Organizer Updates
Below you will find the latest updates sent to organizers with tips & resources for preparing high-impact & fun actions to rally communities for 350 and build the climate movement!
[Dec 2nd 2009] Dear Organizers,
We're writing to you now because you've signed up to plan a Vigil for Survival during the massive weekend of action Dec 11th & 12th - less than two weeks away. You may be the organizer in the Philippines who's taking risks to light candles outside of the US embassy there. You could also be the organizers preparing to celebrate lights in the mountains surrounding Kathmandu, Nepal or perhaps you're among those getting ready to illuminate the beach on the capital island of Malé, in the Maldives.
Wherever you are on this small planet, Huge congrats on stepping up to the plate to bring together your community! As you know, these are urgent times - and you're one of among a select group of global citizens who see the real need for action and have decided to act to build towards a better world. You're doing highly applaudable work.
We wanted to check-in quickly and make sure you had the information you need to ensure your event is a success.
To support your organizing, we've just put the finishing touches on a fresh new Vigil Guide! This short guide is loaded with a number of tips & lessons veteran organizers have shared with us to bring together your community for effective climate action.
Below are a few items from the Vigil Guide you may want to knock off of your checklist as we get closer to action time:
1) Invite your friends (and make news ones) to get involved! Invite your friends, fellow students, neighbors, and local organizations to help in organizing your action. Think outside the box about who to reach out to - maybe the local church, mosque, synagogue, labor union, sports team, university, or arts cooperative would be interested in getting involved. The key is to put yourself out there, be personal & persuasive, and you'll build an action team in no time.
2) Find a location! To make the biggest impact, we sincerely hope you will gather your vigil outside your U.S. embassy/consulate or outside your senator's office if you're in the States. The US is bringing some of the lowest numbers to the global climate table; they're in all honesty, depressingly paltry. Yet this is a country whose people desperately want it to lead - and is well-positioned to do so if we demonstrate enough pressure.
You can find your local Senator's office here, and your local US Embassy here.
We understand that embassies and senate offices may not be possibilities for everyone. For other locations in your community, it's worth asking yourself, "Where do people gather, what makes for an eye-catching, photogenic setting in your town?" Depending on your location, you may need a permit, so make sure to look into this sooner rather than later.
3) Spread the word! One of the most important things you can do to ensure your event is a success is promote the heck out of it. The more people who attend, the more who learn about 350 and join the global call for climate action. We will do our best to get people to your event, although your local efforts will ultimately be what brings in the crowds. Getting on the local radio, submitting your event to the newspaper, and fliering the town are all great ways to get the word out. Invite everyone you know: parents, children, grandparents, and grandchildren to join you.
You can also help spread the word online by inviting all your friends to the global Vigils for Survival facebook event!
In the now famous climate change speech by President Nasheed of the Maldives, the President shared these words: "We want to shine a light, not loudly demand that others go first into the dark." With mere days days until world leaders descend in Denmark to determine how they will address the most important issue of our time, know this: you will be shining a light when those feeling the very real threat of climate change will need our support the most.
In a very real sense: You are the lightkeepers of this movement.
Stay tuned for another update early next week. Words don't express how grateful we are for your efforts !
We're also here to help you at every step of the way -- the most effective way to reach out is via email: Organizers@350.org
Onwards,
The 350.org Organizing Team
PS - A number of organizers have also written us with suggestions for powering all of our candlelit vigils with sustainable resources like soy & beeswax candles, and even solar-powered LED lights! Here are two online stores that should be able to help you make your vigil closer to carbon neutral. For candles made from soy wax, have a look at: www.candlebynight.co.uk. For beeswax candles, check out Big Dipper Wax Works. (Enter the code GREENTUESDAY during checkout to get 20% off.)
PPS - We really want to learn more about how you're organizing your community, but we're not the only ones. The whole world is waiting to be inspired by your stories. Can you blog, tweet, youtube, & Flickr your action as you get ready - to demonstrate the movement's incredible momentum and inspire others around the world to join you? We scan the web everyday for 350 related media and are excited to find and help promote your story!
[Nov 19th 2009] Dear Organizers,
It's been just three weeks since since you organized what CNN is calling the biggest day of political action in the planet's history. Except your actions didn't just make history, they helped change the course of the planet's future.
Please view this special thank you video from a delegate from Palau (a small, low-lying island nation) at the recent Barcelona climate conference. It's a powerful testament to how you've made 350 a reality in the negotiations for a global climate deal - and just in time as the world turns its attention to the pivotal UN Climate talks in Copenhagen just over two weeks away.
Now, some of you you may have heard some of the frustrating news this week. Here it is if you haven't:
Earlier this week Barack Obama and the leaders of some other large nations announced that they weren't going to reach any kind of legally binding climate agreement in Copenhagen--declaring that they need more time despite the five years of preparation they've already had.
We cannot accept such inaction without taking a stand. With the survival of entire countries is at stake, delay isn't an option. A country like the Maldives, the lowest country on the planet at about 1.5 meters above sea level, may not exist in a hundred years if we don't act now. For millions of people who are the world's most climate vulnerable, getting back to 350 as soon as we can means making it out alive.
So it's time for the next big steps. The world needs your help once more.
Our main hope is you will organize a candlelight vigil at some iconic or strategic place place near you on Friday or Saturday night, December 11th or 12th. Around the world people will gather to light lanterns or candles, in solemn solidarity with the citizens of those nations who will be first to face the challenge to their very survival posed by climate change.
Click here to register a Vigil For Survival in your community: www.350.org/vigil
Eventually all of us will be hard-pressed by rising seas, spreading drought, and temperatures too hot for growing food. But right now-this year, this decade-there are countries being pressed to the brink. They're at the forefront of a fight for real change in Copenhagen, and need your help to amplify their voice.
Some of these "Vigils for Survival" will take place at iconic places in communities all over the world. Others will be outside American consulates and embassies, and at senator's offices throughout the United States. Partly this is because the United States is, historically, the country most responsible for the carbon in our atmosphere. But more it's because America, if it chose, could lead the way to a sane global climate policy.
In a very real sense, the short-term survival of many nations, and the long-term health of the whole planet, rests in the hands of Obama and the United States Senate. Their positions, along with the level of leadership provided by the European Union, China and a few other nations, can make or break a global climate treaty. The decisions made by this small group of people will in large part determine whether or not the world forges a deal strong enough to pull us back from the brink of climate catastrophe. Their courage--or lack of it--will help set the future of the planet for geologic time.
You have proven that you know how to organize your friends, your neighbors, your community. You are a leader of a movement to transform our world. As we call on our leaders to show bold leadership, we have a great opportunity to show them how, by example.
We'll soon be e-mailing the entire 350 email list to sign-up for vigils around the world. Will you sign up to organize a vigil so we can connect them with you right away?
Onwards, with hope.
Bill McKibben for the whole 350.org Team
P.S. - The 350 team is busy preparing to go to Copenhagen, to represent and back up the 350 movement in full force. If you have a 350 banner you might be willing to spare (or create!), we would love to display them loud and proud in marches and at the conference center! We can't promise to get your banners back to you - but we do promise to help make sure they get the message across to world leaders.
Please pack and mail your banners to:
350.org
2150 Allston Way
Suite 340, David Brower Center
Berkeley, CA 94704
USA
-- Thank you!
[Oct 7th] Dear Organizers,
Just 16 days until the big day. And we mean BIG!
Things are crazy (in the best of ways) at 350 outposts around the globe. We're working in a flurry to make sure all of our actions have the most impact--a website re-launch is in the works for Oct. 24th, we're working on getting your photos projected at big screens at UN headquarters and at Times Square in New York, and we're planning a set of high-impact deliveries to get your photos and your messages to world leaders.
And every day our movement grows: right now, your action will be a part of a global mosaic of over 1,700 events in over 140 countries calling on world leaders to take a bold stand on climate change.
Now it's time take some of the final steps to ensure your actions (and our collective movement!) are a HUGE success. This week's list:
1 - *** Get Media Attention *** (by Bill McKibben)
2 - Invite Government Officials
3 - Organizer Calls with Bill McKibben
4 - Do it Yourself 350 Art Projects
Getting Media Attention - Written by Bill McKibben
We've recently compiled our best media outreach materials--from talking points to press releases to a complete guide to getting media coverage. Check them out at www.350.org/action-media
To spread our message far and wide, getting the attention of your local media is going to be absolutely crucial.
These are the people who can double and triple your impact. The first person to call and email (both is best!) is the nearest bureau of the Associated Press. You can look up your local news desk here. Tell them you're doing something interesting that you want to make sure gets covered, and then describe the event. And point out that it's going to be part of the most widespread day of political activity ever, with more than 140 nations involved--ask them to pass the word up the chain to the regional and national wire service offices.
Ask what reporter to be in touch with, and find out if they will do an "advance" story on your event, which will help draw interest. Then send a media advisory release to everyone you've talked to, and to the editors at every one of these operations. Then mark your calendar to make another round of such calls a week before the event, two days before, and the day before your event.
Early on the morning of the 24th, send a press release about your action -- here's a special 350 template you can use!
Always be completely gracious--you're trying to make allies here, and these people are busy, and in today's journalistic environment they're often overworked. Stress in advance how good the pictures or sounds are going to be. Be professional but excited--you want to make sure they get excited too!
***
Useful Media Links
- Media Advisory Template
- Press Release Template
- Talking Points
Nervous about reaching out the media? Check out the 3rd and final chapter of the Video Organizing Guide - and watch how Cesar pulls it off! http://bit.ly/1znWQG
Inviting your government officials is up there with getting media attention..
If we want 24 October to have as big an impact as possible, it's essential that we reach out to our local, regional, and national leaders. Depending on where you live, and what access you have to your government, invite your local mayor, representative, member of parliament, governor, climate change negotiator, or even environment minister. You never know who might be willing to show up and be a climate champion if you don't try to engage them!
Whoever you try to invite, just be sure to give them plenty of advanced notice, be polite, call back if you are not hearing from them, and maybe even visit their office to demonstrate how much you care about their participation.
Oct. 13th & Oct. 20th - Organizer Calls with Bill McKibben
Join 350.org Co-Founder and Director Bill Mckibben on an organizer-only call. We've scheduled two of them - one for each hemisphere. Bill's been traveling around the world - from Tel Aviv to Johannesburg to Oslo, spreading the word about 350. Get the latest updates from the 350 front lines and find out how your action is plugging into a truly global movement.
Details:
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 13th
Time: 10am San Francisco, 1pm New York, 6pm London
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 20th
Time: 1 pm London, 4 pm Beirut, 6:30 pm Delhi, 10 pm Tokyo
Telephone Number (US): 201-793-9022, Conference Room Number: 9465206
Or dial in with Skype (International): 9900827049465206
If you've heard Bill speak already, you know how inspiring his words can be. We hope you'll join us and invite your co-organizers, too!
NOTE: We currenly have capacity for 150 organizers to dial in on either call - so please reserve your spot by RSVPing here!
NEW: How to Make 350 Banners & Art Projects
The new How-to-Make-A-Banner Page will walk you through, step by step, the way to create a 350 banner to use during your Oct. 24th action. Creating your banner in a public space is a great way to get people curious about your event!
Also, check out the new Do-It-Yourself 350 Art Projects for more awesome 350 art ideas.
350 art makes for great photo opportunities, which is super important for communicating to your local media!
Woah, that was our biggest update yet. We're building towards the biggest and most impactful day of climate action the world has ever seen - so it seems fitting ;)
We are tremendously grateful for all of your hard work. As Oct. 24th approaches, we're excited and inspired by your efforts and the notes we've been getting about your actions-in-progress. In case you didn't know, this day is going to be AMAZING!
As always, e-mail us organizers@350.org if we can help.
Onwards,
The 350.org Team
P.S. - Our friends at The No Impact Project and The Huffington Post are launching a a one-week No Impact Experiment starting October 18th. This is a great opportunity to explore a low-carbon lifestyle and build momentum for your 350 event on 10/24! Click here for more information.
[Sep 30th] Hey Organizers,
With just 24 days left its time to roll up our collective sleeves and get to work.
We've been sharing updates with you,the amazing international 350 organizer crew, with tips on how to create a successful event on Oct. 24th. For those organizers who have recently signed up (and others who want to review), we're now compiling these updates here. All updates are based on the 9-step Organizing Guide --a document that may well be the single most important tool in the organizer's arsenal--and the clever and quirky Organizing Videos.
Bringing everyone together on October 24th for your event is crucial--not only to create a high-impact event that helps turn the tide on climate change, but also to gather with those in your community to create the bonds for a lasting climate movement.
So, for this update, we want to share some tips & resources for spreading the word and getting lots & lots of folks to show up to your action! Here's the breakdown:
Posting fliers on popular poles, bus stops, bulletins boards, etc. are a great way to reach out out to the different people in your community. Bring a friend and it becomes even more fun! To help you flier your town, we've created a poster you can edit online and print out to make your own.
For a copy, check out: http://www.350.org/action-resources
Social networks aren't all fun and games--you can use them to change the world.
It's really easy to create an Event Page via networks like Facebook - pointing people to your Action Page on 350.org.
Over 50 350.org organizers have created Facebook events around the world to reach beyond the choir--it's a great idea and you all should consider doign the same.
Whatever your favorite social network is, throw together an event and you'll make it easy for your friends to join you on Oct. 24th. Here's the link to create an event on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/editevent.php
(Note: If you're not internet/social-network savvy, maybe someone on your organizing crew is? Invite them to take this on!)
Also the 350 Organizers Facebook Group is hopping with over 350 350.org Organizers--which is confusing and amazing at the same time.
Join the fun and jump in the discussion threads with your questions, celebrations, & advice - http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=108785324695
3) - Newspaper Event Calendars, Craigslist, & Bulletin Boards, Local Community Organizations
Every community has an array of different ways and opportunities to promote local events - and that's a good thing. Chances are your local newspaper has a community calendar. Usually, you can submit your event for free on their websites - with about two weeks lead time. You should find instructions on their sites for submitting your action in the 'calendar/events' section.
Local organization newsletters can also be be a great way to get the word out. Nonprofits, civil society, church groups, school boards, have community newsletters (online & off) and may be more than happy to promote your climate action. All you gotta do is ask!
Have you seen the photos of people lining up their bodies to make the number 350? These photos and the message they convey are beautiful - and are a highly effective way to convey the most important number on earth to your media & world leaders.
Famed aerial art group, The Spectral Q crew, invite you to join in the 350 Aerial Art Mosaic Project. Sign up and receive an aerial art toolkit/manual and hook up with an aerial art coach to guide you - http://www.spectralq.com/350_Aerial_Art_Mosaic_Project.html
We know we've mentioned it before - but it's SO IMPORTANT. If you haven't already, make sure to update your Action Page on 350.org with the latest info. There are a bunch of benefits but basically people will be a lot more likely to sign up and attend your action when they see a more complete & up-to-date description.
It's easy to update your action - if you're already logged in, just navigate to your action page (you can find it at www.350.org/map and searching by lcoation). Once you've navigated to your action page, you should see an "edit" tab on top.
Or, if you're not logged in just log-in here: www.350.org/user
Once you've logged in, you'll be automatically redirected to your "action-edit" page, where you can make changes to your event posting.
Also, make sure to check out www.350.org/how for more info on how to manage your action page online.
From fliers to Facebook, to our google alerts overflowing with your events popping up online - we're excited to continue to build the buzz with you in the (few) weeks ahead. Your outreach efforts now will go a long way to ensuring your action is a huge and popular success on Oct. 24th. As always, do get in touch with us at organizers@350.org to let us know if there's anything we can do to help support your local climate activism.
Until next week!
Onwards,
The 350.org Team
[Sep 19th] UPDATE: New Video, RSVP Feature, & The 350 Organizers Facebook Group!
Dear Fearless Organizers,
We wrote you earlier this week, so we'll cut right to the chase for this e-mail--here are the crucial updates:
1) Organizing VIDEO Tutorial - Part #2
2) New RSVP Feature for Your Actions
3) UPDATE your info online
4) Join the FACEBOOK group for 350 organizers
1) Organizing VIDEO Tutorial - Part #2
Earlier this week, we shared Part 1 of the 350.org Video Organizing Series, and now we've got Part 2 right here: http://www.youtube.com/350org#play/all/uploads-all/1/7_px9wQ41Vs
It's a fast-paced 3-minute journey that gives you an overview of what's ahead. Over the coming weeks, we'll be in touch to send you the resources and tools that will help you follow the steps in the video.
2) New RSVP Feature for Your Actions
The first tool we want to share is something that's been in the works for a while: People can now register for your action through your action page on 350.org!
This much anticipated Action Registration Feature makes it easy for people to sign up for your events - and for you to get in touch with them. To see this feature in action - visit your action page and check out the RSVP form.
You'll be alerted via e-mail whenever anyone RSVPs to your event, and you can log into 350.org to send a message to people that have signed up. You might want to send them event reminders, calls to action, and potential volunteer recruitment.
Just a note though: the vast majority of people who attend your action will not RSVP in advance. Putting up fliers in your community and getting the word out in other ways is how you'll get most people to show up. Many people will never even visit the 350.org website-- so don't despair if you don't receive a lot of RSVPs!
To make the Action Registration Feature really work for you, make sure you've updated your action with the latest details. The more complete and updated your actions are - the more likely you'll be able to excite people and inspire them to attend. It's easy to update your action - just log-in here: www.350.org/user
Once you've logged in, you'll be automatically redirected to your "action-edit" page, where you can make changes to your event posting.
Here are some tips to help you create a strong, compelling page for your Oct. 24th event:
1 - Location & Time
Where do you want people to meet? Would directions help? Let people know so they know where and how to show up. While we encourage all actions to happen on or close to Oct. 24th - the time your action starts and ends is up to you. Add this info so people know when to arrive (and leave) and can schedule your action into their calendars.
2 - Description
Perhaps most key, is your description. What will your action be about? Are there special speakers? Is there a schedule of events? What activities are happening and what will people be expected to do? Dance, cycle, snorkel, build a human sculpture, rally, create art, whatever it is - you can let them know via your Action Page's Description.
Updating your page is ongoing process - the idea is to keep it fresh and include the latest information as you get closer to the big day. As you figure out your action's details, you may also discover some logistics to take care of. Different kinds of actions will have different logistical requirements. It's good to identify the ones that require a bit of time first. From experience, we know that things like getting a permit for a public location are definitely worth getting a head start on.
4) Join the FACEBOOK group for 350 organizers
We hear from organizers every week about the great experiences you're having organizing your actions. Your stories are what inspire us to keep pushing this movement forward. We want to share these stories - to move them out of our inboxes and into the open - to inspire your organizing.
So for all of you Facebook users, we've created a Facebook Group to help organizers connect with each other - to share stories, ask questions, and see the beautiful faces working to save our planet. Please join us here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=108785324695
We're looking forward to seeing a bunch of updated actions pop-up on 350.org and joining in the conversation in the Facebook Group.
As always, do get in touch with us at organizers@350.org to let us know if there's anything we can do to help support your local climate activism.
Onwards,
The 350.org Team
[Sep 14th] Organizer UPDATE: New Video, Action Checklist, And Crucial Links:
Greetings 350 Organizers!
Can you believe there's only 6 weeks left until the Climate Day on 24 October!? It's coming up soon, and we can sure feel the excitement building as we charge ahead.
You've stepped up to organize an action on the International Day of Climate Action -- we'll be in touch a lot more over the next two months to support your organizing and ensure our contributions add up to a day that makes a real impact. Over 1,400 actions are now planned in over 110 countries around the world--so your contribution will be a part of a much larger global movement.
We want to kick things off with the first in a series of video organizing guides! Check it out here -- and follow Cesar & Julia as they plan, dance, and find friends to save the world: www.350.org/organizing-video-guides
After you check out part 1 of this video series - see where you are with this checklist, taken from the 9-Step Plan. (www.350.org/9steps)
[ ] Idea for action, and your action location
[ ] Friends and support organizations (to help make your action a success!)
One or two boxes left unchecked? That's Okay - We're here to help!
Seeking inspiration? Check out these Action Ideas (www.350.org/action-ideas) for over a dozen different ideas for your local event. What will most benefit this movement are ways to take the number 350 and make it come alive in your community. Big or small is up to you - we just ask that you be creative and have fun!
Looking for a location? Where do people gather, what makes for an eye-catching, photogenic setting in your town? Remember - we're going to ask for photos of your actions to link them together with others from all over the world and deliver a powerful message to the media & world leaders! Depending on your location, you may need a permit, so make sure to look into this sooner rather than later.
Looking for friends to help plan and participate in your action? Roommates, fellow students, friends, neighbors, and local organizations are all great allies. Put up some posters announcing your next organizing meeting. Social networks, newspapers, and bulletin boards are also great ways to reach out & find help. Put yourself out there and don't underestimate the drawing power of stopping the climate crisis.
While there is good news sprouting, frustrations are growing every day around the upcoming UN climate conference in Copenhagen. As climate negotiations stall and expectations for a strong global treaty diminish, our voices need to be heard now more than ever.
We hope this email finds you well - and helps you re-ignite your efforts to create what may be the biggest and most impactful day of climate action the world has yet to see. Expect an exclusive organizer email at least once per week through 24 October..
Together, we're going to plan and prepare, and in a fantastic flourish we will show the world the bold action we need to get our climate back on track.
Onwards,
The 350.org Team
P.S. - As always, let us know if there are ways we can support you and other organizers on the ground - organizers@350.org. We've also included some links below that we hope will help you as you charge ahead with your organizing.
USEFUL ORGANIZER LINKS:
- A login link to manage your action online: www.350.org/user
- A link to reset your password if you can't login: www.350.org/user/password
- Frequently asked questions about managing your action web page online: www.350.org/how
- The 9-step plan: a condensed list for how to start your action: www.350.org/9steps
- An activist guide that goes in-depth about 350 organizing: www.350.org/activist-guide
- From posters to presentations, we've collected our action resources here: www.350.org/action-resources
- Frequently asked questions about action organizing: www.350.org/action-faqs
The Science of 350
Scientists say that 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere is the safe limit for humanity. Learn more about 350 – what it means, where it came from, and how to get there. Read More »
Featured Updates
Getting to work in 2010: Our new plans....
With ideas and input from thousands of organizers from around the world, we've formed a strategic action plan for 2010...Read Post »
Not Done Yet.
You've always counted on us to tell the truth, and it would be useless to pretend we're happy with the outcome of the Copenhagen climate talks.... Read Post »
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