1. Choose a welcoming, accessible venue
Pick a space that’s easy to find, ADA accessible, and familiar to the community—like a local fire hall, library, or community center. Library spaces are typically able to be reserved for free.

2. Invite a mix of voices
If possible, invite both concerned residents and local officials (e.g., sheriff, commissioner) to participate or attend. This encourages dialogue, not division.

As you promote, don’t forget the neighbors who may not have consistent access to the internet or different social media platforms. We’ve found flyering to be very successful, and you can use our template to make it your own:

Surveillance Education Event Flyer - Canva Template

3. Keep it nonpartisan and respectful
We’ve found that privacy is actually one of the issues on which rural residents most agree. Frame the event around shared values like transparency, safety, and community control—not politics. You may be surprised at the wide range of who shows up. Make it clear all are welcome.

4. Prepare clear, visual materials
Use slides, handouts, or posters to break down key concepts (like how Flock cameras work, who can access data, and what oversight exists). If you can, request public records beforehand to find out exactly how your area’s Flock system was approved and funded.

Surveillance Education Event Deck - Google Slides template

5. Center lived experience and local relevance
Tie the issue to your own community’s history, culture, or values. Let people know how it affects them directly.

6. Share action steps
Give attendees ways to stay involved—like how to make public comments, request records for themselves, talk to neighbors, or connect with groups.

You might suggest they reach out directly to the department who purchases these systems to ask them to change the contract with Flock to limit access to the data or how long it is kept. The ACLU has shared the exact contract language used in other jurisdictions to help preserve residents’ privacy.

7. Follow up
Send a recap or recording afterward, and invite people to join a mailing list or attend future meetings once you have requested data to see how the system has been used. Build on the momentum!