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THE MAY/JUNE PROJECT: Civic Lobbying for Global Solutions |
The May/June Partners Project is all about lobbying your local congressional offices. Why get involved in the public policy process? Why should we educate voters and candidates? Because of what public policy can mean for our communities and the world. From Climate Change to Peacekeeping, there is movement right now around global issues on Capitol Hill. We're asking YOU to help make sure Congress moves in the right direction. |
GETTING STARTED IS EASY:
- First, listen to highlights from the Partners for Global Change conference call.
(You may also want to view the teleconference call handout (PDF) while you listen).
- Once you're caught up, read the directions for how to participate in the May/June project
- Contact us if you're relatively new at this or need a little extra help preparing for your lobby visit! We're standing by to offer our support. Email us: outreach@globalsolutions.org if you have questions, need to find more people in your area to lobby with, have other ideas about this project, or if you run into trouble scheduling your visit(s).
Listen to the May 12, 2007 Conference Call:
Missed the call? No problem, you can catch up on-line. Listen in and learn more about this month's project.
Host
- Valerie Schrock, Director, Outreach and Advocacy, Citizens for Global Solutions
- Jessica Brown, Manager, Outreach & Advocacy, Citizens for Global Solutions
- Becca Brown, Program Manager, Citizens for Global Solutions
- Don Kraus, Executive Vice President, Government Relations, Citizens for Global Solutions
- Ron Glossop, Saint Louis Chapter, Citizens for Global Solutions
- Yvonne Logan, Saint Louis Chapter, Citizens for Global Solutions
Audio Clips of the Call:
MAY 2007 TELECONFERENCE AUDIO TRACKS (1-16)
1) Valerie Schrock: Welcome and Intro for Jessica Brown
2) Jessica Brown: Update on Youth Advocacy Projects
3) Valerie SchrocK: Update on 'End Torture' Campaign
LEGISLATIVE OVERVIEW:
4) Valerie SchrocK: Intro for Don Kraus & Becca Brown
5) Becca Brown: Overview of Energy Policies
6) Becca Brown: Climate Change Bill [S.Res.30]
7) Becca Brown: End Oil Aid Bill [H.Res.1886]
8) Don Kraus: 2008 International Affairs Budget
9) Don Kraus: International Criminal Court
10) Don Kraus: Emergency Peacekeeping [H.Res.213]
11) Don Kraus: Peacekeeping Cap Removal [S.392]
12) Don Kraus: Law of the Sea Treaty
13) Don Kraus: Conclusion - The Big Picture
INFORMATION ABOUT LOBBYING:
14) Valerie Schrock: May/June Project & Next Speakers
15) Ron Glossop & Yvonne Logan: Lobbying Tips
16) Valerie SchrocK: Wrap-up & Final Announcements
Directions for how to participate in the May/June project
1) Pick ONE or TWO (at most!) issues that you would like to lobby on. Click here to read up on the issues available to lobby on (Or go directly to your key issue:
BACKGROUND: Curbing Climate Change (House AND Senate bills exist)
DOWNLOAD: Climate Change Lobby Packet Materials [PDF]
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BACKGROUND: Ending "Oil Aid" Abroad (House bill)
DOWNLOAD: Oil Aid Lobby Packet Materials [PDF]
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BACKGROUND: Supporting Global Peacekeeping (Senate bill)
DOWNLOAD: Peacekeeping Lobby Packet Materials [PDF]
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BACKGROUND: Establishing an "Emergency Peacekeeping Service" at the UN (House bill)
DOWNLOAD: UN Emergency Peacekeeping Lobby Packet Materials [PDF]
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BACKGROUND: Passing the 'Law of the Sea' Treaty (Senate issue)
DOWNLOAD: Law of the Sea Lobby Packet Materials [PDF]
2) Form a small group to help you conduct your lobby visit. If you're already part of a Global Solutions Chapter, then organize a meeting to work out the details. If you are an individual and need help finding other like-minded individuals in your area to help you, contact us and we'll help you find the right people: outreach[at]globalsolutions.org3) Set Up Your Lobby Meeting: Scheduling meetings can take more than one call. Don't give up! To make an appointment, simply look up the number for your local district office in your local phone book. When you call the office, ask for the scheduler and tell him/her that you would like to meet with your Member of Congress. If it is impossible to meet directly with your representative/senator, then ask to meet with the staffer who works on international issues. A SAMPLE LETTER IS AVAILABLE HERE: Use the letter to construct your Fax/Email to schedule a lobby visit.
4) Prepare for your lobby visit. Make sure that you have all the materials that you need. Walk through the lobby visit with other group members to decide who will be speaking at different times throughout the visit. Print out extra copies of your materials (especially the 1-page fact sheet to leave behind with the person you meet with) and be sure to read through everything. All materials can be found on this page .
5) Have a great visit and tell us how it went! Keep us in the loop. We work with many Congressional offices -- they are all unique. Much of our "insight" into how to communicate most effectively with different offices comes from the things that folks learn and share with us at the grassroots level. Email us: outreach[at]globalsolutions.org or call us: Valerie Schrock: 202-546-3950 x114 to tell us how your visit went!
If you get stuck at any point, we’re here to help! Email us at outreach[at]globalsolutions.org or call us at: 202-546-3950 x114
NEXT PARTNERS FOR GLOBAL CHANGE TELECONFERENCE CALL:
1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
1-800-391-2548
Verbal Passcode: VA317855
*If you have ideas for call topics or requests for special projects, please send your ideas to: outreach[at]globalsolutions.org
About 'Partners'
The Partners for Global Change network is made up of ordinary citizens and grassroots activists (of all ages and all levels of activist experience) who are committed to affecting global change by taking action in their own communities.
Six times a year, our Partners participate in a nationwide teleconference call. These calls focus on grassroots projects such as: lobbying an elected official, hosting a house party, or writing opinion pieces and getting them published in local newspapers. Projects can be as easy as making phone calls to local leaders, as involved as planning a town hall meeting, or as creative as making a short video. Whatever the issue, whatever the project, there is opportunity for everyone to be a part of real global change.
Still want more answers or ready to join?
Contact us: outreach[at]globalsolutions.org
Phone: 202 546 3950 x114
Past Projects
Just because the Partners worked hard on other projects months ago doesn't mean they're out of date. Check out some of the past projects below. If any of them jump out at you, give us a shout and we'll get you started on your own project.
May/June 2007
Lobby your elected officials on the issues that matter to you!
+ Online page link
+ May/June [PDF]
March/April 2007
Write a poem, grab a camera, submit your video! Participate in the Spring 2007 Virtual Poetry Slam Contest. Tell the world what you think of U.S. torture and interrogation tactics.on
+ Online Page Link
+ Mar/Apr [PDF]January/February 2007 - Sign a petition telling your Senators and
Representatives America stands above torture! Get your friends to sign it, too.
+ Jan/Feb [PDF]November/December 2006 - Be the first to order your 2007 Flash-in-a-box toolkits. Visit your local high schools and colleges to spread the word!
+ Nov/Dec [PDF]September/October 2006 - It's election time! Show your support to local candidates and incumbents!
+ Sep/Oct [PDF]July/August 2006- Learn how to talk to your friends about the International Criminal Court.
+ Jul/Aug [PDF]
+ Aug mailing [PDF]May/June 2006 - Host a Flash Party!
+ May/Jun [PDF]March/April 2006- Tell us how your local leaders are doing.
+ Mar/Apr [PDF]January/February 2006 - Take action for a 21st Century United Nations.
November/December 2006 - Ask your mayor to sign the Urban Environmental Accords.
+ Jan/Feb [PDF]
+ Nov/Dec [PDF]
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