RingOut.org

With the Republican National Convention nine weeks away, a diverse group of loosely aligned activist organizations is planning to yank New York City’s welcome mat out from under the delegates convening at Madison Square Garden from August 30 to September 2. There are over a hundred groups planning various direct action campaigns in and around the convention. While it would be impossible to keep track of each group, we will be introducing you to a different group each week leading up to the convention.—Matt Haber

Group: RingOut.org

Slogan: Ring out the Republicans! ("Ring out the old, ring in the new!/Ring out the false, ring in the true!/Ring in new leadership! Ring in protest!")

Purpose: "Bells represent alarm, anger, celebration, and solidarity. And a tolling for the dead," says Christian Herold, a founder and organizer of Ring Out.

"We were frustrated that the RNC wanted to have their convention here because we felt the Republicans have ignored the city." The group hopes to hand out 50,000 bells and will invite people to gather at a mass bell-ringing rally at Ground Zero on August 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. "The idea of surrounding the World Trade Center is a show of respect for the victims [of 9-11]. It's meant to be symbolic, not to be an assault. It's meant to be peaceful." There's also a call for individual bell ringing at 7:30 p.m. every night of the convention and there is talk of creating a national campaign to coincide with the convention.

Joining Up: "People are invited to get involved," says Herold. "Bring bells—the bigger the better!" Weekly meetings are being held up until the event. For information, visit ringout.org or email contact@ringout.org to receive updates.