________________

A WORD ABOUT FASTING

The Abolitionist Action Committee urges you to prepare for this experience in advance. Below is some basic information about fasting. There are numerous resources available in bookstores and on the internet, so consider additional research...

Please remember that FASTING IS OPTIONAL. Those who are not fasting are asked to refrain from eating and from talking about food in the presence of those fasting. There will be a small fine imposed upon violators of this rule! ;-) Drinks (water, juices, Gatoraid) will be provided for everyone. A meal will also be provided for everyone when we break the fast at Midnight on July 2, although those who have fasted will be invited to eat first.

WHY FAST?

The idea of fasting is not about torturing ourselves. Fasting is practiced worldwide for a variety of reasons - spiritual, religious, political, and for health reasons. Some people fast regularly for short periods of time, and some for protracted periods. Cesar Chavez once fasted for 36 days to protest working conditions for farm workers, drawing national attention to his issue of concern. Each of us has our own reasons for fasting, but a common theme in fasting while taking part in a political action is that by foregoing food, we adjust our schedule by not stopping to eat every few hours, instead focusing all of our energy and time on our issue of concern.

HEALTH CONCERNS

The body uses a tremendous amount of energy digesting and assimilating foods. Giving your body a rest from this process allows it to cleanse and balance itself. A modified fast is considered by many experts to be an excellent way to give the body a chance to regroup or fight minor illnesses like colds.

When done carefully and with deliberation, fasting is not really a health risk at all. Of course, this is only true for people who are generally in good health. Diabetics, and those on anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids should not fast. Always check with your doctor before any significant alteration of your diet, but particularly If you are over 50, on any medication, or if you have other specific health concerns.

It is important to stay conscious of your own health status during your fast. If you feel ill or woozy, tell someone, and get help. We will have a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with us most of the time, and others are also active medical practitioners.

HOW EXTREME IS YOUR FAST?

Technically, a true fast means not ingesting anything - not even liquids! If you are Jewish and have ever fasted for Yom Kippur, then you know what that is like, and you know that 26 hours is plenty of time to go without food or water! But such a fast would be dangerous in the heat of DC, and is not recommended.

For purposes of the AAC's annual Fast & Vigil, each individual defines their own fast. Most people do a "liquids only" fast, meaning that if its liquid, it's fair. This is not to say that you should bring a blender and liquify a hamburger! Most AAC fasters drink whatever they choose. In 2000, one faster resolved to drink only water. Another alternated water, Gatoraid, soda, and coffee. Participants who cannot fast because they take medication or for whatever reason might choose to symbolically fast by giving up a standard but unnecessary part of their diet during the fast, like meat, or coffee. (But please don't give up coffee if it will make you a grouch!)

We will provide plenty of water and an electrolyte/carbohydrate enhanced sports beverage like Poweraid or Gatoraid. We will also provide soda and V-8 vegetable and fruit juices. Coffee drinks are available at nearby shops. If there is something specific that you like, tell us and we will try to get some, or just bring your own.

BREAKING THE FAST

It is very important not to "pig out" upon ending your fast. This is bad for the body and can make you ill. If you have enjoyed a spiritual experience with your fast, it is particularly important to re-enter the world of food slowly and deliberately. We will break our fast with a wonderful and nutritious vegetarian meal lovingly prepared by our friends at the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker House.

A FEW USEFUL TIPS

* Most people find it useful to start eating less, and lighter foods, in the 2-3 days prior to the fast.

* Drink continuously.

* Alcohol has additional risks while fasting. The kick will be stronger on both ends. If you grab a beer in the evening at a local bar, take it easy. Remember your pledge not to drink or do illegal drugs while involved with the Fast & Vigil.

* One of the most difficult things about fasting is giving up food - not in our body, but in our head. Some folks find themselves fantasizing about food. If you deny the fantasy, it can get stronger. You might find it useful to enjoy the fantasy, and then turn again to the reason that you are fasting.

* Some folks experience hunger pangs for the first day or two. This will pass, and by the third day your body will typically adjust. When experiencing hunger pangs, you may find it helpful to acknowledge that you are hungry, and then turn your thoughts to the reason that you are fasting.

* Another difficulty with fasting is texture deprivation. After a day or two, you may get a touch of diarrhea. Rest assured that bathrooms will always be within 100 yards while you are at the vigil site, but be sure to use them before taking a walk....

* By the time you get to the third day, you may begin to feel a little "high" from the lack of food. This is natural. It is important to be a little more aware of yourself while walking or doing anything potentially dangerous, like carrying stuff, or driving. Some people use this "high" as a special place in which to meditate, and enter into solidarity with all suffering people.

* If at any time in your life you used an excessive amount of hallucinogenic drugs or other powerful medication, be aware that there may be a residual effect (flashback) when your body begins to use body fat to replace the food you are not eating. If you start tripping, enjoy!

******

Written/Edited by Abe Bonowitz.
Source materials include Vegetarian Times Magazine (March '95), and "Some Helpful Hints On Fasting," by November Balford West.

MEDIA GUIDE/staying "on message"

Media Guide

The Fast and Vigil is growing in size and gaining visibility with the press. You can make the most of your participation by alerting your local media to the fact that you are coming to this event.

In 1997, a participant conducted a live radio interview with a station in her home town while vigiling in front of the Supreme Court. Her participation was also covered by the local newspaper.

You already have a media list. It's right there in your local telephone book. Just look up Newspapers, Television, and Radio. Call the news departments, ask for their fax number or e-mail address, send them your release (see below for a sample Press release you can customize), and call them back to follow up.... Be sure to bring your press list with you to DC. If something big happens, you want to be able to reach your hometown media to give them a local angle....

SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE 11th Annual Fast and Vigil For use through July 2, 2004 Contact: (your name, phone number) (From June 28 to July 2, please call 202-543-9577, ext. 16, or 202-607-7036 (mobile) to reach David Elliot, the AAC press liaison in DC.) LOCAL RESIDENT TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL ANTI-DEATH PENALTY EVENT (YOUR NAME), a resident of (YOUR CITY) will travel to Washington, DC to participate in the 11th Annual Fast and Vigil to Abolish the Death Penalty, held in front of the U.S. Supreme Court each year. Death Penalty Abolitionists from across the nation and from other countries join together each year for this event to maintain a four-day presence in front of the Court and to educate the public about alternatives to the death penalty. The Fast and Vigil begins at 12:00 AM on Tuesday, June 29, the anniversary of Furman v.Georgia, the U.S. Supreme Court's 1972 decision which found the death penalty to be unconstitutional in practice, forcing all states to rewrite their death penalty laws. The Fast and Vigil ends at midnight on July 2, the anniversary of Gregg v. Georgia, the 1976 decision which allowed the resumption of executions in the U.S. [Insert a relevant quote here, such as " I am proud to travel to Washington to participate in this important witness against state killing", said (YOUR NAME). " I am following in the footsteps of great women and men who spoke up against slavery and evil. I am standing up against the culture of violence and asking our nation to adopt alternatives to the death penalty and stop the killing".] The primary goal of the June 29-July 2 activities is to educate the public. This is the tenth year in a row that Abolitionists will stand vigil in front of the U.S. Supreme Court between these historic anniversaries. The primary goal is to further educate the public about why the death penalty is a bad public policy, and everyone is invited to stand with us for alternatives to the death penalty. But the Fast and Vigil also serves as an opportunity for activists to come together and renew their commitment to the struggle for abolition. Interviews with (YOUR NAME) can be arranged prior to the event by calling (YOUR NUMBER). A live interview from the steps of the Supreme Court during the event can be arranged by calling 202-543-9577, ext. 16, or 202-607-7036 (mobile). For more information, please visit <www.abolition.org>.

Or, you can simply send the following, exciting release, with a cover note that "I am attending this national event, if you would like to have a local angle to the national story...."

Please also review the following for suggestions on working with the press.

"HOW TO STAY ON MESSAGE"
From the Ruckus Society's Media Manual

RUCKUS: Settle on one simple message
Accept it: You are not going to be able to communicate all the main points, sub-points, and shades of gray about the issue as you would like to. An action is like a freeway billboard: It is designed to hammer home one - and almost always only one - message. If you can't focus on one issue as the main reason you are doing the action, you shouldn't be doing the action at all.

AAC: Our issue is "The Abolition of the Death Penalty."

RUCKUS: Choose a strong image that clearly communicates the message Remember the freeway billboard: With one glance it is (or should be) unmistakable what product or idea is being sold. Ideally, your action should communicate the message without any words of explanation - and always in as few words as possible....
If you find yourself saying, "They'll understand it when they read the banner," your message isn't clear enough.

AAC: We have a series of large standing signs (4x8 feet) that together present a longer overall message. These provide great visuals, but they are meant more as visuals than "sound bites." Therefore, the following is important as well:

RUCKUS: Craft sound bites that communicate and enhance the message.
Assemble the media team. Take out a legal pad. Lock the door. Brainstorm simple, short, declarative sentences that express your message. Remember that the average sound bite on U.S. TV is less than 10 seconds....

AAC: We've done a lot of this already. You probably have too. We will have a variety of signs and T-shirts that are short and to the point. To help you get "on-message," the T-shirts are available to registered participants AT REDUCED PRICES. We urge you to wear the message, because that way, if the media uses your image, even if they misquote you or take you out of context, your message is clear from the image. Here are a few "sound bites." Please know them, practice them, and use them.

(If you have other suggestions, please feel free to offer them!)

"(Morally, economically and socially,) The Death Penalty is Bad Public Policy"

"Execution is NOT the Solution."

"(What we are saying is) It is wrong to kill people who kill people to show that killing is wrong!"

"Don't kill in my name!"

"If we can't trust our government to fill potholes, tax us fairly, or run an election, we shouldn't trust them with the power to kill."

"We seek the total abolition of the death penalty in the United States and worldwide."

"97% of murderers who face the death penalty get the alternative of Life Without Parole. Why not all of them?"