We just thought it was complicated last week. Now things get hairy.
Talking points:
1. Who is invited? I want to be loud and clear here. AB's, wheelers, the neighbor who is tired of mowing your lawn for you, your kids, your parents. Chinese and Canadians too.I'm not the boss but I feel strongly on this. It is too hard for a lot of the wheelers to participate, unfortunately. I'm grateful for every AB that cares to represent one of us.
2. WHO thinks they can make it? We need this info to know which legislators to schedule appointments with.
3. We need to distill our mission. The GMHC says this: "Focus on the key issues. Don't arrive with a grocery list. When you have discussed the issues you want to discuss, give someone else the chance to speak." So when we split up and meet with our legislators, we all bear the same message.
4. Do we plan to meet with people already on our side or take on those opposed? (Aside from our regional reps.) Assuming for the moment that our goal is simply passage of the CRPA, the CRPF website has a list of legislators in favor and those not in favor or opposed. After we meet with our local people, do we reconvene and all meet up with a few key guys?
5. My only problem with t-shirts is that it is recommended to dress up somewhat when meeting with legislators. I find it true in the world in general, when I look better people treat me better.
6. Do we need a committee? We all have email, im capability, we should be able to run this as if we all lived next door to one another.
7. It would be good if one person for each state represented would "take charge" for that state...making and confirming appointments, writing and sending thank-you notes. See below...
"Before the meeting: Schedule and confirm all legislative appointments ahead of time: send a letter requesting an appointment, include the names of who will attend, and the issues you want to discuss. Then follow up with a phone call to the office scheduler."
"After: Immediately after the meeting, make notes on what was discussed and what your legislator agreed to do.Follow up the meeting with a thank-you letter that summarizes your understanding of what your legislator has agreed to do. Remind him or her that you are available as a resource. Always send separate letters to any staff member(s) you met, and make it a point to keep in contact with them."
8. Route for March? (Thanks, Suzanne.) One that I found by googling is "...protesters gathered on Constitution Avenue near the Washington Monument. Protesters marched down Constitution Avenue, circled the White House, walked through downtown Washington and returned to where they began."
9. Time? March in the morning, lobby in the afternoon?
10. Where to all meet up? Any D.C. locals, please pitch in here.
Note to everybody: Please note that Suzanne Poon and her husband have most kindly offered to pick up the hotel bill for 10 sci's. If money is an issue (and when is it not?) you'll never get a better opportunity to make a difference. Props to Suzanne, you go, girl.
More?
"You need to march. You need to demand action. You need to stop feeling unempowered and do something...Freedom is your right. Until you claim your self-confidence and know your worth, no one will give it to you. It starts with you."-LetsGo
[This message was edited by Betheny on 01-22-05 at 04:41 PM.]
[This message was edited by Betheny on 01-22-05 at 04:43 PM.]
[This message was edited by Betheny on 01-25-05 at 03:55 PM.]
