My post last week introduced an exciting process for us to build an electoral campaign from the ground up – I’m back to report that it’s working, that we are starting to see the results, and to share with you some next steps!
The basic idea is that (1) in communities across the country we are having discussions on what we hope to achieve moving forward — for many of us this would build off our Define Our Decade events and discussions — (2) then we are having statewide discussions to develop collective goals, objectives and talk coordination, and finally (3) we’ll pull it all together on a conference call (RSVP!) for each state to share their ideas, discuss how to weave our efforts together, and make plans to work with and support one another.
Based on a few reportbacks I’ve heard, people are really narrowing in on how we can use the election to build power and support behind our issues. Whether it’s offshore oil drilling in Florida, or clean energy opportunities in the coalfields of West Virginia, people are identifying the most important issues to work on that will inspire lots of people to engage. And the discussion isn’t just about turning people out to vote, there’s talk of bird-dogging candidates, running spoof corporations for office to expose the influence of dirty money on politics, and other creative tactics!
A few state network discussions have already happened, but there are a bunch more planned (and it’s not too late to plan your own)! Check out the listing below, and http://www.energyactioncoalition.org/BuildOurElectoralCampaign for updates.
- April 8 – West Virginia Youth Action League
- April 8-11 – Florida Student Lobby Day and Leadership Planning Summit
- April 12 - Midwest Electoral Call
- April 16 – Maryland Student Climate Coalition Lobby Day and Visioning Bonanza
- April 16-18 – Electoral Discusstion at Power Shift New York Regional Summit
- April 19 – SEN Southeast Regional (NC, SC, FL, GA, TN, AL, MS, LA) Electoral Call
- April 21 – Virginia Climate Action Network State-wide Call
My first foray into grassroots organizing was with a budding state network in planning the 2008 Massachusetts Power Shift Conference. Riding on the momentum and excitement of Power Shift 2007, youth around the state gathered to plan an ambitious conference that would apply pressure on the Massachusetts legislature, to support the Global Warming Solutions Act. On the weekend of April 12th 2008, youth from around the state gathered in the Capitol to attend a conference highlighting state issues and create cohesion among youth leaders. The weekend culminated in a media-garnering press event, as well as a slew of lobby visits to members of the Massachusetts legislature. The state bill, which called for 80% reductions in CO2 emissions by 2050 successfully passed that spring, and affirmed Massachusetts’ position as a leader on climate action. And in the efforts of this network haven’t stopped: the Leadership Campaign is pushing for 100% clean electricity by 2020 and has a big sleepout planned for this Earth Day.
This is all to say, that I am a firm believer in the power of state networks to zero in on local issues, organize to make real changes, and set the mark for real ambitious goals for our generation.
This year, 2010, the beginning of a fresh decade, we have the opportunity to redefine how our political leadership is addressing the climate crisis. All around the country, members of Congress and some Senators will be facing off with competitors, working to build the support of key constituencies on a host of issues. It is a golden opportunity to bring our ideas, solutions, visions and demands to the public, media, and candidates, and change the course of our country. Our local campaign and victories can bring our movement into the national spotlight. This fall, we are poised to propel youth into a position of real power. We will do this by rooting it in our communities, building strong relationships and developing leadership, launching bold, savvy campaigns to shut down coal plants, bring new clean energy jobs to our towns, get green fees on our campuses, and make our state officials true leaders in the national climate debate.
Where do state networks come in? Elections are an amazing occasion to coordinate state efforts. Statewide action unites and amplifies our local work and allows us to demonstrate our collective power. State networks are an incredible resource and skills-sharing vehicles, engaging leaders across the state. They also showcase the talent and savvy of youth, bringing us into decision-making and leadership roles. By reaching out broadly and building deep leadership in our states, we can tap into our local goals while creating a strong youth voter bloc to hold our elected officials accountable.
This is just the beginning of our coordination and collaboration. At the end of the summer, we’ll have the chance to meet one another, build skills, dig deeper into our plans, and roll up our sleeves at a national training. It’s not too late to join the effort; if you are interested in starting the conversation in your state, joining a national dialogue among states, or participating in the summer training, please visit http://energyactioncoalition.org/BuildOurElectoralCampaign
I am so excited and so ready to see what our generation can accomplish this first year of the new decade, in our states, our communities, and in the national political landscape. I personally can’t wait to sit down with friends and fellow organizers from Maryland to articulate what kind of change we’d like to see in our state, and how we plan to use the fall to mobilize and build power around these issues. I look forward to sharing our stories and celebrating our victories with other states from New Mexico to New Hampshire, this year and in the years to come!
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