The Energy and Commerce Committee in the House of Representatives is currently weighing a new energy and climate bill that could move our nation much closer to a new Clean Energy Economy. We need local MoveOn Councils to put pressure on the members of this committee to ensure this bill is as strong as possible. We’ll do so by bringing the voices of small business owners directly to our Representatives through district meetings. Small business owners will sit down with their Member of Congress and explain why they support transitioning our economy to clean energy. These business leaders will then address the media to get our message out to the community-at-large. Because the Energy and Commerce Committee will likely start voting on this incredibly important legislation around May 11th, we want to schedule our meeting before that time.

In order to run great Clean Energy Business District Meeting-- we need to recruit business leaders! We are reaching out to all small businesses with a special priority for clean energy business. Here's an outline for your conversations with business leaders in your community to invite them to join with the Council for the Small Business District Meetings.

 

Here's a general guide to recruiting clean energy business leaders:

Goals for your conversation:

• Recruit local clean energy businesses to participate in the Clean Energy Congressional Meetings before May 11th.
• Build long-term relationship with key clean energy businesses that will last for the duration of this campaign!

Where do we start? Which businesses should we approach first?

• Start by building upon outreach from the petition drive. Did you get any businesses to sign on that are part of transitioning to a clean energy economy? Businesses that are building or installing wind or solar power? Or businesses that are retro-fitting homes and businesses to be energy efficient?
• Talk with your regional coordinator or your organizer about the lists that were built through the online petition!
• There may also be other great lists of clean energy businesses in your area. Other local or state advocacy organizations may already be working with or profiling local clean energy businesses.
• Ask around, and check on local websites. Businesses that have already signed onto other initiatives may be more likely to also get involved with the Clean Energy Congressional Meeting.

Tips:

• This is an opportunity for the businesses you’re approaching. Approach them with this in mind. You’re not asking them for a favor, but you’re providing a way for them to take grassroots action in their own interest, and in the common interest. They’re also likely to get free advertising out of this!
• You already know that you share something with the businesses you’re approaching: a desire for a sustainable energy policy that rebuilds the economy. These businesses are likely to have a lot to say on the topic. Connect with them on this, and invite them to share their expertise!
• If you have a member of your council who owns or is employed by a clean energy business, see if they’ll make the recruitment calls. They are well-positioned to really make a connection with other business leaders.

The Script:

Hello, may I speak with the owner or manager?

Hi, my name is [your name]. I’m volunteering with others in the [your city] area with Power Up America. We’re putting together a meeting with our Representative in Congress to let them know that local business supports and benefits from such a transition. Do you have a minute?

If not, ask when is a good time to call back.

If yes, continue…

Our Congressional Representative, [name of target representative], is on a very important committee that will be making crucial decisions concerning our energy policy. We need the voices of small business leaders like you to show how our local economy would benefit from a transition to clean energy. We’d like you and other clean energy and small business owners to sit down with the Representative to share your views. We’ll also speak to local media at the meeting to get the word out to the rest of the community.

What do you think?

*Get a sense of their enthusiasm here before going too far into details. This is where they’re likely to ask what specifically you’re asking of them.

Ultimately, we’d like you to be one of a few participants in the meeting: (choose the following depending on whether your Congressional Meeting is already scheduled or not):

• Our meeting is scheduled for [date of your meeting], and will be held at [location].

• Right now, we are still in the process of getting the meeting scheduled but it will be around [date range the Council is planning for].

Of course, there will be some planning meetings or calls between now and the meeting with [name of target representative] to get us all on the same page. We want to have a clear message when we go in to meet with our Representative and speak to the media.

Can we count you in?

 

Next Steps with Committed Clean Energy Business Leaders:

If you haven't had your organizing meeting: ask them to attend the organizing meeting! Send them the online link to register for the organizing meeting.

If you've already had the meeting:

• Invite them to your upcoming check-in call with your team
• Make a plan for when to talk with them again about their role in the event
• And, make sure they register as either a host or attendee for the Clean Energy Congressional Meeting.