Host your own Stand for Sanctuary event
On the evening of Monday 8 February, thousands of people will rally in capital cities and towns around the country to stand for sanctuary, and demonstrate that together, we will do everything we can to keep these babies, children, men and women safe. We will demand that the government let them stay.
On Monday night, take a photograph with a sign saying Let Them Stay and share with your social networks using the #letthemstay hashtag. Remember to explain why you are standing for sanctuary!
You might want to do this at 6pm when the other events are being held, but you can also do it whenever feels right for you.
Holding a community event – how will it work?
- You can host the event in your lounge room, at the pub or in a local park. You could create a Facebook event, or just invite your friends along privately via text message, phonecall or email.
- All you have to do is bring friends and family together, and spend some time reflecting on what is happening to people seeking asylum around the world, and how Australia should be responding.
- It doesn't need to be too formal, just a group of people coming together in a show of compassion. You or someone else might like to say a few words. You might want to hold a minutes silence to reflect on the asylum seekers in Nauru and Manus island right now, and that there will be hundreds of Australians around the country standing for sanctuary with you at the same time.
- Most events will be happening at 6pm EST, but you can hold yours at anytime Monday evening, or even another day this week.
What do I need to do?
- Remember to take photos of you with your friends, signs and compassion and share them on social media using the hashtag #letthemstay so the nation can see that people in your community are standing for sanctuary, you can also send them to standforsanctuary@getup.org.au. If you can, use a high-resolution camera and don't forget to let us know how many guests were in attendance. We'll collect photos from all the events and turn them into an online display of compassion for the world to see.
- If you're up for the challenge, send out a media release to your local paper. All you need to do is download and fill in this template: Media Release Template Stand for Sanctuary. Then google the email address of your local rags online.
- Finally, if you know anybody high-profile in your community, such as your mayor or the minister at your local church, it'd be great for you to extend the invitation. Engaging community leaders on the issues we care about is crucial to creating change.
Hold a solo stand for sanctuary event – how will it work?
Want to take part, but don't want to organise a community vigil? You can still get involved!On Monday night, take a photograph with a sign saying Let Them Stay and share with your social networks using the #letthemstay hashtag. Remember to explain why you are standing for sanctuary!
You might want to do this at 6pm when the other events are being held, but you can also do it whenever feels right for you.