Talking Points 

 January 8th SF Board of Supervisors Ceasefire Resolution Meeting

Read the resolution here.

My name is ______, I am a ________ [SF resident/worker/etc], and I am calling on you to:

Support this critical, common sense resolution. We need a Ceasefire NOW.
After one of the largest public turnouts in the history of this board just a few weeks ago, we are proud that our San Francisco supervisors heard the voices of the diverse communities it represents, and are taking action to  stand firmly on the side of peace and justice.
We ask you to support the resolution as it’s written, sending an unequivocal message that San Francisco stands against genocide.

We are witnessing a genocide, and it is our responsibility to be a part of ending it. Over 22,000 Palestinians have been massacred.  The only way to end the suffering of our loved ones is for our city to join the millions of people across the country and the world in calling for a permanent ceasefire to this violence.  All major human rights organizations, the United Nations, and the vast majority of countries across the globe have done so.

Opposing genocide should not be controversial, it is not complicated, it is about standing on the side of human rights and prioritizing peace for all peoples.
Ending slavery and jim crow, supporting the right to abortion, supporting full rights for immigrants, the end of South African Apartheid, legalizing same-sex marriage - these were all deemed controversial and complex. But they shouldn’t be, just like calling for a ceasefire and an end to the genocide of Palestinians isn’t complicated.
It would be utterly shameful if this Board stood by as a genocide was happening, and didn’t speak out because it was “too complicated.” 
When over 9000 children have been bombed to death, the correct response is to stop this atrocity, not to hide behind a false notion of both sides.
Do not aid and abet extremism, violence, and genocide by further delaying or watering down this resolution.

This is absolutely a local issue for San Franciscans and all US residents because the genocide happening in Gaza is only possible with our tax dollars. 
The US government uses our taxpayer money to arm the Israeli military that is now killing countless family members of your constituents. 
The US has the power to end this genocide and return all hostages today. It’s up to us, voters, and elected officials like yourselves to join millions of Americans putting pressure on our government to end the violence in Gaza and the genocide of Palestinians.

San Francisco has a long legacy of supporting human rights.
In 1973, this board unanimously passed a resolution to divest from apartheid in South Africa. Because of its first hand experience with apartheid, today South Africa has courageously taken it upon itself and filed charges of genocide against Israel in the International Court of Justice. We are asking you to vote in line with your values and legacy against genocide, and adopt this ceasefire resolution.
San Francisco is seen as a leader of progressive values across this country, setting the tone for other cities. When you look back on your service, do you want to say you stood for or against an active genocide?
The entire state of California looks to San Francisco  as a leading voice in social and racial justice. Passing this ceasefire resolution would set a precedent for the state and the country to prioritize human lives and peace. We call on you to honor San Francisco’s history and the countless constituents who are supporting your ceasefire resolution today.

This issue is critical for San Francisco residents because it directly impacts the diverse communities in our city.
San Francisco’s Arab and Muslim communities have never been so vulnerable. Amid the rise of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism, this Board acknowledging Palestinian humanity is a crucial step to ending anti-Arab and Muslim hate and rising violence in San Francisco. Since October 7, the Council on American-Islamic Relations reports a 200% increase in reported hate incidents, bullying and targeting Muslims. This number is likely much, much higher.  We need our elected officials to help keep our families safe. 
A permanent ceasefire is the only solution that will lead to peace. We need an end to the genocide of Palestinians. We are calling on the Board of Supervisors to reflect the calls of the tens of thousands of your constituents and support a ceasefire.
Our city cannot immediately change foreign policy abroad, but it is our duty to stand up for your local residents; it’s your duty to keep them safe; and it’s your obligation to oppose racism, hate, and violence in all its forms. Genocide does not keep local residents safe - Palestinians, Jews, no one. A ceasefire is a statement of peace for everyone. 
You cannot ignore the thousands of San Francisco residents that have poured into the streets and into your chambers since the beginning of October. You have a responsibility to listen to the voices of your most vulnerable constituents. 

Arab and Muslim neighbors, parents, workers, business owners and youth are devastated.
Witnessing 30,000 of your own people slaughtered in less than 90 days has profound and lasting traumatic effects. This war will impact your constituents for years to come. But, their leaders ignoring their calls for peace, silencing their dissent, and criminalizing their right to object is also having a traumatic impact. You are gaslighting your own residents, making them feel like their experience isn’t true.
When people with authority, like you, use your power to acknowledge this profound trauma, you have an opportunity to dignify their lived experience. We may not end genocide with this resolution, but you will take a big step in stopping the relentless demoralization that is happening right here in your city every day that we don’t call for a ceasefire.

We urge you to reject any amendments made by extremist and racist calls for increased violence, warfare, and genocide.
These amendments undermine the overwhelmingly popular demand for ceasefire, continue the dangerous and violent dehumanization of Palestinians, and to further the drumbeat of war against the people of Gaza.
This  resolution as it is originally introduced reflects the most moderate and broad based consensus of public opinion across the political spectrum. 
You, yourselves, have said it’s not your place to speak to foreign policy. Many of these amendments do just that. They are an overstep of your duty. Your job is to protect your citizens and the overwhelming majority have called you to a ceasefire. 

Useful Data and Context 

Recent polling suggests that 66% of all Americans, over 80% of Democrats, and a majority of Republicans support a ceasefire in Gaza.
Over 22,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel’s bombing and ground campaign since Oct 9th. This includes at least 9,700 children.
Over 1.2 Million people in Gaza have been displaced by Israel in the last 6 weeks. Over 42% of housing in Gaza is said to be destroyed. 
Israel has bombed hospitals, schools, and refugee camps. Israel has cut off all access to water, food, medicine and medical supplies, internet, and telecommunications.
Many of the victims of Israel’s bombing campaign include doctors, medical workers, journalists, aid workers, and foreign staff of aid organizations.

Best practices for Public comment

You will have one minute to speak (note: people generally read 130 words per minute).
It is helpful to prep your comment beforehand, and practice reading it to make sure you stay within your time. It is perfectly ok to read your comment from your notes.
If you have a personal experience from this war on Gaza you should share it if you are comfortable sharing.
FYI: our opposition’s main ask is that the Board of Supervisors either reject this resolution or amend it to place all the blame on the Palestinians, despite Israel’s outsized role in the violence, death, and destruction. We want the resolution to pass AS IS. We do not need to speak to the opposition’s amendments specifically, but rather we just want to state that the resolution pass “as originally written.”

DO:

Treat every Supervisor like a potential ally, not an enemy. 
Mention your relationship to the city of San Francisco (e.g. I live in D3, I work downtown, I’m a teacher in SFUSD, I attend church in XYZ).
Encourage them. Send them strength, support, and bravery.
Find common ground, shared identities, and experiences.
Give personal testimony, use “I” statements. Speak from your identity and why you support this resolution.
Explain how passing this resolution would change your life, your relationship to San Francisco and to this Board of Supervisors.

DON’T:

Don’t argue with the opposition.
Don’t be rude or aggressive towards supervisors.
Try not to invoke or call attention to the “other side’s” arguments; we want to maximize the airtime for our own talking points.
You do not need to speak to the opposition’s amendments specifically, but rather state that we want the resolution to pass “as originally written” or “as is.”
Don’t complain or sound defensive in your public comment. We’re on the right side of history and we should embody this with confidence!