End Mountaintop Removal Week in Washington 2011 - FAQ
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us at (202) 266-0479 or email wiw@ilovemountains.org.
Where can I register for the End Mountaintop Removal Week in Washington?
The registration page can be found here.
What is the deadline for registration?
If you are seeking a scholarship, the deadline Friday, February 18th. If you do not need funding, the deadline is Friday, February 25th.
Who comes to the End Mountaintop Removal Week in Washington?
Caring individuals from all over the United States who are passionate about mountains, water and social justice! Traditionally, we have had people from as far away as Florida, California, New York and Michigan. Many residents from Appalachia who are directly impacted by mountaintop removal coal mining also attend. Prepare to meet amazing like-minded people and make new friends.
Not sure you can attend? Can’t come?
No problem!
When and what type of information will I receive after I sign up?
Once you sign up, you will get an email notification confirming your registration and an electronic version of your welcome packet. If you request it, we will also mail out welcome packets the last week in February. In the mean time, we encourage you to read up on mountaintop removal through the iLoveMountains.org website.
What are my travel options to DC?
We recommend what will be most economical for you. If you are flying or taking a train into the DC area, there are many options through the Metro System once you arrive. If you are driving, please be aware that hotel parking is $35 a day. We are currently looking for more affordable parking options that may be nearby. You may also be able to park your vehicle at certain public transport hubs outside of the city and take public transportation into the city.
Are there housing options besides the hotel?
If you do not wish to stay at the hotel, there are alternate options for housing while you’re in Washington DC, including staying in local homes or staying at hostels in the area. Please note that we will most likely be unable to coordinate transportation for those not staying in the hotel. Please contact wiw@ilovemountains.org if you would like to learn more about these options.
What is the schedule while we are in DC?
General Schedule:
- Saturday, April 2nd - TRAVEL DAY - travel to DC, optional casual evening get together (Meals on your own.)
- Sunday, April 3rd - LOBBY TRAINING DAY - Workshops: history, lobby messaging, lobby techniques, day in the life of a congressional staff, affected citizens panel, lobby team planning. (Breakfast and lunch provided. Dinner on your own.)
- Monday, April 4th - LOBBY DAY - (Breakfast and lunch provided. Dinner on your own.)
- Tuesday, April 5th - LOBBY DAY - Congressional Reception with members and their staff. (Breakfast and lunch provided. Dinner on your own, though light refreshments will be provided at the evening reception.)
- Wednesday, April 6th - LOBBY DAY/TRAVEL DAY – Safe travels home! (Breakfast and lunch provided. Dinner on your own.)
Do you offer childcare?
In the past we have not offered childcare arrangements, however, children have attended every Week in Washington. While lobbying is hard work and involves lots of walking, children can be incredibly powerful advocates for a cause. Please contact us if you are wondering if the Week in Washington could be a good fit for your child.
How much walking is there? Is this event accessible?
Participants should wear comfortable shoes and most should expect to walk 1-2 miles per day, minimum. We welcome and make efforts to accommodate people of all abilities, and provide a shuttle service for those who can’t walk these distances.
Unfortunately, the realities of Washington DC, including heavy traffic, lack of parking, historic buildings with few wheelchair ramps, as well as the distances between offices once inside Congressional buildings, can create frustration for some participants. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about the accessibility of this event.
How are lobby visits scheduled?
We will ask you to assist with the scheduling process if at all possible, to maximize the number of visits we make to members of Congress during the Week in Washington.
Setting up an appointment varies by office but usually involves some phone calls, and possibly some emailing and/or faxing. Shortly after the registration deadlines have passed, someone who has prior experience making lobby visits will contact you about setting up appointments. You will also be put in touch with other participants from your state who are also setting up visits.
I have never lobbied before. How does it work?
Much of the Sunday training will be about lobbying, so you will be familiar with the process by the end of the day. Citizens directly affected by mountaintop removal coal mining will join with people from around the country to meet with legislative offices.
If you or your community have been impacted by mountaintop removal mining, use your own words to explain how this practice has affected you and why it must stop. If you are from an area not directly impacted by mountaintop removal, briefly explain why you care about the issue. No matter who you are, or where you’re from, your voice matters. Most appointments are 15-20 minutes long, but could be much shorter or longer depending on the situation. A visit is like having a educational conversation with the member of Congress or a staffer, making sure you ask if they will cosponsor the bill before you leave.
What do we do in between lobby visits?
We will have a headquarters, “HQ” set up Monday through Wednesday where breakfast and lunch will be served, and where participants can debrief and relax in between visits. There will be numerous volunteer opportunities at HQ. The HQ is within walking distance of the congressional offices and some DC attractions.
What are the costs involved? Are scholarships available?
Training and lobby materials, all breakfasts, 1 group dinner, and 3 group lunches are included for all participants. Participants are responsible for travel expenses, dinner each night, and hotel expenses. Lodging will be $378 for 4 nights, if you share a room, and $756 if you prefer your own room. Parking is $35 per day. Travel costs will be dependent on mode of transportation and distance.
Limited scholarships may be available for travel and lodging. Please indicate if you need a full or partial scholarship on your registration form.
We encourage you to raise funds to help you get to Washington DC. It also doubles as a chance to educate others in your community about mountaintop removal. Please send us your ideas and fund raising stories, too!
Some Suggestions:
- Host a presentation of Appalachian Treasures or show a film that exposes the issue of mountaintop removal coal mining in your community and ask for donations. Email outreach@appvoices.org for your free kit today.
- Contact local clubs and organizations. Send a solicitation letter to your local Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Kiwanis, etc. They support the causes of individuals in their communities.
- Ask your traveling buddies to donate their frequent flier miles to your trip to DC. If you need help with how that works, email us.
- Collect loose change. Label old yogurt cups or jars and pass them out to your friends and family, asking them to return a full cup for a good cause.
- Create an office fundraising challenge. Ask your colleagues to challenge each other to raise the highest amount. Give the winner a prize.
- Ask your local bartender to donate a portion of one day’s tips. Create a sign for the bartender stating “All tips collected tonight will go directly to ending mountaintop removal coal mining.”
- Host a used book sale. Gather your old books, ask your friends, family and neighbors to donate whatever they’ve got and set up a weekend book sale. Put up some signs so people will know where the money is going. Once they know that they may even give you more money.
- Host a Game Night. Invite your friends over for a night of competition. Charge them at the door and include some door prizes for the winners.
SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS: The members of the Alliance for Appalachia include:
Appalachian Citizens Law Center, Appalachian Voices, Appalshop, Coal River Mountain Watch, Heartwood, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, Mountain Association for Community Economic Development, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, Save Our Cumberland Mountains, Sierra Club Environmental Justice Program, Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards, Southwings, West Virginia Highlands Conservancy
