[Peace] March in the 4th of July parade! Contingent of Progressive groups including AWARE

[Stuart Levy via Peace]

Would you like to march in the 4th of July parade in Champaign-Urbana  ( 
http://july4th.net/ ), as part of a contingent of progressive groups?

The Progressive Democrats of America are organizing such a contingent.  
The idea is for each group to march, with each person/group carrying 
signs and banners for the issues close to them - environmental, 
anti-war, pro-labor, immigrants' rights, mass incarceration, money in 
politics, ... - while their gathering suggests that those issues are 
deeply connected.   I see this as an issues gathering, not a partisan one.

When: parade starts 11:05AM Friday, near Assembly Hall.   We'd gather in 
the lot west of it, maybe 30-60 minutes beforehand.

Bring your own sign if you like, or we'll have some.

Groups which have said they're interested, or at least some of their 
members are -

     Progressive Democrats of America, Central IL Chapter
     Jobs with Justice, Mother Jones Chapter
     C-U Immigration Forum
     AWARE
     Sierra Club
     Food and Water Watch / March Against Monsanto (some of whom will be 
dressed as bees)

If you're not from one of these groups but like the idea of being part 
of such a coalition, please come anyway!

There's no float planned - just marchers.    We'd wait in the "staging 
area", west of the Assembly Hall - somewhere in the lot between First 
and Oak St, and between Kirby and St Mary's Road. We'll find out later 
which spot to gather at.   Carry water (!), a hat, wear sunscreen, 
etc.   Expect to spend a couple hours in the sun, and maybe 1.5 miles' 
walk (or very slow bicycle ride).

It should be fun.   I recommend the experience!

If you think you might come, or have any questions, please let me 
know.    We'll plan how many signs to bring, etc., based on response.