Vote Locally to Slow Global Warming
The People’s Climate March is a success – as a march. But long term success depends on what participants do when they get home.
One option is to do what the Nuclear Freeze Movement did: Organize lots of local votes on Freeze Resolutions. For the Freeze Movement, the votes engaged and educated large numbers, and ultimately put pressure on leaders to slow the arms race. The same can be done for climate change.
Sponsor a Curb Climate Change Resolution at your municipal legislative body.
You might use one like that drafted below, worded to easily get broad support.
National, lobbied leaders ignore the voice of the people. But people can make their voices heard by promoting such a resolution. If lots of local resolutions are passed, sufficient pressure will mount for national action, overcoming the resistance of oil interests.
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Call to Curb Climate Change
To protect current and future generations, we call on governmental institutions at all levels to curb climate change. Specifically, they should 1) take legislative and executive actions to reduce carbon emissions, and 2) support the passage of a strong, global, legally-binding and universal agreement on climate at the UN Paris Conference in 2015. These are pivotal parts of humanity’s meeting its responsibility to care for the planet.
In a Pew poll in 39 countries, respondents saw climate change as the #1 threat to their country. But governments are doing little about it. This resolution can be a way for the public to make their demands heard. It can be offered for vote at municipal, state, national and international governmental bodies.
Steps for Sponsoring a Curb Climate Change Resolution at your municipal legislative body.
It’s not hard. It’s energizing. It’s satisfying. It’s fun.
1. Form an organizing committee. Divide responsibilities.
2. Research, plan, and anticipate arguments on issues.
3. Find out the procedure for introducing a resolution in your municipal legislative body.
4. Frame the resolution as in the interests of all.
5. Build a diverse coalition.
6. Talk with influencers and decision makers.
7. Introduce the resolution.
8. Gain public support using personal networks, media, social networks, meetings, dialog circles, and conversations.
9. Prepare presentations for the deciding legislative meeting.
10. Celebrate a victory for the planet.
11. Publicize it.
12. Share your lessons with other communities.
Resources:
• http://peoplesclimate.org/global-resources/#guide Organizing guide
• http://ourcommunities.org/ResolutionHowTo2.pdf How to pass a resolution
• http://www.everyday-democracy.org/dialogue-to-change/organizing#.VB4jTfldXh4 Tips and resources for organizers
• http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0100-0199/0166/Sections/0166.041.html Example of state statutes
• http://website-pace.net/documents/10643/110596/20131112-ClimateChange-EN.pdf/04ee927c-75c6-4163-8df3-591cc0dec2d4 UN proposed agreement on climate for 2015
• http://citizensclimatelobby.org/ Lobbying
• http://www.usclimatenetwork.org/hot-topics/climate-polling Latest polls