Tips for hosts of large events:

• Have a plan to make yourself heard. When there are LOTS of people at a rally-style gathering, it gets harder for speakers to make themselves heard.
  

• Get a sound system, like a megaphone, bullhorn or microphone--just make sure you check permit rules, since many places require you to get a permit if you're going to have a sound system.
  
  
• If you don't have a sound system, you should do your best to cluster people together or break up into smaller groups with speakers. People won't huddle close to you unless you ask them to! And then, really ask all your speakers to speak loudly. Some folks on the periphery probably won't be able to hear -- that's an inevitable cost of having an event like this. But do your best, and keep the remarks as short as possible.
  

• Check with the local city or police about permits. Let them know that you're staging a peaceful vigil in a public location, and you will only be there for a short time. If you're going to have a sound system, they may ask you to get a permit.
  


• Don't block the sidewalk. That's asking for trouble -- we don't want to impede people from walking by!
  

• Make sure you have at least one, and preferably several, greeters. A problem with big events is that people come up, and never talk to anyone, so they feel anonymous -- and they're unlikely to come back. Make sure you have a volunteer or several volunteers on the lookout for newcomers. The greeters should welcome them to the event, give them a sign, and tell them the plan.

• Make sure you're on the lookout for reporters. With a big event, you can lose sight of reporters who might be hovering around the edges. Keep an eagle eye out for these folks.
  

• Bring plenty of extra signs and candles. When in doubt you can always give someone a sign or candle to hold. One of the benefits of having a really big event is that you make an impressive visual for passing cars and the media. Even if some folks can't hear the speakers, people can have a good experience by focusing on the visibility aspect of the event: standing along the street, holding their signs and candles to passing traffic.

• Stay cool. If you have a big group, it'll be exciting -- and it's totally possible that it'll get a bit rowdy or hard to hear. But remember -- by having a big group there, you've already succeeded in demonstrating the public excitement on this issue. So keep a level head, follow the program, and be confident -- you're doing great!