Speak Up for the Environment!

CITIZEN ACTION DAY 2008 HOME EDITION

The weather outside is frightful but you can still have a say on the most important environmental issues of the day!

With this special home edition of Citizen Action Day you can find all of the resources you need to effectively lobby on the most important environmental issues facing the state today from the comfort of your own home.

 

1) The first thing you'll need to check out is our platform where you will find all the issues that the Vermont environmental community are focusing on this year.
2) Then check out the info sheets on all of the issues so you can get an idea of the best way to communicate with your legislators. click on the link below for the issues you are most interested in.
Energy & Climate Change
Smart Growth & Conservation
Protecting Vermont's Farms & Forest Lands
Protecting Vermont's Drinking Water
Environmental Enforcement
Housing
3) Get some great tips on how to best communicate with your legislator by checking out our handy Citizens Action Guide.
4) Once you've chosen one of the issues above go here and look up your legislators phone number and give them a call!

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If you'd still like to join us the information below is for you. But remember! Safety first, if it's too dangerous to drive don't risk it.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008 * 9:00 am - 2 pm
@
The Vermont State House in Montpelier
(click here for directions)

Register Online HERE!

Our platform
Why come?
Agenda for the day
Frequently Asked Questions

Activist Guide. Get a jump on the day with this comprehensive resource on all things related to environmental activism, includes instruction on how to lobby a representative, call a Senator, write an Editor and many many other actions. Download your copy here, don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or want to arrange a special training for your community!

Hosted By: Rural Vermont, VACV, VCE, VNRC, & VPIRG. With generous support from Ben & Jerry's

For More Information Contact:
E-Mail: Sean {at } VPIRG {dot} org
Phone: 802-223-8421 x6383

Our Platform

Check out our 2008 Conservation and Environmental Platform. You can download a copy of the platform by clicking here.

In the morning we'll brief you on key legislation connected to the platform, and provide you with specific talking points to help you convince your elected leaders to support each plank.

Why Come?

This February 13, 2008 at 9 a.m. in Rooms 10 and 11 at the Vermont State House don’t miss an important opportunity to join fellow Vermonters to call upon legislators to enact laws that will ensure that Vermont remains a healthy, prosperous, beautiful place.

As Big Box stores continue to drive out local businesses and erode community character; As we struggle to map out an energy future based on clean, safe and affordable supplies; As Vermont’s drinking water remains vulnerable to contamination and depletion: and As our magnificent farms and forests continue to be carved up and developed, concerned Vermonters must call on their leaders to take action.

Don’t Miss This Chance to:

  • Learn tips on how to talk with your legislators about the environmental issues
    you care about most and then go do it.
  • Set up a meeting and have lunch with your legislators.
  • Mingle with other concerned Vermonters.
  • Learn what conservation issues are hot this session.
  • Observe a floor debate.
  • Attend a committee meeting.

No prior State House experience is needed. Just show up between 9 and 10 a.m. in Room 11 at the State House. At that time, organizers of the event will brief attendees on key issues and lobbying techniques prior to meeting with legislators.

Agenda for the day:

9:00 - 10:00 -- Registration and check in
10:00- 10:10 -- Welcome
10:10 - 10:50 -- 2008 Environmental Legislative Agenda Overview
10:50 - 11:00 -- Power to the people - comments from Elizabeth Courtney, Vermont Natural Resources Council Director and Environmental Representative on the Governors Climate Change Commission
11:00 - 11:45 -- Lobby Training
11:45 - 1:00 -- Individual and group lobby meetings ( We'll help you set up meetings if you register online by clicking here)
1:00 - 2:00 -- Debrief: Share key insights you learned in your meeting. Network! And get inspired by a special guest speaker.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear?
Wear whatever suits you, but bear in mind that the Statehouse is a more formal place. We suggest something office casual or slightly more dressy. Otherwise, be comfy and warm! Environmentally theme shirts, sweaters, hats or other clothing are encouraged if you have them.

What do I need to bring?
1) Lunch, or about $5-$10 to buy food in the cafeteria (vegetarian options available).
2) Your sense of civic pride.
3) Comfortable shoes (sometimes you need to walk around a little to find your legislator).
4) A notepad or paper and a pen or a pencil. We'll also provide an information packet and have back-up paper and pens.

Do I need an appointment?
We'll set up meetings with you if you RSVP by clicking here, and all legislators have already been informed of the date. We're also setting up some meetings with members of key committees debating environmental legislation. So, no you don't need to do a thing. If you'd like to call your legislator and tell them you're coming as well, you can look them up here.