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> Home > All Issues > Energy Committee Energy CommitteeAccelerate NYCs Green Transformation! Sierra Club NYC invites you to join our program to form neighborhood partnerships to screen and discuss movies, and to begin transforming your community. We can become greener and save money in our daily lives, homes and businesses while meeting neighbors and making new friends. We cant wait for politicians, and we dont have to. To take this program to your neighborhood, contact beyondoilnyc@yahoo.com for more detailed guidance and supporting materials. NYC will be thriving and dynamic in 2030, if we respond not only to climate change and economic instability, but declining supplies of fossil fuels. Using less oil and natural gas is not optional, so isnt it better to be prepared for the inevitable? NYC has to transition away from fossil fuels as peacefully, fairly and intelligently as possible. If we act together, and act now, we can turn this crisis into opportunity. The same responses that cut costs and create green jobs will also protect the environment and buffer future disruptions. We are skillful, imaginative, and entrepreneurial. Cooperating to unleash our collective creativity will lead to a more connected, healthier and cleaner NYC. The transition is already underway! Getting involved is easy. Theres some work, but it will be fun, and youll have lots of help. Begin to organize your event Our organizers will guide you through this process and will work with you to set up, promote and run the events. We recommend starting with film screenings, to build momentum, and to identify other volunteers and local partners. Our organizers will facilitate post-screening discussions. Next, we suggest a volunteer project thats easy and inexpensive, and a uniquely urban climate change response: painting flat roofs white to keep buildings cooler. This is a high priority for Mayor Bloomberg, whose staff is rolling out a pilot program to paint roofs white this summer, and has asked SC NYC to help in finding civic partners and volunteers around the City. Raise awareness: see a movie The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuban oil imports were cut by more than 50% and food imports by 80%. Cuba transitioned from highly mechanized, industrial agriculture to organic farming and local, urban gardens. http://www.powerofcommunity.org/ The 11th Hour, produced and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, explores how we have gotten to the last moment when change is possible, and how to change our course. Hear from over 50 of the worlds leading thinkers and activists. http://11thhouraction.com/ideasandexperts Paint the town white Where top down and bottom up meet: neighborhood forums
Sierra Club NYC Green Neighborhood Action Program Getting started: Building a Neighborhood Contact List · Contact SC NYC for an overview and to answer any questions at 917.319.2924 or beyondoilnyc@yahoo.com. Well guide you through every step of this process. We will work closely with you to set up, promote and run the events. · Put together a contact list. Include first and last name of each contact, the name of the organization, mailing address, phone number, email address, website. · Take notes! Is the contact actively interested in co-sponsoring? Do they have or can they recommend a space for a film screening? What other groups do they suggest? · Consider using a Word table, an Excel spreadsheet or an Access database. · Start by looking for such lists online. Include civic, business & cultural groups, block associations, religious institutions, schools, libraries & nonprofits, the Community Board and elected officials, local media and blog sites. · Some contacts will have their own such lists. Visit them in person, and create a good impression. You may get their list, or other assistance. · Include fellow activists and interested friends and neighbors. Retail stores probably dont qualify. Put places where flyers can be posted on a separate list. A Sample Phone Script for Friendly Neighborhood Discussions · Hi, this is _____. Im a volunteer with Sierra Club. As a resident of [your neighborhood] we want to set up screenings in [neighborhood] of documentaries about making New York City more sustainable and helping the environment. · The films discuss the challenges we face, and positive responses that improve quality of life in our communities, lower energy costs, create green jobs, and help the environment. The goal is to help people take action. · Id like to email you some information about the movies and this project. · When we finalize a date and location, can we send you an invite and a flier for the event? To whose attention should I send it? Whats the email address? · It would be great if you could share the event with your constituents / members · If they respond positively, continue: · Were looking for a free or donated public meeting room in (your neighborhood) thats easy to get to, and can hold at least 50 people. Can you suggest one we could use, and who to contact? [If they want to volunteer, they will less pressure] · Can you think of other groups or civic leaders we should talk with? · Whether they response positively or not: Thanks for your time and have a good day! · Feel free to provide your own contact information or refer them to SC NYC. If you dont know the answer to a question, tell them youll get it from SC NYC for them.
Sierra Club NYC Report Urges City to Prepare
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