This morning my computer’s calendar chimed and reminded me that today is the day to start planning the Earth Hour vigil on Parliament Hill in earnest.  On the one hand a vigil isn’t too difficult to pull together: all you need are candles and people!  But if you want to make a big impact and make it memorable it helps to start early.  Welcome to the start of planning.

Here’s the short list of what needs to get done between now and Earth Hour.  Or rather this is the list so far. I’m sure it will grow as people bring ideas forward.  On that note, do you have a great idea for something we could include as part of the Vigil?  I’d love to hear it if you do.  Shout it out on twitter to @ottawactrgreens or email me directly (kevin.odonnell@ottawagreens.ca).

Recruit volunteers: We’re going to need about 10 people who will help distribute the candles (beeswax, or vegan candles if they can be found) and pamplets.  When that’s done these volunteers convert to canvassers to collect contact information from people at the vigil who are interested in the Green Party and/or sustainable politics.  There will also be an after-party somewhere so volunteers will be needed to help setup there.  Use our sign up form if you’d like to help out!
Outreach: I’ve got a list of community groups to reach out to and invite to the vigil.  More than that, I would like to invite a true collaboration with everyone in order to grow the vigil beyond what the Green Party can do alone.

Logistics and Planning: I’ve already sent the paperwork to Heritage Canada to request use of the Hill for EarthHour.  But there is much more to do!  Locate a wholesale supplier of beeswax (or vegan) candles and buy some.  Fundraising to cover the costs of the event.  Planning the scope and location of the after party.  Inviting guests and contacting the media. Pamphlet design, printing and preparation.  The list goes on and on.

I’ll be blogging more as the planning progresses.  For now I’ll end with a wonderful video from the 2009 video.  See you in March!