FAQ For Participants

Q. Is there a vigil near me?

You can click this link and find out: http://pol.moveon.org/event/cindyvigils/

Our system will give you a list of all the vigils in your area.

Q. What if there are no vigils near me?

If you're willing to take on the responsibilities of scheduling a candlelight vigil then you can create one here: http://pol.moveon.org/event/cindyvigils/

Read the instructions there and fill out the information required to schedule your own vigil.

Q: There isn't a vigil in my area and I don't want to lead one myself -- what should I do?

Keep checking the listings because new vigils are being added by the hour.

Q. Where can I get placards to print and bring to the vigil?

Here: http://pol.moveon.org/cindyvigils/materials.htm

Q. How can I contact the coordinator of the vigil I signed up for?

When you sign up to attend a vigil, you will have the opportunity to send the host of that vigil a message. http://pol.moveon.org/event/cindyvigils/

Q. Do my friends have to sign up to come?

Signing up is not required, but it's extremely useful. Having people sign up on the web site provides concrete numbers for media coverage of this nationwide effort. It helps the press and the public realize how significant these vigils are.

So, signing up on the web site is not required, but is helpful. Certainly everyone who wants to come should show up, regardless of whether they're signed up or not.

Q. The "tell your friends" link doesn't work.

This is a problem with certain configurations of email programs. If our link doesn't work for you, you'll have to do the email to your friends manually.

Q. Can I bring friends who have not signed up on the MoveOn.org site?

Absolutely! Bring as many friends as you can. But please explain the ground rules to them.

Q. If I schedule my own vigil, what will I have to do?

There are instructions on the page where you schedule your vigil:

But here's a quick list of the things you'll have to do as a coordinator:

• Select an appropriate location, where the vigil will not create a disturbance.
• Make safety a priority -- keep candles away from anything that could catch fire.
• Registering your event with us. You can do so here: http://pol.moveon.org/event/cindyvigils/
• Print and bring placards.
• Bring extra candles and matches or lighter. Everyone who signs up will be asked to bring their own, but you should bring some extras. Hardware stores often sell inexpensive “Plumber’s Candles.”
• Be a good, friendly, courteous leader.
• Help ensure that the vigil remains quiet, dignified, respectful, and safe. This may include showing leadership in the unlikely event of a conflict. Of course, you can also ask for help from others in your group if you need it.
• Fill out a quick post-vigil survey.
• Let the media know about your vigil and be prepared to talk to reporters if they show up at your event. (optional)
• Bring a digital camera and take lots of pictures. (optional)
• Send in digital photos from the vigil. (optional)

FAQ For Coordinators

In most towns there will be an obvious place to hold a vigil: in front of town hall or the public library, the town center, a major intersection, a central and visible park. If there is no obvious location for a vigil, then you may have to get more creative.

Q. Do I need to get a permit to have a vigil?

Depending on the location, you may need some kind of permit from local authorities. Call your local police department or town hall to find out.

Q. Can I change the location of my vigil?

Yes. You can login to your event page and there is a link to change the location of your vigil. You get to your event page from the confirmation email we sent when you created your vigil, or click here: http://pol.moveon.org/event/cindyvigils/hosts

If you do change the location of your vigil, please be sure to email everyone who has signed up for your event as soon as you can and let them know about the change. You can email everyone who has signed up for your event through your ‘host tools.’

Q. Where is it NOT OK to hold a vigil?

In some rural and suburban areas in United States, a local mall, Wal-Mart or other big store is often the most desirable place to reach a lot of people. However, public gatherings are usually not permitted at those privately-owned places. If you want to hold your vigil at such a location, make sure to call the management in advance and get permission.

Q. Can I have a vigil at a different time or a different date rather than August 17, at 7:30 P.M.?

This event will be most powerful if it takes place on the same evening, at the same time (local time) all over the country. In the interest of simplicity, our sign-up tool does not have a way to schedule a different time or date.

Q. How long should the vigil last?

We recommend 45 minutes. You could discuss this with your group members and decide together on an amount of time -- or just play it by ear when you get there.

Q. What should we do at the vigil--sing, pray?

In general, the power of the vigil is its silence. We encourage you to stand silently, in a circle if possible, holding one of our placards, supporting Cindy Sheehan as she camps outside the president’s ranch in Crawford, waiting for a meeting. We’ll be honoring her action and the sacrifices of her son Casey along with more than 1,800 other fallen soldiers, and reflecting on the situation in Iraq where 138,000 American troops are now serving, and the events and decisions that led to them being stationed there.

Q. Is there a press release for the vigil?

A customizable press release is available here: http://pol.moveon.org/cindyvigils/materials.htm

Q. Are there any resources available to help me get press coverage for my vigil?

The guide and other materials are available here: http://pol.moveon.org/cindyvigils/materials.htm

Q. The placards won't print, what should I do?

On the placards page (link above), there are new instructions in case you have trouble printing. Everyone's computer configuration is slightly different; a few will have difficulty printing these files. If the instructions on the placards page don't help, contact the Help Desk (momsvigil@moveon.org) and also try to find a friend or another person attending your vigil who can print the leaflets -- you can contact others who sign up using your coordinator's tools, via a link that will be emailed to you.