The Big Issues that should be on the Top of Candidates' Agendas
Candidates for the 2012 presidential elections have already begun to throw their hats in to race. While many issues determine a voter’s choice, one of the biggest issues that voters must consider for the 2012 elections is environmental issues.
Politicians are continuously under scrutiny with how they approach the environment and next year will be no different. Al Gore even recently came out and accused Obama of not doing enough, and things like this will have a huge impact on the results of next year’s election. So what are some of the big glaring issues that should be on the top of a candidate’s agenda?
Environmental Safeguards
Environmental safeguards refer to legislation that is put in place as measures of protection for the environment. These provisions concern air quality, energy, land use, water resources and solid waste management, and include the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act (CAA).
One of the environmental safeguards that will be a major issue in the 2012 elections is the Clean Air Act. CAA was passed by Congress in 1970, and since then the act has been amended several times. CAA provisions have dramatically reduced the presence of pollution in the air that leads to acid rain, lead poising and smog. While some argue that CAA costs tax payers an absurd amount of money, the benefits to human health and the environment have been found to be more than 40 times the costs of regulation, according to the LeagueofWomenVoters.
In the 2012 presidential election, candidates will also have to take a stance on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new rules for power plants, which would limit the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions new and existing power plants and oil refineries can emit.
Domestic Offshore Drilling
Offshore drilling refers to the development of systems to extract oil and gas resources from underwater. While offshore drilling can occur in lakes and seas, the technique is more commonly used in oceans. Proponents of offshore drilling believe that the method will reduce the United States’ dependence on importing oil and other energy resources from foreign countries, which could help reduce oil prices. However, environmental groups believe that offshore drilling causes too much damage to the environment and is not worth the exchange for cheaper oil.
Over the years, bans surrounding offshore drilling have been created and lifted. In 2008, former president George W. Bush lifted a ban on offshore drilling that was initiated by former president George H.W. Bush in 1990. George W. Bush also called for drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge after the ban was lifted. In 2010, President Barack Obama (a proponent of limited offshore drilling) opened new domestic locations for offshore drilling. In May 2011, the House of Representatives voted to force the Obama administration to open more domestic locations for offshore drilling off the coast of Virginia and the Gulf of Mexico.
Cap and Trade
Cap and trade, also known as emissions trade, is a system that enables the government to control pollution by offering economic incentives for companies that are able to reduce emissions. The government sets a limit (cap) on the amount of specific pollutants that are allowed to be emitted. Caps vary based on the company’s purpose and size, and must hold a permit for the number of caps — essentially exchanging permits for pollution (trade).
The American Clean Energy and Security Act, which would regulate GHG cap and trade, was passed in 2009 by the House of Representatives, but it never passed in the Senate. The issue will once again be relevant in the 2012 elections, but may have a more difficulty passing through Congress, since the Congressional elections in 2010 resulted in the Republican party gaining many seats in both the House and the Senate. However, proponents of cap and trade believe that it is a way for the government to protect the environment from pollution, while creating another source of revenue. The 2010 federal budget includes $15 billion per year for 10 years, which would be generated from GHG emissions credits.
Written By: Jenn Pedde
Jenn Pedde is the community manager for the Masters Degree in Social Work program at the University of Southern California in the Virtual Academic Center, which offers a wide variety of social work scholarships and grants to potential students. She’s an avid traveler, and enjoys photography.
For Change to Happen the Need for Change must be Recognized
For change to occur we need the minds of man to awaken that there is a problem. After all an alcoholic will not quit drinking until he sees there is a problem. Thus will our fellow man change if they live in an ongoing illusion.
This is an info war at the highest level, will society collapse because it has no understanding of what is taking place or will you help win this struggle by awakening your fellow man out of his hypnotic trance?
We would like to hear from you, your methods of enlightening some one to the crisis we all face and any stories you have of successful awakening. We also suggest some methods that are successful and work, but like all things they get easier the more attempts you make, so please do not lose heart but move on to the next person with a new understanding over how to get the message across.
Rome was not built in a day nor does my garden grow from seed to full bloom over night. I make this statement to point out that it is not about expecting some one to see the full picture in a 5 min conversation, but the idea is just to make them see a small part of the problem. "Planting a seed" is the terminology most often used to refer to getting some to awake from their illusionary life style. I say plant the seed and allow the New World Order to "pee" on them to germinate them, but the reality is the more people that say the same message, the more likely that person is going to think there must be something to this and go check out the reality.
Using Information as Weapons
Verbal Conversation
This is the most simplistic and any place any time tool in our arsenal on info weaponry. Every one has there own style and method on this one but we can all learn different methods to perfect our own style. To keep it simple, here is just the method outline that works but the dialogue is down to you to fill in as you see fit. The important thing is to keep the conversation relaxed and avoid a heated debate as it ends up just a full contact no holds bar tongue lashing between participants, thus rendering any effect useless.
Start off with the usual pleasantries .. IE "nice/lousy weather".. this is just used to get them to engage you and speak openly and relaxed.
This stage is about assessing the persons attention span and getting them to relax to a state where they will freely enter a conversation. A joke at this stage is useful but keep it none racist, sexiest or religion inspired as not to offend, but the result is to get a laugh as then you know there paying attention.
This is were you slip in a leading question that is related to there interests preferably and ask about how much government has interfered with it. The idea of using questions is to not tell them any thing but allow them to come up with the answers themselves. After all, Mentally we are told what to THINK by TV so the aim is to use questions that have not been pre-programmed. There is a million and one questions out there to break "Government loves you" lie that TV uses to enforce a hypnotic state, but again I re-iterate the importance is to make them think of the answer rather than you tell them.. Your not out to lecture someone but to plant a seed.
Once you have led them to thinking about the reality of government is bad, you can no move on to pointing out there is no difference between party politics as whomever is in power carries on from where the last party left off (Breaking the left/right paradigm). Again make the statement in a question form IE. "Don't you think it is Odd that _______ is doing the same as _______ was doing?" (fill in the blank as appropriate).
Once they agree that there is no difference you can lead them onto the fact that the same policies that are in place are being conducted in other countries which would indicate that the government is controlled by higher powers that influence other countries.. you can claim the Builderburg group as one source of control but the aim is to point out "The System" is the New World Order...
Now remember the aim is just to plant the seed and not to get a fully grown mind as there is way too much info to cover but a 10 min conversation where they do the reasoning is way better than you lecturing them.
DVD Documentaries
This is an effective tool to engage some one in deep understanding but the art is how do you get them to watch it. It is a simple solution of complimentary reinforcement. The words I am using here are an example but obviously the same technique can be applied to your style.
"Hey, your a pretty intelligent person, I saw this video and it is quiet disturbing, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind watching it and giving me your opinion when I see you next, cause I value your opinion cause you're intelligent."
When they ask "What is it about?" give a brief description like title & subject but do not tell them the plot.. just reply "watch it and see, but I wanna know what you think."
There is a 1001 different documentaries out there on different subjects but one leads on to another, so if you know that person you can choose one suitable to their level of understanding or else start with one aimed at breaking the left/right paradigm. Have another prepared for after they have given you their opinion on the first one you gave them.
Flyers/Postcards/Newsletters
The technique to make some one take a flyer/postcard form you is to use the question trick "Do you think ________ is good or bad?" (fill in blank with what ever your literature is about). Regardless of their response you reply to them "OK, you will need one of these then!". This technique works for DVD's also but does not get the guarantee that they will watch them.
Blog Commenting
When commenting to counter a Main Stream Media propaganda make use of a search engine and look for a news article that supports your view point and points out the hypocrisy within their reasoning. Ideally, use an article from the same media source. If your in support of the articles position, make your view clear and show support as it gives the writer a stronger feel on how well he is getting his message out. Do not get into a slagging match with Co-Intel operatives that Troll message boards. DO NOT make threats as that is what they are trying to goad you into.
Blogging about Your Cause
Calling into Chat Radio
Here are two experts in demonstrating how to call-in and do Info Soundbite bombs. Please listen to some of their calls to see the different styles. Play dumb if you need to or lie about the reason your calling in if that is what is needed to get past the call screener.
Mark Dice.
Phone tips
Funkmasterfive.
YouTube channel.
Posters/Banner/Freeway Blogging.
Free speech is your right of birth so do not be intimidated by a police state and go out and plaster your community with posters on suitable locations where such flyers would reasonably be expected to appear.
DO NOT damage property or preform criminal acts to post you message but DO go out and spread the message. This video says it all.
Web Mastering
Running a website is a good way to spread information. Double check your facts before publishing pages and keep your site focused on the theme you intend. If you are not really technically minded then keep it basic but informative and make use of lots of art work to break up lots of texts and spread big texts across multiple pages. To get your site publicized, make use of the commenting section on other similar or opposition sites by doing a relevant comment and signing off your comment with your web site link, but remember spamming is frowned upon so keep your comments relevant to the article you commenting on.
Meeting/Protests
When attending meetings and protests go armed with flyers, dvd's & video camera. Hand out literature and DVD's. If it is a pro NWO agenda meeting then ask questions pointing out the hypocrisy of their lies. Go with a friends to video the event and confront them, then upload to YouTube.
Radio & Video Blogs
Make use of Audio blogs & YouTube accounts to spread the message. Keep an eye out for video's that the establishment blocks, so download them and add to your account to keep the YouTube Trolls occupied and give added alternate sources to get the message out. The WTC 7 Jane Standley BBC video was a good example of how by spreading video virally through YouTube, they were forced to give in as every time they took one down, 10 more went up.
Conclusion
Its all about determination and perseverance. If your cause means enough to you, you will find the means, resources, volunteers and contributors you need to reach your goal. If your cause is important enough, you will do whatever it takes...
If there is a worthwhile cause nagging at your very soul and you're having a hard time getting things started, please leave a comment bellow and I will see if there is something I can do to help.
So you've decided to actually do something to promote a cause you believe in. You've started a nonpofit, association or club. Good for you. Here’s how you can let the world know your organization exists.
Website or Blog
This is my favorite. The good news is that it’s easy to start, can be expanded as time goes by and will support all your other marketing activities. Think of it as an online bullhorn for your program that is fresh, dynamic, two-way and 100% accessible, worldwide.
You can post material as often as you like or have time for. You can post articles, videos, pictures, calenders of your events, program descriptions, etc. Just post when you have new material to promote, or when you see or read something you really want to share.
Twitter
With more and more nonprofits embracing Twitter, the medium is becoming the quickest, most direct and informal way to connect with potential supporters of your cause. Take my advice: get on Twitter now so you’re not left behind.
Video is becoming more and more the media of choice online. In fact, it is the platform with the most growth potential. For example, YouTube alone exceeds 2 billion views per day and is monetizing over a billion video views per week. Can you see the potential?
Newsletter
Newsletters are a great way to keep donors and prospects abreast of your latest programs and to plant the seed with prospects for how a program might work for them. Although you can still use print, email is the method of choice for the vast majority of nonprofit newsletter today. Email newsletters are not only much more cost effective, with so many great email management/marketing support websites like MailChimp, AWeber and Lyris HQ, just to name a few, they are the efficiant way to grow a members and/or supporters mailing list. Mailchimp even has a free program, which allows you to grow up to 5,000 emails/members for free, before deciding which if any plan you would like to sign-up for.
Speaking
Finding places where businesses are curious about using cause marketing is easy if you use resources like your local chambers of commerce or rotary club and share with them the details of your program and how you can help each other.
Of all the ways you can promote your cause marketing program, speaking may be the best. It is the most personal and direct. Not even a video, PowerPoint handout or web page can beat an engaging man or woman in person.
Twitter has become a Nonprofit Fundraising Phenomenon
Twitter has become a nonprofit fundraisers best friend, exceeding any and all expectations to how fast and how much money could be raised.
For example, in February 2009, the Twestival fundraising initiative raised over $250,000 for CharityWater.
Social networking sites are opening new doors for nonprofit marketing and fundraising. Through Twitter, many charities and nonprofits have been able to raise thousands of dollars while spreading awareness about social issues.
People, aided by social technologies, are coming together to support causes they care about. Nonprofits can reach thousands of people with a “tweet” instantly. Physical and language barriers are no longer an issue.
You can post a quick “update” right from your desk, home or on the go. Similarly, people can get your updates on their computer, mobile phone or PDA. Tweets can now be sent and received in over five different languages. Twitter has become an important part of any nonprofit social media strategy.
But it takes more than posting multiple tweets a day to get the job done. It is not quite as simple as informing followers that you need some money. Below are a 10 tips (best practices) which may help your nonprofit increase its fundraising success on Twitter.
1. Plan but don't over do it.
To plan to the last detail removes any chance for unanticipated miracles to happen. This doesn’t mean you should not plan and go forth, happy go lucky. It does however mean that the spirit of giving, creativity, and community cannot be forced. You can expect the unexpected, but you don't jinx it.
2. Make the message clear.
State your purpose clearly and concisely. Highlight the “why” and “how” when making a call to action.
3. Create hype and excitement.
Generating buzz and excitement around your cause is imperative. It’s important to stand out and set your nonprofit apart from the rest. Hashtags and unique avatar ribbons are simple features that can be incorporated to your initiative and to involve supporters. Be creative. Put an open call out to people to use their unique skills and talents. Get them involved. Get them excited.
4. Report regularly.
Tell your network about your progress. Run donation totals on regular basis in order to maintain momentum and keep everyone excited about the cause.
5. Make your messages meaningful.
Do not waste people’s time. Don’t ask for donations on every tweet. The most basic of fundraising secret is that people give to people. Twitter is simply one more tool to help your nonprofit connect with its supporters. Remember, social media networking sites are about relationships.
6. Ask your followers to “retweet” (RT) your messages.
A study conducted by Dan Zarrella finds that “calls to action (“Please ReTweet”), while they might sound cheesy, work very well to get ReTweets.” This is viral marketing as its best!
7. Timing is essential.
People are less likely to donate at particular times of the year such as right after Christmas, during the Super Bowl or national holidays.
8. Thank your volunteers, supporters and donors.
These are your most important nonprofit resources. People want to know that they are making a difference. Showing appreciation also encourage a continued effort on everyone’s part.
9. Cultivate a community.
Asking people for money can be daunting. For this reason, it’s important to build a community of people interested in your content and cause before asking for anything.
10. Back up words with action.
Use Twitter to let followers know what your staff is doing to help. Create a sense of community around the change you seek. Connect with your network members to build trust and maintain credibility.
Authenticity before marketing. Traditional marketing, development and communication strategies do not work on social networking sites. Web 2.0 is much more about having personality and building online community. Nowhere is this more true than on Twitter.
Twitter is a powerful and cost-effective social media tool for nonprofit organizations. It can help you boost donations and connect to your donors. Before Twitter, and other social media, there was no economical way for a fundraising appeal to spread like wildfire. Now it’s incredible how many people a nonprofit can reach with very few resources. Experiment with it and give your supporters the opportunity to get involved quickly and easily with your nonprofit and your cause.
If you are thinking, "I'm just one person, what can I do"?
What if everyone thought like that?
It's natural for you to feel enraged, depressed and overwhelmed at all the injustice in the world, and to think 'I'm just one person' what can I do?
Thank God that not all people think like that, or we would be living in hell, literally!
Thank God there are people that take the evils of the world personal. People that refuse to sit by doing nothing, taking matters into their own hands and do whatever they can to bring about the needed changes.
It's not about you single-handedly changing the world.
Nobody expects you to do anything by yourself. Nobody can make any real, meaningful, enduring changes all by themsleves. But if you can inspire just one person to act towards change, then that person motivates one more, before you know it a chain reaction will have been put in motion that will bring about that real, meaningful, enduring change you're striving for.
Find Your Passion!
Your passion is the only thing that will carry you through the rough patches. Try to think of five things you would like to improve or change. Start with things about yourself. Then about your school. Your community? Your country? The world? After you have a master list, try to figure out the ones that are most important to you, whether it's animal rights, the school dress code etc. Now get a couple of close friends, family, etc. to start it out.
Find your focus.
While there are many serious issues, equally worthy of attention and support, you risk spreading yourself too thinly if you spend equal amounts of energy on all of them, and as a result you will feel like a failure. i am not saying don't support other causes, but choose one or two which affect you the most, and put your energy towards these.
It's important to remember that, no matter how much you strive, you will never solve the world's problems alone- since when did being an agony aunt for 5-6 billion (and rising!) people sound like a recipe for success?! You are not superman/woman. However, apathy is not the answer either. A huge amount of the world's problems are caused by ignorance and apathy of individuals, who become passive witnesses of injustice and fail to realise the empowering truth: that small changes in their habits can result in great positive change. Consider what you are most able to have an impact on.
Some causes can be supported simply by choosing a certain product over another while shopping, while some others, without qualifications, expertise or resources can only really be supported by donating money (e.g., charities for diseases), with only a minority possessing the skills for research. However even in such a case, fundraising for causes such as these can be worthwhile in itself.
You should consider your natural abilities, skills and strengths and how you can use these to make a positive contribution in your own unique way. Don't despair of the skills you don't possess, but work with what you've got. Even Martin Luther King wasn't perfect, but he had a strong belief and determination in his own personal power to change things.
Educate and inform yourself.
This might sound like hard work, but if you're serious about implementing positive change, it's important to be as knowledgeable as possible on it, otherwise people won't take you seriously. If it's something you're truly passionate about, then you will most likely find the motivation to do this. ignorance is not your friend!
Inform others.
Inform others about your knowledge and causes. You may want to start by talking to your family, friends and coworkers, or go online, where you will find plenty of sites with likeminded people who want to help with worthwhile causes. Check out Facebook, or better yet Care2.org, which is like a Facebook for activists.
However, you must understand that not everyone shares the same priorities as you. Some of them might still support your cause. If everyone's priorities were the same, there would be serious imbalance in other areas, which would lead to chaos!
Don't get mad if some people don't agree with your cause or point of view, as they may still spread awareness of it. A lot of positive change has occurred when enough people have become aware and educated about world issues. Remember, even negative publicity is publicity!
Change doesn't come quickly or automatically.
Bringing about change requires dedication, patience, and years of chipping away at the status quo, which often has deep roots and multiple causes.
To effect any degree of change requires passion and a belief in your own power, however, ultimately your cause must be a group effort, since no individual is absolute.
There are plenty of Reasons why Parents should support the Legalization of Marijuana
It is important to me as a father, as a concerned citizen, but particularly as a recovering drug addict, that my children grow up in a country that rejects the ineffective and damaging policy of marijuana prohibition.
Believe it or not, but legalizing marijuana will be better and safer for our children.
I would like to believe my kids won’t ever head down the same road of destruction I was on, but whatever happens, I know that prohibition does not stop kids from using marijuana.
As someone who's been there, done that and regrets doing that, I am still of the persuasion that my marijuana use had nothing to do with my trying and becoming addicted to amphetamines, cocaine or heroin. As with most drug users and addicts, I too had a curious nature that got me to try pot, then all the other drugs as well. I would have tried each and every other drug even without having been exposed to marijuana.
There are those however, that stop with marijuana, not feeling the urge or need to continue experimenting. It is these people who risk being exposed to other drugs because the person selling them the pot also sells cocaine and heroin. These harmless pot smokers would never even come in contact with harder drugs if marijuana were legal.
My kids and grand kids will be exposed to marijuana along with other risky behaviors. After all, about a third of high school seniors have used marijuana within the last year, a figure that has been relatively stable over decades across the country and has not been affected by variations in laws and enforcement. Moreover, it has long been easier for kids to get marijuana than it is for them to get alcohol. The plain fact is drug dealers don’t require ID, and legitimate businesses do. By taking marijuana out of the black market and placing it within the confines of safe, regulated, and licensed businesses that only sell to those 21 and over, Proposition 19 would actually reduce underage access to marijuana.
While we don’t want our kids to try marijuana, much less use it regularly, but as it stands now, if they do it can lead to very harsh consequences if they are caught, even for actions that are not harmful to others. And this next part is really scary: when a person is convicted of a marijuana offense, he or she is precluded from receiving federal student loans, will forever have a drug record that diminishes job prospects, and is precluded from many other benefits, not to mention being arrested, possibly serving time, and other harsh and harrowing outcomes. We don’t prevent even violent criminals from getting student loans. Or underage drinkers, for that matter. I don’t want people to have their lives derailed for a youthful indiscretion. Do you?
To truly serve public safety, we should control and tax marijuana, since under present policies, thousands of violent crimes go unsolved, while police spend valuable and scarce resources targeting thousands of non-violent adult marijuana users. Arrests for simple possession of marijuana have tripled over the last two decades. The $300 million California spends each year on marijuana enforcement would better serve our communities spent on solving and preventing violent crimes. Any new tax revenues would better serve our children if spent on drug education, drug rehabilitation, and of course shoring up our crumbling public education system.
We know our children are going to make decisions for themselves, probably at an age we think is too young. Laws are not going to be nearly as effective in guiding those choices as the messages we send to them as parents and in our public education efforts. We need to help kids navigate into adulthood with the judgment to moderate their intake of so many substances capable of abuse, from sugar to caffeine, to alcohol, to prescription drugs, and of course, marijuana. Not to mention making good decisions about sex, Internet usage, driving, studying, and extracurricular activities. As a father, grandfather, uncle and just plain caring person, thinking through the list I am not most terrified by the choices they might make regarding marijuana. How about you? So let’s treat marijuana like alcohol, explain to our kids why they should avoid both, at least while they are young, and teach them how to be responsible about various choices in life.
This month, my 19 year old bought himself a sports car. He goes fast, and has a lot of confidence. I breathe a sigh of relief when he checks as she pulls out of the driveway. And I hope that he will learn to internalize that check against his daredevil tendencies. I will do my part, and I don’t want the state hovering over my shoulder, reflexively criminalizing behaviors that happen to make mothers gasp. As parents, we know that education is often more effective than punishment, and in some cases punishment is not effective at all.
Women were instrumental in bringing about repeal of prohibition in 1933, and you can be again when it comes to determining when marijuana prohibition is reversed. In my view, Proposition 19 is the right choice, not just for true law and order, but for our kids.
Amongst other things, regulations could include “age restrictions, restricting driving or operating machinery while intoxicated, limiting hours of sale and outlet density, restricting bulk sales and limiting potency of legal cannabis.”
Boiled down, this is the same message that MPP and others have advocated for years: marijuana regulation is a far superior policy alternative to the chaotic and ineffective nature of prohibition.
Gallup Poll: 46% of Americans Support Legal Marijuana
A new Gallup poll released recently shows that a record number of Americans believe marijuana should be made legal, while support for keeping it illegal continues to decline steadily. These numbers are evidence that Americans are rejecting that otherwise law-abiding adults should be criminalized for using a substance less harmful than alcohol.
According to Gallup’s most recent polling average, 44 percent of Americans currently approve of President Obama’s job performance. More Americans now support legalizing marijuana than approve of President Obama’s job performance!
Gallup found that support for making marijuana legal was highest among liberals (72%), 18- to 29-year-olds (61%) and people living in the West (58%). Majority support also exists among Democrats, independents, men, and moderates.
No matter what happens on Election Day next week, these numbers show that nationally, support for ending prohibition continues to trend in the right direction. “If the trend of the past decade continues at a similar pace, majority support could be a reality within the next few years,” according to Gallup
Marijuana Statistics
The annual overall budget for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy increased by more than 600%; growing from approximately $1.5 billion in 1981 to more than $18 billion in 2002 (the last year reliable figures were available).
Between 1990 and 2006, marijuana-related arrests increased by 150%, while marijuana seizures increased by more than 400%.
The estimated retail cost of marijuana decreased from $37 per gram in 1990 to $15 per gram in 2007.
Marijuana has remained almost “universally available” to American youth during the last 30 years of prohibition.
Today, over 100 million Americans admit to having tried marijuana, and 14.5 million say they have used it in the past month.1 A study released in December 2006 found that marijuana is now the leading cash crop in the U.S., exceeding the value of corn and wheat combined.2 According to government-funded researchers, high school seniors consistently report that marijuana
is easily available, despite decades of a nationwide drug war. With little variation, every year about 85% consider marijuana "fairly easy" or "very easy" to obtain.3 There have been almost 9.5 million marijuana arrests in the United States since 1995, including 872,720
arrests in 2007 – more than for all violent crimes combined, and an all-time record. One person is arrested for marijuana every 36 seconds. About 89% of all marijuana arrests are for possession – not manufacture or distribution.4 Every comprehensive, objective government commission that has examined the marijuana phenomenon
throughout the past 100 years has recommended that adults should not be criminalized for using marijuana.5Cultivation of even one marijuana plant is a federal felony.• Lengthy mandatory minimum sentences apply to myriad offenses. For example, a person must serve a
five-year mandatory minimum sentence if federally convicted of cultivating 100 marijuana plants — including seedlings or bug-infested, sickly plants. This is longer than the average sentences for auto theft and manslaughter!6 A one-year minimum prison sentence is mandated for "distributing" or "manufacturing" controlled
substances within 1,000 feet of any school, university, or playground. Most areas in a city fall within these "drug-free zones." An adult who lives three blocks from a university is subject to a one-year mandatory minimum sentence for selling an ounce of marijuana to another adult — or even growing one marijuana plant in his or her basement.7 Federal government figures indicate there are more than 41,000 Americans in state or federal prison
on marijuana charges right now, not including those in county jails.8 That’s more than the number imprisoned on all charges combined in eight individual European Union countries. A recent study of prisons in four Midwestern states found that approximately one in ten male inmates reported that they had been raped while in prison.9 Rates of rape and sexual assault against women prisoners, who are most likely to be abused by male staff members, have been reported to be as high as 27 percent in some institutions.10 Civil forfeiture laws allow police to seize the money and property of suspected marijuana offenders
charges need not even be filed. The claim is against the property, not the defendant. The owner must then prove that the property is "innocent." Enforcement abuses stemming from forfeiture laws abound.11 According to estimates by Harvard University economist Jeffrey Miron, replacing marijuana prohibition
with a system of taxation and regulation would save between $10 billion and $14 billion per year in reduced government spending and increased tax revenues.12 Another researcher recently estimated that the revenue lost from our failure to tax the marijuana industry could be as high as $31 billion!13
There are millions of problems in the world, remember that your cause is not the only one, so don't try to compete with other causes. Instead, help promote other causes and they will do the same for you.
You don't need to go out of your way for other causes, but never bad mouth them.
Speak good about your competition and they will speak good about you.
Are you going to target children, teens, teachers, politicians… It is very important to know who you want your supporters to be.
1. Pick a fundraiser
Go through your options and pick one. Once you pick one, stick to it and don't get distracted.
Depending on the fundraiser and the supporters you may have endless options. But focus on one for now. You can always do another fundraiser after your first one has been a success.
Select your fundraising program early to assure ample time for planning, especially during holiday seasons. If the school or community has a planning calendar, be sure your event is included.
Local– Go to local stores, fast food joints and restraunts to discover what fundraising opportunities they have, you will be surprised how many places have fundraising kits and programs.
Events–You can do one single event or an on going event for the cause such as, Art shows, car washes, raffles, silent auctions, festivals, parades, concerts, dances…almost anything!
Classic– You can always go the classic way and sell candy bars, snacks, do order form fundraising for places such as Joe Corbi’s, Wolfgang, and other companies that offer fundraising programs.
Online– This is a new way to fund raise, there are MANY websites that offer the ability to raise money online. Facebook has cause pages where you can join causes and donate to them online! You can create cause pages for events, etc for other organizations. It is hassle free and requires no money!
How to Fundraise using Facebook
2. Be Aware, not aggressive
If you are going to pick a website to do fundraising through make sure that they are accredited with the
BBB, otherwise you may lose hundreds of people’s money in a scam website! Any website can create fake customer “reviews” on their website, search the web for validation that the company actually exist and provides what they say they will. Be aware that just because you are attempting to do something for the greater good doesn’t mean everyone else is!
3. The Proposal
You might need to write a proposal, in that case find a template! Don’t just guess as to what needs to be in a proposal, know!
Summary– What is the purpose of the fundraiser
Introduction– What is the overall approach, mission, how long will it be, what are you doing?
Needs/ Problems– Talk about the actual problems that you are attempting to fix.
Set Goals & Objectives– What do you expect to do, save a species of animals? raise $2000? create awareness of a disease? Setting goals will focus your fundraising campaign and provide clear targets to hit. Without clear targets, the campaign will drag on and lack direction. Get people together. How many people will be helping out? The more people you have, the more funds you will raise. Fundraising is a numbers game.
Procedures– What are you going to do? Sell cand, etc...
Timetable– Plan everything out in a time table so the person you are seeking approval from knows when you are doing everything.
Key Personal– Who is involved? How will they be contacted?
Evaluation– How are you going to evaluate yourself and keep track of money and supporters?
Endorsements– Is anyone endorsing you for the fundraiser? If not, do not include it!
Next Steps– Tell the person you are seeking approval from what you need them to do such as, contact (John Doe) by email about approval or denial of proposal by September 15.
Additional Information– This is the best place to include mission statements, website URLs, directors, financial information, and addresses of organizations and people who are helping or any other vital information that will be needed.
4. Measure any upfront cost!!!
If you are going to sell candy bars or t-shirts, etc. you are going to have to PAY for them FIRST in order to sell them. The point of fundraisers is to get money not lose it. Having people pre-order things is the smartest way to go, you will get the exact quantity needed and will not lose any money.
5. Have fun!
Fundraising have the words fund and raising in it but guess what?!?!?! Be smart about your decisions but remember to enjoy helping a cause!
