Actually, from my experience of organizing against the first major American war of the 21st century, I can say that efforts to engage people in conversation become more productive if I don't give them "an answer (= a clearly articulated alternative to war)." Folks want to talk to me about what _they_ think should be done, and their opinions are quite diverse. Democracy means for organizers to do a lot of listening, not just talking.
One of the more successful flyers that I've produced reads as follows (minus formatting):
***** No War
Don't believe that war can bring peace and justice? Don't think that killing more innocent people in the Middle East will make us safe? Concerned that war will intensify racism? Worried that war will destroy civil rights & liberties? Looking for a just & peaceful solution? Then join us!
Friday, September 21, 2001, 5-6 p.m. Women in Black's Silent Vigil against War At the corner of High St. & 15th Ave. For more info, call Connie Hammond at 268-2637.
Saturday, September 22, 2001, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon You are invited to have coffee with the Rev. Bill Barndt, the Rev. Lance Shreffler, and other clergy in favor of peace and justice from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m.; and join them in discussion on the theme of "Rethinking Justice" at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 414 E. North Broadway (for directions, call 267-9241). Network with them & expand the coalition against war & for peace. For more info, call Bill Barndt at 888-2196 or Lance Shreffler at 261-1347.
Sunday, September 23, 2001, from 5:00 p.m. Anti-War Meeting Ohio Union, 3rd Fl. (tentatively - the location to be confirmed later)
For more info, call the Community Organizing Center at 252-9255 or e-mail Yoshie Furuhashi at <furuhashi.1 at osu.edu>. *****
The idea is to ask folks to reject war first of all & come to anti-war meetings & events to figure out alternatives. Got lots of favorable responses, though I don't know if our endeavors in Columbus, OH meet Nathan's standards. :->
Yoshie