The Answer

Massive attitude and lifestyle shifts will be needed to wean from fossil fuels:
1.) Increase energy efficiency in households, businesses, institutions, etc.
2.) Wean from fossil fuel use to alternatives and renewables.

Our plan of attack involves enlisting the support of other organizations and groups, going directly to government officials, and generating public support. This plan involves multiple simultaneous and ongoing efforts.



Coordination of other activist groups

There are numerous other related activist groups. We are working to touch base with them and enlist their support. In turn, we can support their issues.
Identification of Key Stakeholders

These are groups that should be concerned with the various impacts of energy issues, such as health, economic, political, etc. Some examples are (but by no means limited to): American Medical Association, American Nurses Association, American Lung Association, University Environmental Programs, Local Entrepreneurs, Church Groups, Neighborhood Associations, and Political Action Committees. We will approach them and ask them to add their support. This gives us much more leverage politically, while increasing awareness in their niches.


Campaign Actions:
Government:
Meetings/ actions to obtain cooperation:
• Members of City Council
• Mayor’s office
• County Executive


Once we have official cooperation, we can take specific issues to appropriate bureaus/ departments: Building & zoning dept, planning, Business services, Environmental Commission, Bureau of housing and project development, etc.

Education/ Outreach
Our message approach will be saving money with efficient products and publicizing programs like tax breaks, energy star grants, and the new programs we will convince the city to institute. The keys here are proper framing of the message and message repetition. We also need to get the word out to businesses that new efficient technology is going to be extremely profitable, create jobs, and save them money.

An educated public will be more likely to hold government and businesses accountable for their policies and actions. Public demand should create demand for responsible energy policy. Government can encourage green energy and business through subsidies and tax breaks, while penalizing polluting energy sources. Policies can set building codes and other standards to increase efficiency (like California's cap on standby wattage). Laws should protect public health.


How to educate people on actions (http://newyork.sierraclub.org/rochester/master_list.htm) that increase efficiency:

Direct campaigns:

• Program for schools
• Standardized presentation for community events/ forums/ groups that all members can use
• Presentations for institutions like hospitals, schools, etc to convince them efficiency works
• Outreach/ networking to reach new audiences (ex- church groups).

Print media:
• Editorials
• Articles
• Possible regular energy feature in D&C

Television:
• City station/ public access
• News stations

Green Business
Talk with business leaders to find out what they need government to do; how we can help


Agriculture
Increase awareness of co-ops, importance of local food. Use our influence in government to make sure programs thrive.
• Dialogue with local farmers and co-op leaders
• Encourage use of local food in schools, other institutions
• Church-based farmers markets using WIC money http://www.thenation.com/docprem.mhtml?i=20061127&s=winne

Sprawl/ Community Planning/ City Revitalization
Gather ideas; develop plan; use our influence with government to get it done.
Possible resources:
• Departments of planning and development
• Smart Growth coalition http://www.ggw.org/sgc/