Since the unfortunate passing of two major celebrities in the past week, the subject of Iran has all but dissipated in the public eye and we are almost back at square one in terms of global awareness. The battle is far from over, but you wouldn’t think it if you’ve been watching nothing but mainstream TV news recently. The entire world does not use Twitter, and so does not have access to the same information as we do. The fact is that the entire world is not even on the Internet, and so still relies on the regular news channels to receive what we have so readily at our fingertips. We need to bring it back into focus.
What can we do?
We can transcend the American day of independence and share it with the world. Let’s celebrate liberty and freedom for all. Not only do the people of Iran deserve their freedom, they have a right to it.
In order to spread awareness and bring the subject of Iran back into the mainstream news and into the minds of the people, a group of us have decided that during daylight hours on July 4 2009 we will reignite the sea of green and fill the sky once again with balloons, each carrying with it a simple message to educate and inform any who might stumble upon one.
We ask that you join us, no matter where you are in the world in making this a global event: the more support we can get the more chance we have of making this national news and bringing the topic back into the public eye!
To facilitate this, with the help of @Kintay I have put together a PDF template that you can print out and attach to your balloons.
To download, right click the appropriate link below for your preferred language and click “Save as”:
- English
- German (provided by @hussypussy)
- French (provided by @hollyinfrance)
If you need the leaflet in another language then please send me the translated text here and I will create a template and publish it with the others.
The template can be printed in either color or black and white, and can contain either three double sided leaflets per page folded over and glued (to give the leaflets some durability and so that it doesn’t matter which way up they land), or six single sided leaflets per page which can be rolled up as miniature scrolls. In either case, ensure they reach their targets and fasten them securely.
Please video your launch by any means you are able, upload your videos to YouTube and then send the link(s) to me here, or to @CajunTechie and/or @unscannable on Twitter. Once collated, we will post a page on this blog to commemorate the occasion and to show our united support for the people of Iran, and then we will relay them to as many news networks as we can.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly by email here, or post a comment below, or send a message to @unscannable on Twitter. All messages go directly to my cell phone (including comments on this blog) and I will endeavor to reply as quickly as I can.
You’re amazing!
It’s no secret that Iran would most likely have been plunged into complete darkness were it not for the sheer dedication and voluntary commitment of all those people both inside and outside who:
- Ensure the flow of real news in and out of the country, diluting the government propaganda the people in Iran are subjected to.
- Dedicate time and bandwidth for secure and anonymous proxies to ensure the people in Iran stay connected with the world.
- Watch Twitter and re-tweet important news, giving it weight and spreading awareness.
Even the smallest action has not gone unnoticed. If you have done nothing more than change your Twitter location and time zone to Tehran, then you have helped. Yes, I’m talking about you. Even the fact that you have read this far shows you care enough to want to know.
We really can make a difference.
Thank you, and keep being you!
P.S. I apologise profusely for the short notice on this. The idea only came to me late July 1st and I have been working almost non-stop since with the help of my insanely dedicated girlfriend @athenagibson to produce and organize this. Special thanks also to @CajunTechie, @MattBCardenas, @Kintay,@hussypussy, @hollyinfrance and @Samtagious for their help and support in helping to make this happen.
donjoe said,
July 2, 2009 at 5:40 pm
How about not releasing the balloons into the air (which disastrously shortens the impact of the action), but TYING THEM with long strings to all kinds of public rails, bars, pipes, handles, signs etc.?
Mary Bawden said,
July 2, 2009 at 6:20 pm
I got green ribbons and I will get Green balloons to distribute on the Fourth of July to a crowd gathered together! Thanks for your Site. I will not forgot @Neda…
4 July protest & push for awareness! - Why We Protest - IRAN said,
July 2, 2009 at 6:30 pm
[...] [...]
Badaman said,
July 2, 2009 at 7:11 pm
I honestly think a mix of tying them up and releasing them would be have the most impact. imagine coming across them and seeing them tied up?
I say this: Anyone planning on joining this wonderful idea should double their balloon amount and do both! What you reckon unscannable?
Heath Ashley Harmon: From user HELP US: re-ignite sea of green in 4 July GLOBAL act of awareness http://is.gd/1lBuJ [READ & RT!] #iranelection #iran #neda #gr88 | Hashtags said,
July 2, 2009 at 7:36 pm
[...] Ashley Harmon From user HELP US: re-ignite sea of green in 4 July GLOBAL act of awareness http://unscannable.wordpress.com/4-july…; [READ & RT!] #iranelection #iran #neda #gr88 1 hour [...]
Holly said,
July 2, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Great idea in principle but some people (me included in rural France) simply won’t be able to get hold of green helium filled balloons at short notice, so, for us, fixed balloons seem a good option too. At the same time people could perhaps put up the ‘where is my vote’ signs which can be found here:
http://www.supportdemocracyiniran.com/
NINJA said,
July 2, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Great idea. Kudos to all. But have you ever seen a balloon land? What actually happens that it will go higher and higher and at some point will burst (not land). But do what you think as action is important not thinking and talking about it… I will have mine attached to my motorcycle and car…
Athena said,
July 2, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Great idea. Let’s get the print out to as many people as possible & in as many ways as possible. Balloons in the air or tied down, leaflets handed out or left in public places. Let’s just get the word to as many people as possible!
Angie said,
July 2, 2009 at 8:49 pm
I was thinking the other day, what more can i do, I tweet and tweet an RT, i have been on a mission emailing news orgs, journalist, all tv networks, about every other day, trying to get them to keep Iran in theforefront. sometimes it gets frustrating, so i went up in my attic and got all my green ribbon from christmas, and tied it all around my front porch. I think you have a great idea with balloons, i will put some on my porch along with the ribbons,as release the others. I have had a few people ask me what’s with the ribbons, so i told them, they had no clue what was going on in Iran. I think it is a fitting time to do this, as we celebrate our freedom,we will keep the hopes alive of those who are desperate to seek freedom. Thank you for this idea.
midgetqueen said,
July 2, 2009 at 8:54 pm
It’s a sweet idea, but considering that using the US Constitution, in ANY way, in support of Iranians, is just playing into the hands of their regime accusing the US of meddling… NOT good. I’ll release green balloons and put green ribbons all over, and flyers too. But in a spirit of GLOBAL unity, not using US government’s words. We must act with careful thought. Not just act for the sake of acting.
I commend the thought. But upon reflecting, I feel that that particular leaflet does more harm than good. Especially considering there is proof of crappy things our gov has done to Iran in the past. As much as some of us would like to think so, our nation doesn’t have a pristine history and as such can’t be considered a banner of freedom for the entire world.
But yes, I will put up green balloons and ribbons at some point, probably several points, through this week.
unscannable said,
July 2, 2009 at 11:37 pm
NOTE: Based on input received today I am going to look at revising the slogan on the leaflets. I still stand by my reasons to utilize a fragment of the constitution in order to appeal to the public that are not yet informed, but after reflection and discussion it may be more appropriate to use another source of inspiration to capture people’s attention. Please watch this space, I will post an update soon.
unscannable said,
July 3, 2009 at 1:29 am
We really are truly grateful for everyone who has offered help, support and constructive criticism in this effort, and those that have pledged to join us wherever they are. There have been a few comments that would have been better served with a slightly less damning tone, but our ears are open as wide as our arms, and we are always willing to listen.
Thank you again, let’s break this media silence and give them a reason to start reporting again!
Nerine said,
July 3, 2009 at 2:05 am
I like this and will participate – but please everyone read http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/2000-08/966694576.En.r.html for ideas on how to make this a truly GREEN (i.e. environmentally sound) act!
erin said,
July 3, 2009 at 6:10 am
red, white, blue, & green…:)
mahasti said,
July 3, 2009 at 6:15 am
Will float & fix green balloons all over Los Angeles.
Mary Esther Salinas said,
July 3, 2009 at 6:28 am
great idea athena (damienx01). I’ll go to the store and buy as many green balloons and ribbon. Great article, keep the great idea’s coming. let me know when the printables are ready. Your tweet.
unscannable said,
July 3, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Some fantastic ideas have come out of this. Looking forward to sharing them with you all very soon!
unscannable said,
July 3, 2009 at 3:51 pm
As requested and discussed, and after much consideration I have removed references to the US Constitution. Please keep feeding your input back to me so we can make this as effective as possible!
Henk From Belgium said,
July 3, 2009 at 4:14 pm
lysssandros: RT @oxfordgirl: Source: 1 employee of Mokhaberat Iran(Telecoms)suspended 4 sending SMS to BBC – they r tracking all sms – #Iranelection
Please we need ICT Koningklus@msn.com
APeacefulEarth said,
July 3, 2009 at 5:32 pm
I’m sending this info to friends in Ireland. Great idea.
Next on radar we should unite and help those people too poor to own twitter device!
Maria José Mota de Castro said,
July 3, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Freedom to Iran!
Nerine said,
July 3, 2009 at 8:28 pm
I’m organizing a gathering for this purpose July 4 @ 2 pm in Ottawa, ON, Canada – see Facebook event at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=97328523415&ref=mf Anyone who’s interested, join me!
gfanhoto said,
July 3, 2009 at 9:46 pm
The only way to do with that the great communication means change of focus (mj, marcus, public enemies, wimbledom, alaska, etc) and talk the truth about the iran and honduras it is to take them.
darafsh said,
July 3, 2009 at 11:10 pm
He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from opposition; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach himself. ~Thomas Paine
unscannable said,
July 3, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Guys, I just noticed a bit of a blunder I made. I’m English, and as such I automatically assumed an A4 page would suffice, forgetting that in America the standard is actually Letter. I’m creating a Letter template right now so if you are having problems please hold off printing for just a little while until I’ve done that.
Thanks!
unscannable said,
July 4, 2009 at 3:49 am
Ok guys, sorry for the delay, we lost power this evening. The template is good to go as-is, apparently Acrobat will automatically scale the template provided you set your printing options correctly.
That’s all!
unscannable said,
July 4, 2009 at 4:35 am
Just added a note to the bottom of the template to remind people to keep Earth tidy and dispose of their balloons responsibly
Mike said,
July 4, 2009 at 5:07 am
Yeah…everybody dispose of the balloons in a green fashion. These idiots use human bodies for traction for their tanks. I love you guys and what you’re trying to do. We got here with Kentucky longguns. So you and I can post to places like this. It was done with blood and that’s the way it will always be done. I hate it.
Sophia said,
July 4, 2009 at 11:41 am
My Iran
Another death breaks my heart and fills my eyes with tears.
I lean my head back and think of my life.
The freedom to dress, speak and express opinions.
All the things I take for granted.
All those things My Iran doesn’t have.
The Government fills my mind with hatred and disgust.
The “Shadow of God on Earth” a thug and a murderer.
The Basij that didn’t think twice about killing Neda.
All these evils that I don’t have to live with.
All these evils My Iran is infested with.
The streets filled with Basij armed with guns.
The people bloody and wounded.
Screams and chants ring in my ears.
All these horrors are going on.
All these things are in Iran, but it isn’t My Iran.
In My Iran hair of women is seen flowing.
Yours and my opinions are taken into account and not dismissed.
The people are the voice, they speak for Iran.
This is My Iran.
My Iran has its’ freedom.
By Fiaa_Mottaghi
I know it isn’t very good, but i am just trying to get a point across and support my family in Iran. I do not know if they are all okay and evrery day i pray for them.
This balloon idea i thought was ace.
And you all deserve a massive pat on the back for all your work.
Later i will tie some balloons around all over my town and spread the word.
I will not let the message of Iran be silenced.
Thank you
Fiaa_Mottaghi
Lola LB said,
July 4, 2009 at 12:42 pm
I would suggest repeating this on Labor Day in US. Perhaps do something a bit different than balloons, but something that will be noticeable by the media. Plus this gives us almost 2 months to plan.
unscannable said,
July 4, 2009 at 3:28 pm
I’m not sure we should stop there, even if it is (hopefully!) over. I think we should continue to hold campaigns for the oppressed on a global scale. Not necessarily balloons, and of course not necessarily green. Even when the people of Iran inevitably win their freedom, the world will still not be free of oppression.
Mike said,
July 4, 2009 at 8:14 pm
My prayers are with all those that are being oppressed. My God please make it stop. What good is power or money when your people are cannon fodder. Today I celebrate my countrys indipendence. But we aren’t free. Americans are grilling hotdogs all over right now but there are so many countries out there that are doing horrible things for a few diamonds or some oil. Yeah I want to be rich and live a life of luxuray…but at the cost of what? Sophia I hope it works out ok. You’re beautiful!
unscannable said,
July 2, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Also a very good idea, thank you. I don’t think letting them into the air shortens the impact though, the idea being that the further they travel *outside* of the city, the more chance there that people who don’t frequent the city will see them and pick them up.
I will amend the page to include your advice. Thank you.
Henk From Belgium said,
July 2, 2009 at 9:00 pm
This is the best piece what is bin written latli about the revolution in Iran.
And I have to say that the media in europe is akting the same as they do in the U.S.A. Shame on the media
unscannable said,
July 2, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Thank you so much for your support Mary, every little thing we do helps!
donjoe said,
July 2, 2009 at 6:47 pm
You’re just kidding yourself. By the time they’re out of the city they’re also too high to be seen.
At least if you tie them down people can see them continuously until someone thinks of taking them down or cutting them loose (in which case you end up with the exact same thing you originally proposed, but only after a long period of additional visibility). Hell, some balloons may remain tied up there for DAYS, depending on where you put them.
Just make your string long enough for the balloon to rise above the average residential buildings and have a chance to be seen from far away.
unscannable said,
July 2, 2009 at 6:51 pm
No, the point is that when they *land* the messages attached to the balloons are there to be read by those curious enough to pick them up. The balloons themselves are just a method of transport for the message (did you even read the post?).
The point of releasing them into the sky is only partly visual impact, the media impact is much more important. It’s a continuation of a theme that has already been running.
Please, at least *try* to support what we are trying to do.
donjoe said,
July 2, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Again, you’re kidding yourself if you think you have any control over where the balloons are going to land. On a windy day they can all be blown out of the city to land in the fields and go to waste.
And in fact I _am_ trying to help – by telling you how _not_ to waste your effort and materials.
unscannable said,
July 2, 2009 at 8:01 pm
People have a choice in how to best support this using their own initiative. If someone lives in an area where releasing balloons is not going to be effective, then they are free to distribute the message in a way that *is* appropriate.
My Sister for example lives in London, where there’s little chance of her balloons landing in the middle of a field. Out here in the middle of Kansas we’ve already started making plans for several methods of distribution for the message, but even in areas such as you describe we still need to continue (and video) the releasing of these balloons in order to unify the media impact we can have. That is, after all, the purpose in this endeavor.
unscannable said,
July 2, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Absolutely! Any way we can generate public and press awareness will help. I love the idea of tying balloons up everywhere to be seen, too.
The ultimate goal is to get everyone talking about Iran again before the topic disappears entirely from the minds of reporters, politicians and the general public. I’m not American, but I am living literally in the middle of America, and you’d be surprised at the number of people I’ve spoken to who have *no* idea what is going on. One or two days of national press coverage is simply not enough. A certain major celebrity death has taken up the entire airtime every single day since it occurred.
Let’s change that!
unscannable said,
July 2, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Yes, I spoke to my Sister in London this afternoon who is doing what she can to gather people together for the 4th. She is having similar problems finding green balloons (and actually the demonstrations outside the Iranian embassy in London may have attributed to the shortage!). Instead she may either color white balloons, or write on them in support of Iran. The effect is the same whatever we do, so do whatever you can! Thank you!
unscannable said,
July 2, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Thank you for your comments NINJA, a very valid point and one that we have considered
Helium filled balloons do often burst in the atmosphere due to a reduction in pressure outside and an increase in pressure inside the balloon as it rises, but the counter-weight of the attached payload (the leaflet), the fact that the knot cannot be completely “air” (helium?) tight, and that the molecular structure of a latex balloon is not sufficient to prevent helium from escaping means it will take some considerable time to do so, if the balloon ever makes it high enough in the first place. The time it takes for the balloon to deflate and the distance it may travel is a good thing!
Perhaps we should suggest that people fill their balloons partly with air, and partly with Helium in order to ensure their safe return. What do you think?
unscannable said,
July 2, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Thank you for your input midgetqueen
Please don’t think that I haven’t considered these points *very* carefully when I put together this leaflet. It wasn’t an easy decision to make, and I spent many hours agonising over how I should approach this, and my decision to link this effort to the 4 July was manyfold. Let me explain:
– I didn’t want the American public to take offence to the hijacking of their day of celebration of independence, so I attempted to link (albeit weakly) this day with the plight of the Iranian people in a way that was as non-destructive, and as non-political as I could.
– I wanted to ensure that those who received the leaflet who are completely unaware of the situation in Iran could make some kind of connection to the message contained within it, without throwing it away as “garbage that is happening elsewhere that doesn’t affect me”. I am currently residing in the thick of middle America, so you can perhaps understand why that was a driving concern.
– I didn’t want the Iranian people to take offence and assume that I was trying to lay American democratic values upon them. I’m not even American, nor am I in any way patriotic (ask anyone who knows me personally) I just believe that the founding fathers of this country had some wise words to say that are still applicable today. Yes, their actions may have been questionable but their words alone remain.
– I didn’t want to give the Iranian government an(other) excuse to blame the USA (or the West) for interference, but at this point *anything* we (collectively, outside of Iran) do is bait for such accusations.
As such, I tried to aim straight down the middle and try to compromise between these goals. In some respects, the mix of both positive and negative responses is an indication that I may have succeeded in doing so, as a friend once said to me “A compromise is only a compromise if everybody loses something”, but I welcome constructive criticism if I have not. After all, we are all fighting for the same cause here!
Thank you for bringing this up. I hope I’ve been able to articulate myself sufficiently and satisfactorily. Please continue to discuss this if you feel I have not, as this page will stand here for posterity and to illustrate to those who believe either I, or the USA, or indeed the West in general has done this out of patriotism.
donjoe said,
July 2, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Too complicated. Besides, as I understand helium isn’t that easy to come by.
Simpler solution: fill them with warm/hot air. At first, because of the warmth, they rise, but after a while the air inside cools and they just might drift downward again (depending a lot on the initial temperature and the wind conditions).
Either that or put a very thin straw in the opening and tie the balloon’s mouth around it, so the hot air escapes very gradually, guaranteeing a return to the ground sooner or later.
unscannable said,
July 2, 2009 at 10:17 pm
What a fantastically brilliant idea. I’m not sure how practical it is, being that I suspect most people will take pre-filled balloons out with them (we probably will), but a good line of thinking.
I’ll keep pondering, we have a day to come up with something yet. Promise you will, too?
unscannable said,
July 3, 2009 at 2:09 am
Great advice, and especially relevant because if possible we don’t *want* the balloons to burst! Thank you!
erin said,
July 3, 2009 at 6:14 am
I do not agree, if the reach is to attain freedom in Iran, than, using the constitution is great. Too many “Powers” if you will are trying to diminish our Constitution and that which our freedom is based. I believe that we should hold firm, not sway with the wind, and proclaim that which has made the US what it is, We The People. Iranians have a voice, they need to be heard.
unscannable said,
July 3, 2009 at 6:21 am
The point that was brought up was a very valid one, which was that the USA is and has been very careful this time about pushing its values on other countries, which is a good thing. It’s not for the USA to determine what is and what is not the right type of government on behalf of other people, and I think I was possibly wrong in referencing the constitution when I created the flyer. This does not diminish the US constitution, but it is not really appropriate here because it is not how the Iranian people have chosen to run their country.
Whether they want to or not is another matter, but not one for us to influence (I’m not American, btw).
The point we are protesting has always been that the Iranian people need their votes to be fairly counted. It’s not for us to comment either directly or indirectly on their process of government.
unscannable said,
July 3, 2009 at 6:21 am
We look forward to your videos
Thank you!
unscannable said,
July 3, 2009 at 6:54 am
Thank you Mary, it means a great deal to have your support. Don’t forget to video if you can! (pictures are fine if not!)
unscannable said,
July 3, 2009 at 8:32 pm
That’s fantastic news! You guys are all rocking my world right now. Thank you, so much!
Mary Esther Salinas said,
July 4, 2009 at 2:29 am
I sure will and good luck. Right now i feel like were stuck on a time warp because the michael Jackson coverage never goes away. I mean that’s why we have entertainment news. i want to hear more world news and what’s happening around the world. Come on folks let’s help the living because the dead are in a better place and were still here fighting the evils of the world. I will not stop supporting the freedom seekers in Iran even if it takes decades or when i close my eyes forever in this world and then in transition become god’s worriors pertecting all freedom seekers of the world. Peace and have a great 4th of July Folks.
unscannable said,
July 4, 2009 at 11:48 am
That was beautiful, I just read it aloud to Athena and Tracy who have been up *all* night making leaflets to tie to the balloons and I could hardly read it I was choked.
Thank you for your support, we won’t let this subject die, and we won’t let the people in Iran be forgotten <3
Mary Esther Salinas said,
July 4, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Are you kidding me Fiaa, This is a beautiful poem. It gave me chills just while reading it. Have confidence in yourself and keep writing, It’s a self-expression, and you need to let it out in writing. Writing is an art and you have that talent. I’m sending a copy to all my friends. Peace be with you.
unscannable said,
July 4, 2009 at 3:16 pm
I think we may try continuing the Green Balloon Campaign on future days of revolution. Bastille day is next on July 14th. Do elaborate on your ideas though, balloons won’t always be relevant or practical!
Incidentally, we’ve started using the hashtag #gbcamp for all Green Balloon Campaign, please join us in that (was #gbc but it’s populated by at least 2 or 3 other groups)
Nerine said,
July 4, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Hopefully by Labor Day this will be over and the people of Iran will have their freedom! But sure, it’s a good idea in case this drags on.
Nerine said,
July 4, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Good point! You’re absolutely right of course.
Mary Esther Salinas said,
July 4, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Angie,
The news networks in the United States only cares about ratings. That’s why all you see on the news lately is Mical Jackson and i for one am sick of hearing the same thing over and over. There are innocent people being executed in Iran for nothing. Well don’t give up and try to get as many people involve as possible. Happy fourth of July.
Mary Esther Salinas said,
July 4, 2009 at 9:20 pm
As a proud, patriotic American. It makes me proud that many Iranians or Iranian-American or other nationalities to refrence our constitution. That’s why here, In America, we don’t play around with our constitution because we take that very seriously and will die for our constitution, never to be amended. Trust me, that constitution is what makes my country great. I hope one day, people that seek freedom, enjoy the same rights that i do. Keep the good work going. Peace
Mary Esther Salinas said,
July 4, 2009 at 9:28 pm
The constitution was made out of Ideas and then became Reality. Nothing happens overnight and it’s a struggle to see humanity abused of thier rights and imprisoned, executed, rape , or tortured just because they want thier vote counted. It saddens me to see so much pain and deat of the innocent people. Remember, we all were created by the same being. Im so proud of you unscannable.