Who: Supporters, members, petitioners and candidates of the Illinois Green Party. 

 What: The Chicago Pride Parade is the last day to petition, basically.  “Pride” in what?  Equality for people who identify as lesbian/gay/trans/queer/questioning.  It’s also a great opportunity to get free face time for our party and candidates.

 Where: The Illinois Green Party is entry # 77A.  Our assigned meeting spot is on the East side of Halsted St. at George St. (South of Oakdale and North of Diversey).  The approximate address of #77A is 2901 N Halsted at Budget Rent-a-Car.  Easy.

• Map of meeting location: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=2901+n+halsted&csz=chicago%2C+IL&country=us&new=1&name=&qty.
• Parade Route: It steps off from the corner of Halsted & Belmont, proceeding north on Halsted; then south on Broadway; then east on Diversey to Cannon Drive.

When: Sunday 11:00 AM.  If you’re concerned that traffic, parking and walking time might be an issue for you, then please plan to be at George and Halsted at 10:30AM.

Why: There are 258 registered entries.  ILGP is one of them, and we have a unique message.  It seems that opposing candidates from other parties include only the following: Lisa Madigan (#49), Alexi Giannoulias (#66), Dan Hynes (#19), Pat Quinn (#48A) and Judy Baar Topinka (#67).  That’s it.  Rod is not registered… at least not on his own.  So, ILGP will be right behind the ACLU, two entries behind Steamworks (always the most nudity), twelve entries behind Topinka, thirteen entries behind Giannoulias, two ahead of the Libertarians (That’s very close!), five ahead of Asians and Friends, and nine ahead of SEIU.  Kathy, Dorian and our candidates in Oak Park can be proud of “marching unopposed.”

Who is in charge?

I have listed Jenn Rose (618) 528-VOTE as the primary person in charge on-site.  Additionally, I listed Carolyn Riley and Alex Briscoe as our two “Monitors.”  Either Jenn (Person In Charge) or Dan (Contact Person) should check in at the sign-in table (Halsted and Belmont) between 9 and 11:30.  There, we will pick up two monitor armbands for Carolyn and Alex (or replacements). 

Rules (Thou Shalts):

• Stay hydrated. Participants need to bring their own water.
• You’ll want you hands free so you can petition and kiss babies.
• Wear comfy shoes.  It’s a long route (about two-plus miles over two-plus hours).
• Wear anything rainbow or green.  Feather boas and Hawaiian leis are encouraged!  Anything flamboyant but tasteful.  For example, I have a tiara I can lend out.
• Overall appearance: we are a political party.  Pat LaMarche says that the best representation for the Green Party is a person who dresses like a Republican but talks like an Anarchist. 
• See attachment.

Rules (Thou Shalt Not’s):

• No tossing or throwing our hand-outs.
• We have to keep the entry moving.  This means quick petitioning (but really folks, this is the slowest parade I’ve ever seen). 
• No animals or motorized vehicles.
• Let’s not have too many picket signs.  There are a number of reasons for this.  We have banners and pamphlets and voices to get our message out.
• See attachment.

To Bring:

• Clipboards.
• A bag to carry water and other things. 
• Pamphlets for your candidate.
• A camera.  Trust me!
• Lunch or some cash for a snack for afterwards.  Please do not eat during the parade route.
• Some extra time to petition after the parade.  It’s our last day!!!
• NOT materials from your own personal cause.  Green Party materials ONLY!

Please direct any questions to me (773-793-4553), and I can send out an e-mail answer/clarification.

Respectfully yours,

Dan

Parking:

Street parking is never nice during Pride.  In my experience, the best and most promising park lot is located at Lakeshore Drive (LSD outer) and Addison on an unofficial street called “Recreation Drive.”  You can only get onto it from Northbound LSD (North of Belmont but South of Irving Park).  Enter the off-ramp onto Recreation Drive, come to a stop sign.  Rather than turning left with the traffic, go straight (or gaily forward) into the back lot.  It’s far away but free and plentiful… and a nice view… and safe.  Parking on Marine North of Fullerton and South of Diversey might also work for you.

-Dan