The Ban Bus

Ireland is hosting the Cluster Munitions treaty negotiation in Dublin at the critical stage before official signing in Oslo. More than 100 countries are expected to attend and negotiate the exact treaty text. To achieve a strong treaty it is critical that the chairman is firm. To achieve this we believe building attention and awareness of the Cluster Munition treaty in general and the particular role Ireland is playing. This will form a firm base for politicians to act upon. We want the Irish people to be proud of their country and its role in creating a strong treaty. Worldwide media attention before, during and after the conference is essential to secure a strong treaty as well as promote universalising.

Countdown to the treaty negotiations in Dublin.

Main objectives

A firm Irish Chairman that will secure a strong treaty, who will also secure full access to civil society during the conference to ensure a full and transparent process, as well full access for media during the conference.

Create a base of volunteers that can capture national Irish and international media’s attention prior, during and after the conference. This base of volunteers will be essential to have a strong Irish presence and network. Thus providing ownership of the process for the Irish people and their politicians.

Goal 1

Create media attention across Ireland, particularly in key political places.
Activities
• Run a Ban Bus with a purpose and a story in itself, who will roll into different locations, conducting presentations at key institutions such as political entities, universities, commercial companies, etc.
• Provide a photo opportunity by using the HI “Cluster Bomb Carpet”
• Visibility. Posters, exhibitions, campaign stunts, survivors and other experts, press releases, etc.
• Provide strong and to the point interviews with national and international media prior to the conference
• Make and keep an updated Ban Bus Blog
• Involve musicians. (Sinnead O’Connor, Bono, Van Morison, Liam Nieson, Elvis Costello, Dechlan Macmannus
• Involve Irish actors
• Involve Irish Artists
• Involve Irish Dancers
• Involve Irish comedians
• Involve Irish PM, Irish Foreign Minister and/or ambassador
• Involve Irish survivor from Iraq
• Involve street artists
• Create national media contacts

Goal 2

Create international media attention prior, during and after the conference.
Activities
• Run a Ban Bus with a purpose and a story in itself.
• Embed international media on the Ban Bus.
• Visit, educate and run creative workshops for Embassies
• Press releases
• Various creative campaign stunts prior and during the conference (See goal 4)
• Create international media contacts

Goal 3

Educate the Irish population about Cluster Munitions, the treaty process and Ireland’s role.
Activities
• Prepare and run a presentation that includes following key topics: History and use of cluster bombs, the legacy (survivors, economic, demining), the treaty process,
• Create media attention (See goal 1 and 2)
• Interview local Irish people about their attitude, if and how they want to be involved
• Ban Bus Blog that presents a written diary of the tour, as well as images of events, media pick ups, interviews with local people and their attitude, if and how they want to be involved as pod casts and YouTube.
• Organize and run art auction
• Involve artists to express Clusters and peace work (see also goal 4)
• Involve commercial companies to express Clusters and peace work. (see goal 4)

Goal 4

Create campaign volunteers that can assist in creating campaign stunts and other tasks such as filming, secretarial tasks, coordination, etc.
Activities
• Prepare and run an inspiring presentation that includes following key topics: History and use of cluster bombs, the legacy (survivors, economic, demining), the treaty process, and campaigning activities.
• Consolidate local interest into strong teams of volunteers
• Run creative workshops that will help volunteers come up with ideas for potential campaigning stunts, practice and testing stunts as well as promote team building and strong connection with the CMC Ireland
• Target different groups that are likely to be available. Street artists, Students, unemployed, companies

Goal 5

Create a blue print for the campaign approach leading up to the signing ceremony in Oslo in December.