Civil Disobedience FAQ
Frequently asked questions for civil disobedience:
Why is STAND engaging in Civil Disobedience?
STAND has determined that the Bush Administration can take further action to end the genocide in Darfur. After more than five years of genocide, the time for that action is long overdue. Through our act of civil disobedience, we will demonstrate that the time for President Bush to take action is now.
How does this relate to the STAND Executive Legacy campaign?
We are taking the S.E.A.L. asks directly to the White House. More three years after the Bush Administration called the conflict genocide, the President has still not taken the steps he can and must take to bring peace to Darfur. Therefore, we are taking our asks the White House gates.
Is Civil Disobedience effective?
Civil disobedience is a time-honored tactic of activists. It serves several purposes: to raise significant media attention on an issue, to elevate the urgency of an issue, and to increase the pressure on the target of the act. It has been an effective and essential part of many activist movements and campaigns, from the Civil Rights Movement to the current campaign to close Guantanamo Bay
What form of civil disobedience is STAND condoning?
It is illegal to sit, lie down or stand still for a period of time on the White House sidewalk with a sign, and doing so will violate our permit to assemble. STAND believes in our right to freedom of speech and assembly and plans to challenge this law as we are challenging President Bush to live up to our Asks .the White House. We will take our asks to President Bush and demand he make Darfur part of his Executive Legacy.
Will I go to trial?
You will not be sent to trial, but will be fined $75 for the act of civil disobedience - and most likely you will not even be charged with an offense.
Please note: STAND does not cover the $75 fine. All students participating in civil disobedience will be expected to cover their own fees.
Can I participate in this civil disobedience in Washington DC if I am a minor (under 18)?
Unfortunately, no. STAND cannot recruit students under the age of 18 for an act of civil disobedience unless your parents are physically with you. However, you can still be an essential part of the legal rally in Lafayette Park and support those getting arrested.
What should I do if I want to participate?
Register for civil disobedience at www.standnow.org/register_sealthedeal. You’ll be put in direct communication with the coordinators of the April 13th event and be kept updated with training materials, etc. You should plan on arriving in Washington DC on Sunday morning for some training and team-building; you should come with $75 to cover the fines as well.