PowerVote

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PowerVote!

• A Seven-Point Pledge for
• Green Progress

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The Pledge Summary

• PowerVote is a non-partisan campaign.
• The seven-point pledge is a set of seven specific
  green goals that we want elected officials to
  pursue, regardless of party affiliation.
• The seventh point applies to the GW community,
  specifically.
• Signing the pledge is not a commitment to vote
  for a certain candidate rather, it is an
  agreement to open dialogue with elected officials
  and promote green issues.

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1) Invest in Green Jobs

• Invest in millions of new green jobs.
• This will strengthen the middle class and create
  new pathways out of poverty for millions more.
• By retooling our factories, revamping our
  schools, and rebuilding our communities, we can
  create a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous
  future for all.
• How will green jobs create socio-economic
  changes?

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2) Invest in a Clean Energy Economy (Industry)

• Unleash American ingenuity and launch a new wave
  of affordable clean energy technology.
• More federal and private investments in public
  transit, ultra-efficient vehicles, and renewable
  energy like wind and solar.
• What are the benefits of developing a clean
  energy industry?

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3) Cut Global Warming Pollution

• To ensure our health, prosperity, and security,
  scientists tell us we must rapidly drive US
  global warming pollution towards zero.
• We can and must accomplish this transition to a
  clean energy future in an equitable and just
  manner.
• How do we do this? Legislation, federal
  initiatives, private sector research?

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4) End Dependence on Dirty Energy

• Enact an immediate moratorium on new coal, oil,
  natural gas, and nuclear plant construction and
  infrastructure
• Phase out existing plants and fossil fuel
  extraction
• Work on fair transitions for the affected
  workforce and communities
• What are potential problems or negative
  consequences? How do you justify them?

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5) Re-engage as Global Leaders

• Global warming requires a global solution.
• Shift the focus of American foreign policy from
  military intervention to international
  cooperation
• Join the world in pursuing peace and
  international development, thereby offering
  assistance to vulnerable and impacted
  communities.
• How does this relate to green issues?

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6) Take Dirty Money out of Politics

• Its time to make government accountable to We
  the People.
• Put voters first and refuse campaign
  contributions from dirty energy interests.
• Why is this important? What is the potential
  fallout of keeping dirty money in politics?
• Is this point enforceable?

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7) On-Campus Accountability

• After hearing promises of green projects on
  campus, students want to see active progress.
• We expect the administration to follow through on
  promises to green the university.
• Expansion of green roof project, commitment to
  recycling, purchase of green energy, development
  of the Office of Sustainability, etc.
• Additional ideas? Now would be a good time..

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The Campaign Rules

• As a non-partisan campaign, we have the chance to
  raise the profile of this issue to candidates
  across the political spectrum, but there are a
  few rules we need to follow.
• While organizing under the Power Vote or EAC
  umbrella, we cannot directly or indirectly show
  preference towards a candidate.
• Obviously, that means we cant endorse candidates
  while wearing a Power Vote hat. But there are
  more subtle rules too. Here are a few DOs and
  DONTs.

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We CAN

• Conduct nonpartisan public education and training
  sessions about participation in the political
  process
• Educate all of the candidates on public interest
  issues
• Canvass the public on issues
• Sponsor candidate debates and events (with
  certain restrictions)
• Conduct nonpartisan get-out-the-vote and voter
  registration drives

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We CANNOT

• Ask candidates to sign pledges on any issue (it
  represents tacit endorsement). This includes the
  Power Vote Pledge!!!
• Criticize a candidate or position in a way that
  suggests a preference in the context of Power
  Vote
• Use a Power Vote/EAC email address to distribute
  a personal message about a candidate
• Wear a Power Vote/EAC t-shirt, button, hat or
  other identifying item while participating in
  election activity as it might make it appear that
  you are representing the organization
• Wear a candidate specific t-shirt, button, hat or
  other identifying item while conducting Power
  Vote/EAC campaign work.

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Comments from Dorm-Storming

• Most people are extremely receptive and friendly.
• Dont be intimidated if people ask you pointed
  political questions. (We are non-partisan, in
  case I didnt stress that enough. Talk about the
  on-campus point of the pledge.)
• If people start good discussions with you, take
  the time to talk. And invite them to check out
  Green GW meetings. )
• People like to hear that were competing with
  other universities, like American and Georgetown,
  who set goals of 2000 and 1000, respectively.
  (Our goal is 2500.)

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Any Questions?