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  2nd Quarter Benchmark Shareout

Posted by Diana Laufenberg in American Government - Laufenberg on
1.  Go to B Band Voicethread.
2.  Register for an account.
3.  Add one image to the collective voicethread.
  • Choose one of your 12 items from the benchmark to highlight
  • Locate an image that best represents that item - you can use the flickr Creative Commons to find an image if you do not have one
  • Narrate your paragraph that accompanies that item from your benchmark
4.  Comment on at least two other 'pages' from the collective voicethread.  Ask a question.  Push back on their reasoning.  Affirm their position.  Be thoughtful

Lobbying Against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Posted by Taylor Valentine in American Government - Laufenberg on

Blog Post #4

For Blog #1, click here
For Blog #2, click here
For Blog #3, click here

A lobbyist can spend months researching the issues they feel strongly about, and weeks researching the representatives that can make a difference, but until he or she gets involved, their actions are useless. 

 During the last week, I’ve attempted to make my own voice heard in the mess that is the current “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal attempt.  As I have made calls and written emails, I have realized that gaining recognition from large organizations and politicians is much more difficult than the democratic ideal would have you believe.  

I began the process by contacting Equality Forum, which, according to my research, had yet to take a strong stance and make its voice heard on  DADT.  I sent the following email to Chip Alfred, Equality Forum's Communication Director:

Dear Mr. Alfred,

My name is Taylor Valentine and I am a senior at Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia.  I am currently working on an American Government lobbying project focused on repealing the Pentagon’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.  I’ve spent months following the news, researching the issues and learning about my representatives.  I am now tasked with actively getting involved.  

I recently discovered Equality Forum and realized it has yet to make its voice heard on DADT.  With the number and willpower of your members, a rally, petition or joint-letter could foster public awareness and garner massive media attention on the issue.  The American public is not against repeal, they are simply unconscious of the current effort to allow it.  Any action involving Equality Forum would have a critical impact on Senators Bob Casey and Arlen Specter, encouraging them to proactively seek repeal.     

As you may know, time is of the essence.  The end of Congress’ lame-duck session will mark the end of the possibility for repealing this blatantly discriminatory law.  I hope to hear from you soon and look forward to any future collaborative effort on this issue. 

Sincerely,

Taylor Valentine    

While I hoped to receive information detailing ways the organization planned to get involved and ways I could help, instead I received a rather brusque response.  Mr. Alfred informed me that they had, in fact, taken a stand and discussed it at their annual Equality Forum, which took place in May.  After digging through the website, I finally found a reference to the panel he mentioned. Honestly, I was disappointed in the lack of recent action.  As the largest LGBT issue debated in recent years on the federal level, it should warrant a more public response.  I then replied, asking how I could get involved. I’m still waiting on a response.

Next, I focused my attention to those with the most direct influence on the success of the repeal: my senators.  I drafted a very pointed email for Senator Specter, only to find that his contact page had been shut down since he will relinquish his post in January. When I called his Philadelphia office, I left a message with a secretary, who thanked me for my comment.  Although it was satisfying to voice my concern to an actual human being instead of a computer, I doubt my comments will go much further than the notepad they were recorded on. 

I then directed my email to Senator Casey, who will continue after the lame-duck session ends:

Dear Senator Casey,

I am writing in regards to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the current attempt being made to repeal it.  It appalls me that such a blatantly discriminatory piece of legislation has withstood 17 years of criticism and remains in place today.  This is not the example that should be set in a country of such high moral character.  

Furthermore, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has impeded our military process. In a time when our troops are deployed around the world in attempts to protect our own freedoms and those of others, what benefit can be found in discharging able and willing troops? Will it improve military readiness and cohesion, a claim that so many senators have made?  The Pentagon’s study found that it would not.  Will it improve the public opinion of America’s military? Absolutely not.  In fact, polls have shown the opposite. So I ask you Senator, why have you allowed this policy to continue?

I ask not only for your vote, which I know you’ve already pledged, but your voice as well.  In order to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Republicans must be convinced that it is the morally appropriate and necessary decision to make.  I do not need to remind you that time is of the essence.  If next year’s Defense Appropriation bill does not pass with language allowing repeal, you will have failed your fellow Americans, who only wish to serve with the same dignity and respect that all other troops are granted.  This is not too much to ask.

Sincerely,

Taylor Valentine 

I am waiting for a response from his office, hoping that it will be more than a generic “Thank you”.  I’ve realized that it is almost impossible for one citizens to make an impact without the help of others. In the coming weeks, I plan to gather support and send more emails and phones calls to my senators.  I also hope to start a Facebook page about DADT, encouraging others to get involved as well.

Public Transportation Safety Concerns_ Communication Plan

Posted by Amber Housley in American Government - Laufenberg on

I would like to directly contact organizations that deal with the public transportation safety issue. First, I will deal with the smaller organizations. Then, I will learn more about the more influential people who have the authority to alter and initiate laws. I would sit in on public meetings, if there are any regarding the issue. I will ingest the plans/topics/concerns, and discuss solutions. Currently, I consider discussing the issues with Philadelphia School District students a necessary step. I stated in an earlier lobbying post, “Police have determined that most crimes that occur on SEPTA transportation usually take place during afternoon hours especially during school dismissal time. Therefore, most of the crimes trace back to high school students.” It would be helpful to contact and collaborate with people who have been working on the issue and who share concerns similar to mine.

In my previous lobbying posts I mentioned some groups that are essential to resolving the issue and have been working in communities to raise awareness. I do not necessarily see myself speaking in front of a group of people to express my take on the issue. However, I am more than willing to work “behind the scenes” and help to organize a public event or the like. My next step in this process is identifying the members of these community groups, their group goals and initiatives, etc. My hope is that collaborating with these groups will lead to a set proposal.  The proposal might be viewed and considered by Mayor Nutter, Commissioner Charles Ramsey, and anyone who takes this issue seriously. Mayor Nutter and Commissioner Ramsey are officials who I do not think will overlook the issue.

The first organization that I will attempt to collaborate with is the SEPTA Community Affairs Unit.

The Community Affairs Unit Address & Contact Information:

1234 Market Street
4th Floor
Philadelphia PA 19107

Email the Community Affairs Unit
(215) 580-5747 | Telephone 
(215) 580-5789 | Fax

Considerable Communicative Tactics:

·      Letters to the editor, editorials, and commentary

·      Phone calls to the targeted decision maker

·      Faxes to the targeted decision maker

·      Emails to the targeted decision maker

·      Personalized letters and postcards to the targeted decision maker

·      Personal visits with the targeted decision maker

Communication Blog #4

Posted by Mckelly Timothy in American Government - Laufenberg on

I am now at the step of communicating with Dwight Evans. He has been working on  strategies for reducing violence, which are very similar to mine. We both grew up in Philadelphia, so we know what it is like to be surrounding by violence. We both want to focus on children. If children learn about other ways to solve issues without violence it will be reduced. Providing children with education and activities will allow them to stay occupied. Without an education there is a low chance in becoming successful because with no education, there will be no jobs and with no jobs comes along poverty and at the end of the chain poverty leads to violence. One of his solutions was a bill called Philadelphia's gun ordinances. The bill was created so that:

• The city is allowed to force its citizens to report a lost or stolen gun within 24 hours.

• Police are allowed to seize guns from those “considered to pose a risk to themselves or others.”

• Those subject to a protection-from-abuse order may not own a firearm within the city.

• Need to purchase more than one gun a month then you can.

There isn’t much that I can do to increase the process of this bill being approved. So I thought about working with him on another solution. Which is improving education opportunities and conditions, and working to reduce violence in the City Of Philadelphia & reaching out to children and discussing violence and violence prevention.  To start this I will e-mail / write a letter to him with my ideas:
 
   
    •    Interventions for teens to educate them about violence and create a way for them to feel safe when they feel in danger of uncomfortable.
    •    Creating more after school programs for teens rather than just younger children.
    •    Create another organization similar to Work Ready but make it more accessible so teens can have more job opportunities.

    •    I will also make a Facebook page and an anonymous survey to ask my friends if these things above were to happen do they think they would be a part of it.

Communication - Blog Post 4 - Stop Funding Abortions!

Posted by Taniera Reid in American Government - Laufenberg on

Taniera Reid

Stop Funding Abortions: Communication - Blog Post #4

My Issue: I am lobbying to stop the prodigal spending of government dollars on abortions in the United States.

Communication: The ones I will be in contact with throughout this lobbying process will be the senators Joe Sestak and Pat Toomey, as well as Obama’s administration at a later date. The people listed above play a role in the issue I am lobbying against.

Tactics:  The tactics listed below are the tools that will aid me in the journey to getting my message across to someone of a higher authority.

  • Letters to the editor, editorials and commentary.
  • Petitions.
  • Phone calls to the targeted decision maker.
  • Faxes to the targeted decision maker.
  • Emails to the targeted decision maker.
  • Personalized letters and postcards to the targeted decision maker.

Steps: I am still in the researching process. I believe in knowing and understanding the law to its farthest extent before taking my issue to someone of a higher authority. One mishap in my evidence/documentation/information can make or break my argument. Having facts, details, dates, names and supporters will help my argument.

After the necessary steps are taken to gain all information,

I will begin to:

1.     Write up petitions

2.     Send emails

3.     Organize rallies.

My tactics will be executed effectively with the assistance of my teachers and mentors with substantial knowledge regarding politics and perhaps marketing.

My next step would be to recruit members to join my fight against the wasteful funding of abortions in the United State and enforce the Hyde Amendment across the nation. Recruitments will consist of others that believe in and are as passionate, if not more passionate about this issue as much as I. With more than one voice fighting for a good cause, we have a greater chance at being heard.

Using social networks such as Facebook and Twitter and making groups regarding the funding abortion issue will help start off the recruitment process. This is an easy way to find out who in the world stands firmly behind the issue. 

Commucating out the bill

Posted by Perry Woods in American Government - Laufenberg on

  The progress for my bill (for those who forgot it is S.3921 for helping stop animal testing as well as testing on humans) has been nothing so far which has been very complicated in helping me. I have been thinking of ways to help communicate out this bill to help it get progress. After thinking for a while I was able to think of ways that work with today's world to help get this bill progress.

 Way number 1 is to start a twitter account made to get this bill support. Because twitter is a constant live feed it is easy to get information out there. It will also help get in contact with organizations and people who could help get the word out. This in turn can help build up a good following to help.

 Another way to help connect with people would be to link the twitter to a facebook page. On  there I could have information about the bill, why it is important and how to help. There would be a link out to a petition to people could sign if they are from Pennsylvania and also for the districts. For other areas I would have a area where they can create their own petition to send to their officials. 

 Lastly is trying to get through with more officials and people who could help. For this I simple need to arrange a better list. Also is figuring out the best ways to get through with each person or combination of ways to get through with people.This might be easier one the twitter and facebook are done because there will be more help with getting through. Hopefully this will all go through without a hitch to help.

#4 - Communication

Posted by Sky Kalfus in American Government - Laufenberg on

I'd like to begin communicating my message by writing a letter to Larry Farnese and inviting him to discuss education policy in Philadelphia. I think he'll be able to answer some of my questions about the state of the public education system. In particular, I'll ask him about the success of the Imagine 2014 plan. Larry Farnese is involved with education funding, and helps decide which programs get the most money, but he's not directly involved with designing the curriculum. Hopefully, conversation with him will lead me to other people in power who have more to do with my particular cause.  I'd eventually like to pinpoint a specific piece of legislation that I can petition to have changed. If I'm successful, I may also write a letter to the Philadelphia Inquirer. I'll probably draw on anecdotal experience based on my time at SLA to encourage people to get involved with education reform.

#4 Communicate

Posted by Christopher Cassise in American Government - Laufenberg on

The process is going slow and very difficult since Bob Casey and co. are very difficult to get in touch with. The educational board meetings do have some effectiveness to the process of hearing the problems from adults and students but I think it could go an extra step. I think the most effective way to try and change this NCLB act and lobby against it is to find a way to set up an appointment at a meeting with educational officials. Start off slow and show alternatives,surveys, statistics, etc to show that something has to be done and then while the lower ranked officials start to see in groups this effective campaign and presentation, the grass roots of word of mouth might take place where it becomes very public. Another good idea, off of this is to call news companies up to cover the story and hear more about the process and things being said in these town hall meetings for this act to be reformed. Hopefully overtime we can set up a meeting with the head official like Bob Casey jr.

First Step- Make a facebook page about standardized testing.

Second Step- Little video explaining why its bad, funny make it go viral. (hopefully)

Third Step- Start challenging officials to debate on NCLB.

Researching The Issue: Same Sex Marriage in Pennsylvania

Posted by Lenea Harris in American Government - Laufenberg on

     I'm not quite sure if 2010 or even 2011 will be a good year for my issue. On one hand, there seems to be issues that are the top priorities of the state and country. And regulating same sex marriage does not fall into either of those categories.  On the other hand, majority of the elected House Representatives and Senators are either influential on this issue or take position for it. That would be an advantage on the process of getting a law passed.  

     I looked into each member on the list of state legislators for pennsylvania, and each of them voted Nay on the Same Sex Marriage Resolution Act in 2006. This Act followed the Defense of Marriage Act; and both gave states the right not to recognize a same sex marriage that was granted in another state. They all also voted Nay on the Marriage Definition Constitutional Amendment. This shows the history of their votes on anti- gay marriage legislature, but it doesn't show their position on the issue. Many of the politicians did not give their position on the issue of same sex marriage. I don't know how to analyze that fact.

     Senator Arlen Spector is my main 'opponent' in this process. He voted the Defense of Marriage Act through a decade ago, and according to Project Vote Smart, shares very little interest with the Human Rights Campaign- who actively promotes gay rights. As a State Senator, he has an important vote in the legislative process, but if his one opposing vote stood alone, it wouldn't have much effect.

     Governor Ed Rendell didn't openly express his position on the issue of gay marriage, but I'd assume that he is a supporter, and as Governor, his  final approval makes the process run smoother.
No recent policy has been written for Pennsylvania on the topic of same sex marriage, but acts, laws, and policies have been written and/ or passed in other states.  

     There are many public supporters behind this issue, but I would say that the most active, and the most publicized would be the Human Rights Campaign which is nation- wide.

     I began to look through the list of lobbying issues and topics, but did not find anything related to same sex marriage recognition in pennsylvania. To be honest I didn't look through the entire list, so I'm sure there are many, I just cannot name any specific lobbyist or group of lobbyists.

     Hopefully I'll influence all allies of the Lesbian, Bi- sexual, Gay, and Transgender community to become actively involved in the politics of their residential state at least because the legislature of their state affects them immediately before any other legislation.

Link to House Committee Meeting Schedules:

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/HM/COHM.HTM

Link to Senate Committee Meeting Schedules:

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/SM/COSM.HTM

Researching The Issue...

Posted by Sinnea Douglas in American Government - Laufenberg on

Status: There are a few elected officials who support the issue. Their support and ability to get the issue out there would help a lot. Opponents are schools that perform well and make it seem as though testing is the only way to go.  

Allies:

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Who Else Is Working on the Issue?

 Cody and Taylor. We all do not have the same focus are in Education but we all can still collaborate. 

 Influence: If we can show students, teachers, and officials the way we learn at SLA maybe they will see that there are other effective ways besides testing. 

 Time Frame: We only have until mid January and there will be time taken out due to winter break but there is enough time to get the information out there. 

Key Dates: Thurs- Meeting with Cody and Taylor

AMGOV-001

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2010-11

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