Mass Power Shift
Group-led versus revolutionary change.
Leave a Comment
The government is solid. Recently, there was a contest on Whitehouse.gov for GreenGov, how the country can go sustainable. They received a ton of responses to the initiative, on which everyone with a federal .gov or .fed email account had to submit votes for the best ideas to implement a full sustainability plan by June of next year, many of which are actionable immediately. Watch the meeting here: your-greengov-ideas.html Our ideas are being listened to, and the President’s priorities are in place.
People are good. Already, we’ve found that here at the frontlines in Massachusetts, (not just) young people are ready to give up time, money, or comfort for the cause of global environmental sustainability. These are the basic tenants that you need to give up in business, economics, or sociology to have a national will.
The solution lies there. It does. You can see some of my research on the commercial feasibility of clean energy designs in my other posts, but things that can participate in by the people are number one. My next post is going to be on the strategy of social change, bottom up (revolutionary) versus top-down (political mandate) sustainability and who’s going to win out. [ANSWER:) Both]
History’s evidence.
In all cases, having a healthy sense of historical context is good to correct any unrealistic presumptions. 1. Things happen when they are a priority to people; they give the time to make sure that it’s implemented. 2. Most of the work is in implementation, that is the real physical processes of business: who gives what to whom, how does it get there and what is the application to finish the job. 3. We are in an unprecedented time for the environment. What we decide in the next 50 years really will go down in history as either a mitigation or disaster management story.
4. In almost all cases, it is the youth that lead social change. We are not alone here, or misguided in any way. If the younger generation feels that it’s a priority, that means that the necessary steps for democracy occur. For example, from the bottom left can come the protests, from the top come the reforms. From the young come the ideas (now, submit online at http://www.whitehouse.gov/), and from our super-awesome rockstar politician president come the executive mandates! (Like for a federal sustainability program by next June at the latest, that he already DID 
Choose an approach.
A: Marxist start. The fuel of this world system is the labor of the poor. We have to mobilize the proletariat, as its called, to live and serve by doing manual labor to implement anything in local or national solutions.
B: Capitalist start. You have to work within the system to create change. Starts under the premise that change must be necessary for it to be possible, a new clean energy future mandated by strict cap-and-trade law. Professionalism, how you look and who you represent, becomes a real factor here.
C. Change comes from within. I am seriously looking at my own life here. If you believe that being healthy and sustainable is the most important thing, I hope to remind you that it starts in the choices you make every day. Life doesn’t require anyone else, and it’s okay to opt out of anything that makes you uncomfortable. But stay informed as the most important thing, please!
The three don’t necessarily get along, and I’m a little worried actually about the [conflict] emerging within my own group , maybe for the next post on change!
Maximize power. Here are more basic steps on what you can do.
Accept responsibility to compromise: Listen to the people around you, even especially the ones with a soft voice.
People like visuals. People also like food. Start here in your planning.
Expect results, but be flexible with your goals. And the methods on how to get there.
Conclusion:
Change, I’ve learned, also doesn’t happen from within a vacuum. This is a common mistake which includes a 300-person “Hillarycare” drafting session, the 2-person small office at Small Planet, or a 8-person closed steering committee over one summer trying to solve “the world’s” problems. It doesn’t come from the left (see previous posts!), or the right (link). But requires both. If you are in charge of outreach or communications, how much can you forget what you think you know and move towards reality. That’s where the chance to save our future lies at.
I am going to keep working on it, and hope that you continue to follow on the bright path ahead. Now, to the sleepout! http://theleadershipcampaign.org/participate !
Other posts: Http://Eddiemill.WordPress
Twitter microblog: Twitter.com/EddieMill
Twitter for my campaign: Twitter.com/theLCampaign
Facebook: Facebook.com/Eddiemill
Leadership camping best practice
Leave a Comment
Hello leaders, we found this out at BU. When we had bread and a small camping stove set up as a center of our camp, it brought about twice as many supporters in to the site. These supporters were often interested in what we were doing, and sometimes able to sign our clipboard and join us the next night. Here’s how we doubled support in one night:
1. Scope out bakeries in your area. Panera is what I went with because it is on the way and closes at 10 which is when we start the S-Os. Go by during the day.
2. Ask if they usually give away their extra bread at the end of the day. If they don’t, and they bake the bread there, they’ll usually be throwing a lot out.
3. Get a number of a night manager you can contact, thank them, and then call that night. Tell them that you were hoping to confirm the donation of extra bread and pastries, and go by either just before close or up to 30min later.
If done properly, you are going to have a lot of bread for your event. We got donations of wrapped baguettes, loose bread, pastries, donuts, bagels, and sweets. (The Blondies were delicious). We were able to have open boxes and plenty to share around. It was a source of community and friendly gesture to the people who were interested in the campaign.
I hope to follow up with Panera now to arrange a weekly schedule pickup. From just one load with 2 volunteers (we couldn’t carry it all!), we could support the S-O for two days.
Next up: figuring out coffee donations. Stay tuned for more from BU!
-Eddie
Community Outreach,
Tuesday Night Site Coordinator @ BU
440-935-5434
MAPS Blog!
Leave a Comment
This is the Massachusetts Power Shift (aka MAPS) official weblog of the site. Here we will document the internal workings and campaign updates from within MAPS. It is an open blog to members and campus leaders, also open to development by the greater climate change community as well. Please bookmark: http://mapsblog.wordpress.com/
MAPS is currently in retreat on the coast of Hull, Mass. There are 16 leaders in attendance from 12 colleges in the network, planning an intensive fall campaign around the December 7th Copenhagen meetings. Among the topics discussed we’re finding our current political context, influence tactics, anti-oppression, web media and the fall organizing campaign. The campaign will be kicking off in 2 weeks with emergency meetings across different campuses, and a regional training for anyone who wants to join on the 19th of September.
Other resources to contact MAPS includes:
Email a regional coordinator
Join the mailing list: Massachusetts Power Shift on Wiggio.com. This is our primary mailing list: massachusettspowershift@wiggiomail.com and group manager: craigaltemose@gmail.com.
Plan to come to a statewide training event: October 3rd for regional hub trainings and September 19th for campus event planning.
Follow us on Twitter.
Eddie Miller
Trainings coordinator, MAPS
facebook.com/eddiemill
want something posted? eddiemill@gmail.com
Job Opportunities (Paid and volunteer) to Organize for Power Shift 09
Leave a Comment
The Power Shift ‘09 Steering Committee has created the following
structure of sub-committees to guide the planning of Power Shift ‘09.
Each of the following 5 sub-committees are led by co-chairs (one
coalition staff member and one coalition student). Each Sub-committee
ultimately reports to the Steering Committee, which is made up of both
staff and students.
Take a look at the Roles & Responsibilities document for a full
description of what each sub-committee is tasked to work on, and how
sub-committee members will be involved in Power Shift 09 planning.
How to join:
All calls are open to anyone who wants to join, however we are asking
for individuals who can make a COMMITMENT to regular participation.
If you can participate regularly in the call time listed below for the
sub-committee you are interested in contributing to, please complete
this QUICK form.
SUB-COMMITTEE CALL TIMES & CONTACT INFO.:
(NOTE: Call times may vary or be postponed during the week of the
election. Contact the co-chairs directly for call information, or
they will be in touch with you if you complete the above form).
Agenda & Program Sub-Committee:
Co-Chairs:
Kari Fulton (Staff), 202-210-1766, karifulton85@gmail.com
Rachel Guillory (Student), 985-768-8997, rachelleighguillory@gmail.com
Call Time: Sunday, 8pm Eastern
Outreach & Recruitment Sub-Committee:
Co-Chairs:
Jolea Bryant (Staff), 404-312-2860, BryantJ@nwf.org
Caroline Henderson (Student), 603-355-7039, chenderson07@gmail.com
Call Time: Tuesday, 2pm Eastern
Media & Communications Sub-Committee:
Co-Chairs:
Tommaso Boggia (Staff), 202-478-6322, tboggia@americanprogress.com
James Liao (Student), 202-841-8033, ebrealm@gmail.com
Call Time: Tuesday, 5pm Eastern (next call, due to election Friday,
Nov. 7th at noon Eastern)
March 2nd (Lobby Day, Rally, Actions, etc.) Sub-Committee:
Co-Chairs:
Christine Irvine (Staff), 704-813-3361, christinem.irvine@gmail.com
Aaron French (Student), 402-990-4170, french.aaron@gmail.com
Call Time: Tuesday, 3pm Eastern
Fundraising Sub-Committee:
Co-Chairs:
Liz Veazey (Staff), 865-637-6055 x17 (work), liz.veazey@gmail.com
Gabrielle Arrington (Student), 404-245-1988, garrington2@gmail.com
Call Time: Tuesday, 2pm Eastern
PAID POSITIONS UNDER THE BREAK. Do the words “Power Shift 2009 Coordinator” ring any bells to you?
90% of young people globally want action on Climate Change
Leave a Comment
A recently released UN study polled young people age 12-18 in six different countries, finding that 90% agree that “World leaders should do whatever it takes to tackle climate change”.
Here’s a graph:
That’s a pretty cool number. Especially seeing as young people are the leaders of the future, and voters a la Power Vote, this is a number we can use in our effort.
Original report, United Nations Environment Programme: http://www.unep.org/pdf/survey_results.pdf
Cool survey? yes. Browse it, use it.
The Green Jobs Piece
2 Comments
Van Jones, the climate champion of San Diego-based Green 4 All (http://www.green4all.org), has brought to the mainstream the idea of Green Jobs. He has recently published a book on the phenomenon, which is on the path to becoming a New York Times Bestseller: http://www.vanjones.net/page.php?pageid=2. This concept has been sweeping the nation as a way to revitalize our economy, and it’s an idea interesting enough to really spend some time thinking about.
What is a Green Job?
In advocating for these changes in renewable energy, cutting fossil fuel consumption, and stopping the threat of climate change, so-called “green collar jobs” is the workforce that will make it happen. In building retrogrades, installing renewables, and community green space additions there could be 8 million, 12 million, and 6 million jobs requiring more than a high school, less than a college degree. It’s a new middle class workforce, working together to solve problems we need to as a race anyways.
Integrating the concept:
Van Jone’s message perfectly complements the legislative-side organizing for climate change by coming from a different angle with broader appeal. It ties the realities of climate change with a failing economy, and proposes a new solution to get out of the crisis. Green Jobs will work for a lot of people, and with a little legislative push, renewable energy companies are waiting to get to work. Let’s help out to make this a political, economic, and business possibility.
It’s important that we hold new “green” energy companies accountable for sustainable labor practices, as well as police the environmental impact of their work. “Greenwashing” cannot be allowed to happen in this area, as isn’t working together to build this new economy part of our vision? The nature of the work is more skilled than factory work, and provides jobs in high tech manufacturing right here in the US.
If you’re interested in learning more about the topic, Van Jones’ website is probably the number 1 source in the country right now:
Check out more about his book (and order it) at:
http://www.vanjones.net/page.php?pageid=2
And use this message when you need it for anyone who’s frustrated with the way things are going:
“Green Jobs are how we are going to rebuild our new energy economy. A green-collar job is new middle-class work that would be created in fields like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green building technologies. It’s important that we not only solve climate change, but also repower our economy and communities in a just way as well.”
–
Eddie Miller
Boston University ‘10
emiller@bu.edu
Soconetwork.org
Leave a Comment
http://www.soconetwork.org/
***************
The SoCo Network Launch
Ever felt there are many more students around town who are also active in social causes but didn’t know how to connect with them?
SoCo Network is a Socially Conscious network for individuals and groups in the Boston area. This is a tool to share ideas, events and other inspiring news and to create a community on a regional level.
Join us and create a profile for you and your organization. Share news about your events and initiatives and connect with other students and community members also working to better our society.
http://www.soconetwork.org
*****
Networks forming around Massachusetts!
Leave a Comment
This past week and a half has been an exciting one for Massachusetts Power Shift.
Our network launch day had attendance of over 35 people, representing 22 different campuses and organizations at Northeastern University. The morning featured a discussion with Modern Industrial Revolution, a Northeastern-based group working to make Boston into the first climate-neutral city. After an invigorating hour-and-a-half brainstorm, the MAPS network kicked in for a campaign presentation and Power Vote trainings from the leaders of the movement. Everyone left with bags of materials, business cards in pockets, and the inspiration to charge through 6 weeks to the election.
This weekend offered more surprises from the Boston climate movement. Along with Green Jobs Now! day of action across the country, Boston schools collaborated to represent Power Vote and MAPS at 2 festivals, a Green Jobs event, and the BioTour concert series in Boston. Combined count of over 400 pledges for clean energy, and connections that will last throughout the year.
With regional networks forming, a campaign taking place, and the election only 5 weeks away, this is an exciting time to be in Massachusetts Power Shift. Make sure to sign up for our newsletter, coming soon!
Don’t stop,
-Eddie Miller
Boston University ‘10
Boston Regional Coordinator, Massachusetts Power Shift
Drill, Baby, Drill: A response to the opening of Alaska’s wildlife
2 Comments
Original New York Times link: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/15/opinion/15hahn.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=drill,%20baby,%20drill&st=cse&oref=slogin
The whole debate on drilling for oil seems to be a debate on short-term versus systemic thinking in policy decisions. On the one hand, 11 billion barrels can be had if we open restricted offshore areas. At most, this money would benefit American companies and prove that we still have the ability to support ourselves. In the public’s opinion, it would lower gas prices. In reality, though, it would prolong reliance on a dirty fossil fuel whose production time has peaked, when we really need to be spending our efforts in developing long-range alternatives. There is no future in oil… the cycle is a one-way process coming from energy in the dinosaur era. How much of our “non-use values” do we want to give up in bandaging a dying industry?
In fact, the decision was made to open the restricted areas to drilling. To be expected, as it was becoming more and more politically infeasible to stand up against the demands of American voters and the oil industry. The only other point to be made is that these areas are restricted for a reason, some of the most beautiful and pristine areas left in our country. Where is our environmental self-discipline if these protected areas are repealed when we feel the slightest pressure, for benefits that are negligible in any period other than this election? Spending on other environmental areas can’t really make up for the loss of such a park, the ideological battle we’ve lost.
It is a classic case of lack of representation, as environmental lobbyists alone cannot represent the benefit to the future of a park and the wildlife of Alaska. Politicians who ultimately made the decision are accountable foremost to their voters, as they should be. Oil companies are responsible to their profit lines, as they should be. “Non-use values” are difficult to quantify and end up being idealized and externalized, I just wish there was a better way to protect the park.
-Eddie Miller
BU ‘10
Campaign Team, Mass Power Shift
Power Vote
Leave a Comment
You can’t ignore it. Every headline, TV newsflash, and cover story is saturated with the upcoming elections. Young people are coming out strong for a candidate, but where is our voice on the issues?
For climate change, this is our moment. Scientists tell us the leadership in the next few years will decide the future of our climate and the fate of millions. We MUST voice the undeniable relationship between our energy choices and the future of the economy, national security, and domestic affairs! We CAN define the terms of this debate. That’s why we’re launching POWER VOTE.
Check it out now at: www.powervote.org.
Power Vote is our chance to lead the world towards a just, clean energy economy that moves beyond dirty energy, in a just way, and secures our climate. It’s our chance to retake our democracy from powerful corporate interests and return it to our best interest. With 1 million young people united in support, we can tip an election.
It has to be now.
Massachusetts Power Shift is helping to bring this revolution to Massachusetts. With the power of tons of colleges statewide, we feel that Massachusetts can really own this campaign this fall. There’s trainings, materials, and toolkits available on the website to help you succeed, and a network of top-tier youth organizers dedicated to our success. In the coming weeks up to the election, let’s rock this.
-Eddie Miller
BU ‘10
Chair of Communications, Massachusetts Power Shift
