What happens after we win campus victories for clean energy? Will this really lead to stopping global warming? It will if we build on these victories and leverage them into new energy policies for our cities, states, and eventually, our entire country.
Campuses are leading the way to a clean energy future, and we need to make sure that our political leaders, from the local to the national level, know about it We need to make sure they understand the potential that clean energy has and start making it a reality in all our communities.
How can we make this happen? By educating local leaders about what we’re doing them and involving them in our victories.
Invite your local leaders to join you to learn about climate change on campus -
Hold a forum on campus that includes education about global warming, clean energy, and solutions that can be implemented on the local level. Invite speakers from local environmental groups, knowledgeable professors, or nationally known activists, writers, and leaders.
Invite your mayor, city council members, state Representatives or state Senators, or members of Congress to take part in this event. Invite them to talk to the group about what they are doing regarding energy issues - the chance to speak to their constituents can hold strong appeal to them. Put them on a panel with the other speakers so that they are sure to hear about global warming and energy solutions. While they are there, ask them what their plan is to stop global warming, what they will do to promote clean energy, and invite them to join you in calling on your administration to take action!
You might be surprised at how little your elected officials know about global warming, clean energy, and the common-sense solutions that we can implement at every level! Simply educating them is the first step to creating solutions.
Meet with your local leaders to discuss your campaign -
Set up a meeting with your mayor, city council members, state Representatives and Senators, and members of Congress (when on Congressional recess) or their aides to talk with them about the campaign that you are engaged in.
Tell them why you personally are so concerned about global warming and why it is so important that America work towards a clean energy future. Share with them recent media coverage of how serious global warming could be, to make sure that they see it. Tell them about your campaign on campus, and ask them for their support in urging your administration to take action for clean energy. Ask them what they are doing at the local, state, or national level to stop global warming and promote clean energy (to create good jobs, secure our nation, clean our air, and more!).
Publicize your victories -
When you win your campus campaign and your school implements clean energy solutions, work to make this a the beginning of a cascade of action! Talk to your administration about how they can work with the local government to expand on what the college is doing. Meet with your local and state officials to tell them what your college is doing as an example of what can be done at the local and state level. Invite the media to cover your victory so that the general public learns about what your campus is doing and sees that stopping global warming is possible through common-sense solutions that are easily available.
