Activism Archives ⋆ Page 3 of 4 ⋆ Reclaim Democracy!

Volunteer

July 17, 2012 by staff

Reclaim Democracy depends on the efforts of volunteers in almost every realm of our work. You can help! Here are a few of the ongoing opportunities. If you are interested in helping, please visit our “contact us” page or email us at info@reclaimdemocracy.org.

Writing & Editing

Research – We always need research assistance and most can be done on the web, but access to library research material is sometimes needed.
Write Articles – Knowledge or research of current issues related to our goals and strong persuasive writing skills are required. Most articles for our web site or newsletter also appear in major print media. For skilled writers, we will help develop and market your writing. Please send us at least one published clip. 6-50 hours per article.
Spanish Translation – For individuals proficient in English to Spanish translation, we aim to translate much more of our material. Translations can be done at the convenience of volunteers via e-mail.

Grassroots Outreach / Fundraising

Tabling – Represent us at above-mentioned fairs, festivals, and other venues. Good speaking skills and knowledge of our work is required (a few hours of reading). ~ 3 – 12 hours / event.
Host an informational / fundraising party – The best source of new activists and donors is through our existing supporters. Let your friends, neighbors and others know about our work.We’ll provide plenty of support to help.
Schedule a Local Presentation – Bring a ReclaimDemocracy.org speaker to your community. This can be a great way to jump-start local organizing. Contact us to learn more.
Organize / Participate in a Chapter / Local Working Group – May include some of the following: place posters around towns, write letters to local papers, set up slide shows locally, or work towards city/county resolutions. See our “What You Can Do” primer for more ideas.

Research

Varies constantly–please inquire.

In-office Opportunities (for those near Bozeman, MT)

General Office Help – Answer calls, help with research, perform essential administrative tasks. Minimum commitment: 4 hours / week, 3 months. Regularly scheduled weekly. Opportunities for paid employment after 3-4 months of reliable work.

We also seek help from volunteers with specialized skills, including: accounting, fundraising, web design, graphic design, cartoonists, computer troubleshooters and more. Contact us to learn more.

Tips for Effective Calls to Talk Radio

July 17, 2012 by staff

Talk radio is a great venue for groups to shift public opinion and where everyone can learn effective communication. To deliver your message clearly and powerfully:

Familiarize yourself with the program before calling, especially if the host holds opposing views to the one you’re delivering. If you think the host may be antagonistic, learn points of agreement you can use as a “launching pad”

Cater to the audience: speak their language and know their perspective

Focus on one main message and make the messages consistent across the members of your group

Stories/emotion + facts/reason = persuasion; integrate an element of each, especially if your audience is not already on your side. In that situation especially, a compelling story is powerful

Know your sources; be prepared cite to a source that’s respected by that show’s audience

Be concise and direct; make your case quickly (most callers get less than one minute), but speak in real sentences and not just sound bites. Skip any greetings or pleasantries (e.g., “how are you doing?”) and go straight to the topic

Practice your 30-50 second pitch out loud, and repeat until you can do it smoothly and comfortably; keep a few bullet points (not a script) in front of you if that helps (no one will see you looking!)

Be prepared for the screener. If the show is open to all views or the host is sympathetic, just make your quick pitch. If you don’t normally hear views that dissent from the hosts’, be aware that you may need to bluff to get on the air. In this case, starting with a point of agreement with host can be critical

Make sure you have time to wait and turn off your radio when cued by the screener

Listen to the show from the start, when you plan to call and get in the queue early. If possible, plan with an ally to tag-team with calls during the same hour to reinforce the first call.

Direct people to your preferred source for more information and action; articulate it clearly and repeat it if possible

Close with a clear call to action, if applicable

Also…

Try humor and modesty when communicating with others

Use a calm, confident voice; a positive tone attracts people to your ideas

Avoid long pauses; hosts hate dead air

Remember your real target: the listeners; don’t try to “win” an argument with the host. Focus on the message you want listeners to take away or the action you want them to take

Befriend the host; even host with starkly differing views may come to appreciate a respectful and well-prepared antagonist; pay them a genuine compliment when possible and let them know you listen

Take notes a soon as you hang up to improve your performance next time. You often can stream recent episodes on a show’s website.

Have fun!

Other Tools for Activism

Writing Effective Letters to the Editor

Write Effective Op-eds & Get Them Published

Writing Effective Letters to the Editor

July 16, 2012 by staff

By Jeff Milchen

Letters in newspapers and magazines are prime forums for getting your message to a wide audience. These tips will help increase the likelihood of your letters to the editor (LTEs) published and maximize their impact.

Do:

For most publications, respond directly to a recently published article or commentary. Follow the target publication’s norm, but a typical response format is: Re “Talking With the Taxman,” (news, Jan. 13). Your report neglected one key fact… Small local papers may allow writers to raise an issue without responding directly to something published.

Focus on one important point and don’t try to address multiple issues in one letter. Be sure to follow the publication’s guidelines and word count limit (up to 250 words is common for local papers, but some larger publications demand shorter letters).

Maximize your chance of being published by removing every non-essential word. For example, don’t say, “I think…” It’s obvious. This also minimizes the chance of editors changing the letter.

Use verified facts. Take the time to check original sources rather than repeating a “fact” cited in another media outlet.

Create immediacy by indicating how readers will be impacted by the issue you’re addressing.

Balance criticism with a positive call to action. This includes your elected representatives — by including their names in the letter and asking for action, you can get their attention. Point people to a source for information or to engage when practical.

Speak in the language and literacy level of the publication’s readers. Envision a person you seek to influence when writing. This will help focus your message better than writing for “everyone.”

When writing to your local newspaper in smaller towns or cities, follow up with a polite phone inquiry about its status if it doesn’t appear within a few days.

E-mail your letter in the body of the email (never send unsolicited attachments) and put “Letter re: your topic or article name” in the subject line. If you wish to copy others or submit to more than one publication, do so in a separate email. Include your address and phone for verification.

Pay attention to letters and comments by others. Note effective and ineffective approaches (especially letters that argue a position you oppose), style, length, etc.

Don’t limit yourself to critiquing articles. A story that reports favorably on your group or issue presents a great opportunity to repeat a key point while adding one of your own. This also helps build the perception of being a positively-focused group.

If your target publication includes links in letters published online, seize the opportunity to expose readers to preferred sources or your organization.

Use quotation marks to indicate the title of an article. Most newspapers don’t use italics or bold in the body (and never all caps).

Have someone proofread your letter before submitting it— ideally before reading the original article. Why? Many readers won’t recall the original or never read it, so your letter should stand on its own.

Magazines: Acceptable lengths for letters in magazines vary widely, so look for guidelines and observe the magazine’s range and style. Many magazines tend to be read by like-minded people, rather than the broader cross-sections of newspaper readers. Consider the typical reader and keep her in mind.

Use active, concise language. Strong writing uses descriptive nouns and active, informative verbs. Activating language eliminates almost every instance of “to be” (has, have, is, was, be, been, were) Each time you find one of these words in your draft, reword your sentence with active verbs. Similarly, the word “that” is rarely necessary. The Elements of Style is an excellent guide to clear, concise writing.

Include a title of 3-8 words. Editors will rarely use your exact wording, but your suggestion makes it more likely they’ll choose a framing you like.

Avoid:

Don’t overstate/exaggerate your points. One overstatement makes every following point suspect.

Don’t name-call or insult your opponents.

Avoid jargon or acronyms (spell out any name the first time you use it, followed by the acronym in parentheses).

Don’t consider your effort a failure if your letter to the editor isn’t used in large publications, even the best letters face long odds. Each LTE is read and plays a role in molding the thinking and selection of the editors.

Other Resources

Strunk & White’s The Elements of Style, a great writers guide
Tips for Effective Calls to Talk Radio
Write Effective Op-eds & Get Them Published

The creator of this primer, Jeff Milchen, previously directed Reclaim Democracy!

Primers

July 16, 2012 by staff

Reclaim Democracy’s primers contain many additional resource references as well as concise, focused introductions to issues we address. They’re great education/outreach tools and all may be freely copied and distributed in their unaltered form.

Note: all these items are pdfs (portable document format) to enable you to print flyers of distribution quality. We’re happy to send a top-quality master if you plan to distribute large quantities (we can insert your local contact information). Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view these flyers.

What You Can Do (To Revive Democracy and Revoke Corporate Power)
a collection of ideas and resource references for both individual and group action.

Corporate History Primer
our surprising history of citizens wielding authority over corporations holds many keys to progress.

Inherent Rules of Corporate Behavior
Understanding the nature of corporations a prerequisite for effective strategy development and action. This primer is an excellent starting point.

Recommended Reading List
suggests books, periodicals, and videos for information on corporations and democracy

Resources Available from Reclaim Democracy
lists of all of the materials available on this page + books and action kits we distribute (includes ordering coupon). Legal size document.

What Would Democratic Elections Look Like?
offers an overview of eleven core changes needed to realize democracy

Issues and Legal Precedent in State Campaign Finance Reform
a five-page introduction to developing local and state campaign reform, with a model state initiative.

Establishing Debates to Serve Democracy
the why and how of our campaign to establish the Citizens’ Debate Commission

Model Resolution to Free Democracy from Corporate Control and Amend the Constitution

March 3, 2011 by staff

Last updated March 3, 2011

This model resolution has been used in multiple communities, most recently the city of Richmond, CA (pop 105,000), where it passed 6-0 on March 1, 2011 (with some additions). A local member involved in pushing this effort, Phoebe Anne Jorgenson, reported “The mayor and each of the Councilmembers in attendance spoke quite knowledgeably and eloquently in favor of a constitutional amendment to abolish corporate personhood and to establish that money isn’t speech. They added two clauses quoting Justice Stevens’ Citizens United v FEC dissent and ‘when freedom to speak is equated with freedom to spend money, millions…are disenfranchised, thus denying their full rights…’ Public comment was also riveting, passionate!” We hope to access a video recording soon.

This template can be used to help grow the movement and get other communities to take this stand. It can be used with City Councils, County Boards of Supervisors, etc. Convincing a sympathetic official to put this on a meeting agenda is a great first step, then launch a campaign to generate calls and letters from constituents of the officials who will be voting. Outreach help is available from ReclaimDemocracy.org and organizations linked below.

Resolution to Free Democracy from Corporate Control

Whereas, the U.S. Supreme Court has granted corporations personhood status, free speech and other protections guaranteed to living humans by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment, yet historically corporations were created as artificial entities that were subordinate to our democracy, the_____________________ considers it to be our right and duty to assert that corporations are not natural persons with human rights but artificial entities created by our government; and

Whereas, although some corporations make important contributions to our society, they are required by law to put profit ahead of any other concern, can exist simultaneously in many nations, and use court granted “corporate rights” to get laws that threaten corporate profits weakened or overturned, even when those laws protect people and communities; and

Whereas, the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 ruling in Citizens United v. the Federal Election Commission threatens our democracy by rolling back limits on corporate spending in electoral campaigns, allowing torrents of corporate money to drown out the voices of “We the People”; and Whereas, a Washington Post – ABC News poll found that 80% of Americans oppose the Citizens United ruling (Democrats 85%, Republicans 76%, Independents 81%) and a Harris poll found that 87% think big companies have too much influence in Washington; and

Whereas, U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Patrick Leahy stated that the Citizens United ruling “will allow major corporations – who should have law written to control their effect on America – to instead control America;” and former Republican senator Warren Rudman wrote, “Supreme Court opinion notwithstanding, corporations are not defined as people under the Constitution, and free speech can hardly be called free when only the rich are heard.”

Therefore, Be It Resolved that the_______________________ calls for freeing democracy from corporate control by amending the U.S. Constitution to establish that: 1. Money is not speech. 2. Corporations are not natural persons and not entitled to constitutional rights. 3. Regulations passed by Congress or state legislatures to reclaim democracy by limiting political expenditures by any corporation, limited liability entity, or other corporate entity shall not be an infringement of the First Amendment.

Be It Further Resolved, that the_____________________ requests that our elected representatives introduce a constitutional amendment that contains all of these principles, or introduce motions to include these principles in related constitutional amendments (HJRes 74, SJRes 28, Ca HJRes 3.)

Be It Further Resolved, that the _____________________ calls on other communities to join the movement to amend the U.S. Constitution in actions that defend our right to self-governance.

Be It Finally Resolved, that the _____________________ directs that this Resolution be posted on its web site and sent to U.S. President Barack Obama, the leaders of the U.S. House and Senate majority and minority, the Jusdiciary committee chair, our U.S. Senators______________________ _____and Congressperson______________________, our Governor _____________________, our State Legislators and all local media outlets.

The Why’s and How’s of Resolutions:

Why it is useful to convince City Councils, Boards of Supervisors, County Boards, Labor Councils, and other bodies to pass symbolic, non-binding Resolutions:

Resolutions increase public awareness during the lobbying campaign that precedes passage and after passage (with thorough publicity efforts). One community’s success often inspires others.
Public pressure gets results. The movement to divest from apartheid South Africa started in one city and spread, as did economic sanctions on the regime in Burma, eventually becoming national policy. Trade reps gave up on the MAI (Multilateral Agreement on Investments, a harsh precursor to NAFTA) after many cities passed Resolutions in opposition in the U.S. and internationally. An organizational letter carries more weight than a note from one constituent.
Resolutions may help get a related legally binding ordinance passed later by setting the groundwork and getting officials on the record as supporting democratic principles and opposing corporate personhood and money as speech.

How to Get a Resolution Adopted

It is not necessary to master the history of corporate personhood. The silver lining of the Supreme Court ruling against the Federal Elections Commission in 2010 is that public awareness is now at an all-time high. Mainstream America has understood for years that corporations have too much power. Now a large majority is concerned that the Supreme Court gave corporations more power to buy elections, and agrees that corporations should not be considered to be legal persons and that money should not be considered to be speech.

Many organizations and politicians are now using this as a fund-raising opportunity because it resonates with their members or constituents.

To get your City Council to pass a local version of the Model Resolution, fill in the blanks and set up appointments with a few Council members individually, ideally with someone who helped his or her campaign. There may be a related local issue that can be added as a Whereas clause. Point out ways in which the corporate undermining of democracy adversely affects the lives of local residents.

Create e-mail and flyers inviting public comment at the meeting and advance lobbying. Make it easy for people to write or e-mail by providing addresses, talking points, and brief sample letters for them to paraphrase/personalize. Speak to religious institutions, environmental groups, labor, and other entities. See Move to Amend’s “Pass a local resolution” page for much more.

There’s a RAT in the Appropriations Bill

December 22, 2004 by staff

By Jeff Milchen
Published December 22, 2004

Editor’s Note: This article was first written for Writers on the Range, the wire service of High County News. This edit varies slightly from the original.

Would you still call your town library “public” if a private corporation was allowed to manage the books your taxes paid for, then charged you a fee to borrow them? Thanks to a provision slipped into the latest federal spending bill, we may soon ask that question about our public lands.

Just hours before the vote on a $388 billion, 3000-plus page spending bill, Rep. Ralph Regula (R-OH) and Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) inserted a rider — meaning no debate or vote is possible on the item — authorizing five federal agencies to create and extend recreation access fees on most public lands for the next decade.

The sleazy tactic avoided an unwinnable vote on a wildly unpopular program. Now access fees can be collected on 600 million acres of our public land — an area six times the size of Montana .

These fees are more than a nuisance tax; they undermine the very idea of these lands as public. By expanding opportunities for private profit, while requiring land managers to provide human-made “improvements” or service to justify charging a fee, the law could accelerate rapidly the commercialization of our legacy.

Until 1996, charging access fees was expressly prohibited on most federal land, with the exception of National Parks and developed boating or campground facilities. But during the 1990s, Congress slashed funding for federal lands upkeep, creating a budget “crisis” rife with opportunity for groups like the American Recreation Coalition — a consortium of advocacy groups and corporations which profit from operating campgrounds, concessions and motorized recreation equipment. The ARC lobbied intensively for “public-private partnerships” and touted user fees as a funding source.

After Rep. Regula first failed to pass the recreation tax in the House in 1996, he inserted a rider into the appropriations bill, where fees became law with virtually no public awareness. Begun as a two-year test at a limited number of sites, the program widely known as “Fee Demo” was extended via the rider tactic several more times. The latest rider would remove most limits and make visiting your public land without paying a required fee a crime, punishable by up to six months in prison or a $5,000 fine.

Critics like Scott Silver of Wild Wilderness say it’s time to name the fees honestly as Recreation Access Taxes, or RATs.

Until now, the tax’s uncertain future limited exploitation of public lands, but with the decade-long guarantee of RATs, the recreation industry will push aggressively to exploit new profit opportunities. Already, federal documents raise the possibility of new marinas, hotels, and even theme parks. Public lands managers now dependent on user fees will be put in a bind: the fees, touted as a supplement to existing spending, merely enable further cuts in appropriated funds.

The Forest Service reported $39 million in 2003 Fee Demo revenue and claim 80 percent of funds go to improve conditions where they’re collected. Those claims are contradicted by the General Accounting Office, which documented the new bureaucracy for collection, enforcement and commissions as consuming about half of all revenue.

Paying $5 to hike may not burden everyone, but the fees are demonstrably exclusive. Almost one quarter of families with incomes under $30,000 said they were deterred from using fee areas, according to the Forest Service’s own survey.

The greater threat, however, is removing the limits to commercialism that have kept much public land an oasis for human enjoyment and protected habitat for thousands of species. According to the latest available data, taxpayers fork over almost half a billion dollars annually to subsidize Forest Service logging operations. The recreation industry recognizes similar opportunities to profit from taxpayers’ subsidization. That library analogy becomes more vivid when you consider that hundreds of Forest Service campgrounds, built with our taxes, already are corporate-run, complete with a monopoly on reservations by Ticketmaster.

Thankfully, the RAT rider by Regula and Stevens angered even many fellow Republicans, including many powerful western Senators, and a bill to reverse the RAT is likely in early 2005.

Citizens who care for our shared treasure should speak out now and insist on reversing Fee Demo once Congress reconvenes. For if the access taxes continue for 10 years, our opportunity may be gone forever. By then, many people will have forgotten that our public lands are a birthright to enjoy and protect, not a commodity.

The writer directs ReclaimDemocracy.org

For a more detailed article on the problems with recreation access taxes, see Is This Land Our Land?

Where are the corporatizers heading? See this 2005 report from the Houston Chronicle.

As bad as the RAT bill was, the Forest Service has gone beyond the law to further commercialize our public lands, as detailed by Western Slope No Fee Coalition.

For additional background information and updates, please see the websites of Wild Wilderness or Keep the Sespe Wild.