Tigers are naturally generally solitary. Photo (cc) Cindy Schultz
Ringling is coming at the end of October 2016, six performances, from eight last year. So two down, six to go!
ARAUNY will host a Silent Protest at ALL shows, so please come out for as many as you can. Make sure attendees know that not everybody thinks animal circuses are fun (info link). Many thanks to Martha and Mary for volunteering to lead several shows!
There’s info below on other ways you can help whether or not you can attend protests.
Join ARAUNY’s Silent Protest of Ringling:
- Thu 10/27 – 5:30-7pm
- Fri 10/28 – 5:30-7pm
- Sat 10/29 – 11:30am-1pm
- Sat 10/29 – 3:30-5pm
- Sun 10/30 – 10:30am-12pm
- Sun 10/30 – 2:30-4pm
We leave at showtime.
We’ve had no problems at recent protests, but here are some reminders:
- Please do not shout or react to anyone shouting at us. Our silence is powerful dissent.
- Please wear no animal products (leather, wool, down, silk, fur) – circus attendees do notice and comment.
- For their safety and comfort, please do not bring animals.
- Stand on public sidewalk only, and do not block anyone: keep it legal. Police are always present.
- We welcome those who approach us with questions or for dialogue. Always be polite. If someone wants to talk to you but you’re not comfortable with that, you can give them a leaflet and/or refer them to the leader.
Signs
ARAUNY provides signs – to be sure there is a sign for you, please RSVP. If you wish to make your own sign, please be sure its message meets ARAUNY’s Core Values. Graphic images, which cause people to look away, may not be as effective as a clear, short, simple, written message, which people do read. Ringling will no longer be bringing elephants, so please leave your elephant signs at home so we don’t appear clueless.
Leafletting
Leafletting is great advocacy. It is best done “upstream” from the protest, before attendees notice us. I got very good “take” rates when I did this in the Spring – ask me how. ARAUNY will provide leaflets for those who wish.
Parking / Location
Blue Cross Arena (BCA), One War Memorial Square, Rochester NY 14614 … corner Broad Street and Exchange Blvd. Many places to park: garages, side streets; sometimes there is a charge.
Weather
Rain or shine. Dress for the weather. Umbrellas are fine. Consider bringing one more layer of clothing than you think you need, and consider gloves – your hands will be exposed for 90 minutes. Check our web site in case of dangerous weather.
Bathrooms
Not sure where bathrooms are, so come prepared!
What else can you do?
Frankly once the circus is here it’s too late to affect attendance this year. Sponsors already paid and parents bought tickets for excited children in tow. The best time to speak out is before the circus arrives: letters to newspapers, letters to schools, sponsors, speaking to City Council, etc.
“But for the use of physical punishment by, and fear of their oppressors, animals would never be part of a circus.” – Richard Pryor