People Power and Committees

To make this project more manageable, split at least six people into three different committees. One committee can handle the finances; a second can coordinate the logistics; and the third can organize publicity.

Financial Committee: This committee will make a budget, allocate funds to each of the other committees as needed, and negotiate all contracts with the bands and the venue.

Logistics Committee: This committee will choose a venue and the bands for the event. Members of this committee will secure all equipment, staff for the night of the event, and all programming details.

Publicity Committee: Publicity for this event is extremely important! Members of the Publicity Committee will design, reproduce, and distribute all flyers, posters, banners, and ads. Unlike some of the smaller actions, a Rock for Choice™ concert involves a considerable amount of off-campus publicity. This committee will also work closely with the band(s) in designing and distributing flyers, posters, and leaflets.

Materials and Equipment

You will need:

• Local pro-choice bands who can play a benefit show.
• Technical equipment (sound and lights) for the concert. Make sure to find out exactly what the band needs and has in terms of this equipment.
• A room/hall for 100-350 people, depending on the size of your expected audience.
• Literature on reproductive rights for an informational table (contact FMF for this).
• Flyers, posters, and banners for advertisements.
• Printed tickets and professional posters
• Materials from the FMF's Los Angeles office, including merchandise and camera-ready art for flyers and posters.

Time-line

You will need at least two months to coordinate this action, as band and venue reservations must be coordinated well ahead of time. See the time line chart that follows for further details broken down by committee.

Budget

A Rock for Choice™ show can require a substantial initial investment. Large concert spaces often require deposits upon reservation, and bands may require travel expenses. Other substantial costs will come from advertising, posters, and ticket printing. Remember, since this is a fund-raiser, you will make back your initial investment and donate the rest of the proceeds to FM's Clinic Access Project.

Publicity

The success of your Rock for Choice™ show depends on how well you get the word out. Publicity is vital in turning out a large crowd. Make sure to dedicate the time and resources necessary for a strong, extensive publicity drive. See the publicity appendix for details. Some additional ideas include:

• Contacting the music writers from your school and local press to cover the bands and the event in advance.
• Inquiring about free public service announcements with campus and local radio stations.
• Having some professional, high quality posters printed to advertise the event. Use the band's logo on these posters as well as the Feminist Majority name, and the Rock for Choice™ logo.
• Have the band suggest good places to advertise in the community for the event, as they know their audience best.

Some Helpful Hints

• When choosing a venue, it is better to underestimate than overestimate!
  Keep the following questions in mind:
  Can chairs be removed if turnout is lower than expected?
  Does the space have good acoustics?
  Is the site wheelchair accessible?
  Is there sufficient space for tabling and selling merchandise?
  Is the site easy to find, and well known?

• Have a photographer at the event, taking pictures for follow-up press.

• Have a well planned information table. Distribute information on the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, as well as general information about the FMF, the National Clinic Access Program, and reproductive rights. Display your Leadership Alliance banner and, as always, have a sign-in sheet for all who attend.

• Plan a strong opening for the show. Announce what Rock For Choice™ is, thank the bands for participating, and get the audience excited!

• Carefully choose your bands. If you need suggestions, contact local radio stations and clubs for ideas. Generally, these shows can include more than one band, and this will help broaden your audience. Since this is a benefit, the bands should play for free. Rock for Choice™ makes an effort to promote female musicians. Strive for gender and racial balance in your choice of bands.

• Have a verbal and written agreement with each band that indicates the date, time, length of play, and total fee.

Check out the Time-Line Chart for planning a Rock for Choice™