Elections are right around the corner. There are a lot of opportunities for us to engage our peers, the public and our legislators on addressing climate change.

At the sleep out many of us called our legislators to tell them about why we were sleeping out and what we’re asking them to do about climate change. Many of us also found out that we had a lot to learn (i.e. we didn’t know who our legislators were or have their phone numbers readily available). We have an opportunity. An opportunity to personally engage in the political process that shapes our nation’s policies and consequently influences the fate of the entire world at the hands of climate change.

So in the next two weeks or so,  I am asking you to have a campus meeting and do the following:

1. Look up your elected representatives

and add their contact information to your cell phone. This way you can call them anytime and let them know that you’re active in the community.

2. Go to one event/rally/debate in your area.

Hold signs about climate change. Meet some people in your community. Ask the candidates a question about climate change, phasing out coal, and clean electricity if you can. At the very least you’ll meet local community members who are engaged in politics. They can be great resources.

3. After the elections on Nov. 2, call or write your newly elected officials.

Better yet, you could even schedule a time to meet them in person. This is about building relationships. If all you say is, “Hi, I’m … from …. Congratulations.” that’s okay. That’s the first step towards building a dialogue about climate change action. Eventually, we’ll be asking for their support on our legislation. Who knows, they might be just as concerned and enthusiastic about our goals as we are! But first, we need to be in touch with them. We have a lot of ideas, material, and solutions to offer and that’s great. All too often, people complain without offering solutions. But we do. And we’re serious about it, because a stable climate needs us to be. So, now’s the time. Make that phone call and get in touch.

Here’s a video about Nathan and I going to a political debate at Worcester State University. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the record button pressed when Nathan asked his question. All the candidates were jumping at it – trying to one up each other on who was more green. I’ll let Nathan tell you the rest of the story:

Nathan Nesbitt talking about the debate at Worcester State University

Oh and have fun too.