A better way to UOC

[IrishPirate]

So it's no secret that people up and down the state have begun to embrace the UOC movement as a sort of "protest" against gun control. Many claim they are just excercising their rights, which they are, but it seems clear that many also have a political agenda.

Now, I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with that, but it seems to me that the tactics employed by many UOCers are only adding fuel to the fire between the Antis and the Pro2A sides.

Many of the "UOC Meeting" posts seem to carry an undertone of "we're going to go out there with our guns and exercise our rights and I'd like to see them do anything about it" while still preaching the "make sure you're safe about it" double standard. This just seems like too radical of an approach if we are going to change the image of gun owners in America from thugs/criminals/rednecks/extremist, into that of responsible/courteous members of society.

It doesn't seem like much of a public education for innocent bystanders to have to watch a group of cops surround a Starbucks or grocery store and harrass someone practicing UOC. Also, I find it hard to believe that sitting in a group, talking amongst eachother and to no one else, provides any sort of public education about gun rights. Many uninformed citizens are quickly reaching for the phone to dial 911 so that the evil UOCers will be brought to justice for having a gun in public.

Sure the media attention does draw light to the cause, but seeing as you can never tell what media outlet is going to cover the story, and what kind of spin they are going to put on it.....it's a very risky bet to allow the media to do the educating.

Here is what I propose: Instead of simply grabbing your gun and going about your daily business, or attending a coffee shop meeting of the minds while packing your favorite peace maker....why not have more information driven outings. Meetings where pamphlets are passed out to the public. Meetings where people can sign up for firearms safety classes. Meetings where people can learn the truth about gun laws because facts are there in printed fashion.

Why not have UOC bake sales. Buy a cupcake and get a pamphlet about gun rights. All proceeds benefit a local range/CGF/NRA/whomever.

Why not have UOC BBQ's. Buy a hotdog/hamburger/tri-tip sandwhich and come hear the truth about what you can and can't do in the PRK with regards to firearms. (All proceeds going again to a Pro 2A group of sorts)

I know these ideas are a little out there, but you get my point. If all we do is stand around and pass out fliers, people will avoid UOCers like they do every other crackpot trying to hand them something. But, make it an event......PEOPLE LOVE EVENTS!!!!

"THE FIRST ANNUAL WHATEVERCITY UNLOADED OPEN CARRY PICNIC"

people will come to that to see what the hell is going on. When they see responsible gun owners exercising their right to UOC, and they are given truthful information to read over regarding their gun rights, and how we too want guns out of the hands of criminals!!!....there might be a few minds changed about what exactly gun owners in America really look like.

I know it would take some serious doing, and I know it might be a mute point soon. But if anyone plans on UOCing as a form of protest...i urge you to consider your tactics first and look at how others who employed the same tactics have been treated in the past. I think that an organized, public information event would draw much more positive press than would a group of gun owners grabbing lunch by themselves...and keeping to themselves, or a bunch of UOCers handing out fliers since most people tend to shy away from people passing out fliers and will most likely never notice they were carrying a gun.

Just a thought anyways......I could be completely wrong. Anyone with any other ideas on how to make the best of the UOC movement for us responsible gun owners, please speak up! (criticism also welcomed )

[Untamed1972]

The UOC groups in SD were doing that on a regular basis until it was advised they stand-down till after the SCOTUS cases are heard this year.

But seeing people engaged in everyday business while carrying a handgun is part of the education as well. People need to get to the point where seeing a gun on someone's hip is no more alarming then the cell phone on his other hip.

There has to be a line drawn between desensitizing people to the sight of guns, and drawing to much attention to them.

[Decoligny]

So it's no secret that people up and down the state have begun to embrace the UOC movement as a sort of "protest" against gun control. Many claim they are just excercising their rights, which they are, but it seems clear that many also have a political agenda.

Now, I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with that, but it seems to me that the tactics employed by many UOCers are only adding fuel to the fire between the Antis and the Pro2A sides.

Many of the "UOC Meeting" posts seem to carry an undertone of "we're going to go out there with our guns and exercise our rights and I'd like to see them do anything about it" while still preaching the "make sure you're safe about it" double standard. This just seems like too radical of an approach if we are going to change the image of gun owners in America from thugs/criminals/rednecks/extremist, into that of responsible/courteous members of society.

It doesn't seem like much of a public education for innocent bystanders to have to watch a group of cops surround a Starbucks or grocery store and harrass someone practicing UOC. Also, I find it hard to believe that sitting in a group, talking amongst eachother and to no one else, provides any sort of public education about gun rights. Many uninformed citizens are quickly reaching for the phone to dial 911 so that the evil UOCers will be brought to justice for having a gun in public.

Sure the media attention does draw light to the cause, but seeing as you can never tell what media outlet is going to cover the story, and what kind of spin they are going to put on it.....it's a very risky bet to allow the media to do the educating.

Here is what I propose: Instead of simply grabbing your gun and going about your daily business, or attending a coffee shop meeting of the minds while packing your favorite peace maker....why not have more information driven outings. Meetings where pamphlets are passed out to the public. Meetings where people can sign up for firearms safety classes. Meetings where people can learn the truth about gun laws because facts are there in printed fashion.

Why not have UOC bake sales. Buy a cupcake and get a pamphlet about gun rights. All proceeds benefit a local range/CGF/NRA/whomever.

Why not have UOC BBQ's. Buy a hotdog/hamburger/tri-tip sandwhich and come hear the truth about what you can and can't do in the PRK with regards to firearms. (All proceeds going again to a Pro 2A group of sorts)

I know these ideas are a little out there, but you get my point. If all we do is stand around and pass out fliers, people will avoid UOCers like they do every other crackpot trying to hand them something. But, make it an event......PEOPLE LOVE EVENTS!!!!

"THE FIRST ANNUAL WHATEVERCITY UNLOADED OPEN CARRY PICNIC"

people will come to that to see what the hell is going on. When they see responsible gun owners exercising their right to UOC, and they are given truthful information to read over regarding their gun rights, and how we too want guns out of the hands of criminals!!!....there might be a few minds changed about what exactly gun owners in America really look like.

I know it would take some serious doing, and I know it might be a mute point soon. But if anyone plans on UOCing as a form of protest...i urge you to consider your tactics first and look at how others who employed the same tactics have been treated in the past. I think that an organized, public information event would draw much more positive press than would a group of gun owners grabbing lunch by themselves...and keeping to themselves, or a bunch of UOCers handing out fliers since most people tend to shy away from people passing out fliers and will most likely never notice they were carrying a gun.

Just a thought anyways......I could be completely wrong. Anyone with any other ideas on how to make the best of the UOC movement for us responsible gun owners, please speak up! (criticism also welcomed )

Well, to sell food in California, you will probably need a food handlers training certificate, a street vendors license, and pay a fee to the Government, unless of course you are selling "illegal mexican bathtub cheese", or corn on the cob with mayonaisse from a dirty cooler, in which case they will look the other way.

When we did the Beach get together in San Diego, we had people coming up to us and asking questions. We handed out pamphlets to those who wanted information, we didn't shove them into anyones hands like an itinerant street preacher.

[GrizzlyGuy]

For the idea pile, this is from one of my earlier posts:

----------------------

Most of the UOC activities have been in urban areas with population, LEAs and media that are not predisposed to enthusiastically accept the message being conveyed by the activists, or for LEAs to respect their 4A rights. In the San Pedro instance, that particular urban area is even more challenging. Through no fault of Army and the other activists there, LAPD overreacted, caused understandable anxiety for the nearby non-participating citizens (helicopter hovering, streets blocked, many LEOs = understandable anxiety), and setup the conditions that could have led to a negative outcome in terms of publicity.

So... given that UOC activities will continue, can they continue in a way that answers the above questions? I think so. One possibility:

Organize a UOC walk-a-thon that benefits a noncontroversial charity that is supported by the majority of Californians: veterans assistance, cancer research, SPCA, etc.

Conduct the walk-a-thon on a well-traveled and pedestrian-safe highway outside the "hostile" urban areas. We obviously want it to be a safe location, and well-traveled means greater exposure to more average people whizzing by. Those people would see a peaceful walk for a good cause, by people who are only incidentally carrying firearms.

Choose media that are most likely to do fair and balanced reporting, and alert them in advance.

Choose one or two activists to be public ambassadors and spokesmen to both the media and law enforcement (should LE show up). Prior to the event, develop talking points and hold a conference call where these spokesmen are challenged with difficult questions and practice their responses. This is much like how politicians prepare for debates.

Consider doing the walk-a-thon with rifles (not black ones, just the tame looking ones) instead of handguns, since people walking down highways with rifles is not uncommon in some areas. Thanks to propaganda from the Brady Bunch and other antis, I also think people are more likely to associate "handgun" with "bad guy".

Designate a walk-a-thon safety officer (like a RSO) who inspects and assures that all firearms are being lawfully carried, traffic laws and other laws are respected, etc.

OPTIONAL: Inform LE in advance that the walk-a-thon will occur, so that they will have an opportunity to plan their response (if any) accordingly. I say "optional" because I'm not sure if the activists would accept this idea, and there may be regions outside of urban areas where it may not be necessary (not all LE agencies dispatch a helicopter, dozens of officers, and block streets).

I could go on, but see Oak's graph.

You may not believe that an event like this would produce positive results or that it is desirable at this time. But given that OC events will continue regardless, wouldn't you agree that conducting them in this way would at least minimize risk to CGF's strategy?

[IrishPirate]

All very true....like i said, just throwing out an idea.

to hold a bake sale or BBQ there isn't any need for a food vendors license. One of the reasons is that the food is given free because you made a donation. It's a weird little clause, but trust me, it would be fine. No one is going to start arresting people or levying fines for a bake sale or BBQ. otherwise the girl scouts, boy scouts, PTA and every other organization would be subject to massive fines and penalties.

anyways, it's just an idea....i wouldn't expect to see a "cupcakes for the NRA" benefit anytime soon

and yes, i do agree it's best to hold off until we get some ruling from SCOTUS