Brief this, hit on that, it's a rap.

Other than writing up info on Alberta Tar Sands (which I hope I cleverly duped you into at least skimming) and connecting the dots (well, pipelines) 'tween Alaska and there, I've been working on Friend to Friend this week. I go to work between 9-3, take a 2 hour break, then call Anchorage residents legislative district by district in the evening. It's a nice schedule and of course getting out in the evening here has no bearing on my post-work planning at all seeing as it's basically light all the time. The other night I biked home at 12:45am without breaking out so much as a squint. And to think I brought my headlamp to Alaska...

Anyway, the idea behind my making all these phone calls is that at least some of these folks will come in, scan lists of other voters in the area, recognize a couple and write them a note telling them about ACV. Then we can expand our membership and have a more solid constituent base for big elections this year. I think it's a compelling reason/argument so it's not too hard for me to try and sell people on it (unlike those times when I was 18 and, say, peddling eyeliner at the Body Shop. So glad times have changed).

A quote from my phone rap:

"Hi, is ___________ there? Hi, this is Alli from Alaska Conservation Voters, how are you tonight? Great! First, this is not a fundraising call, I'm calling because 2008 is going to be a critical year for conservation, and to prepare we need your help. Is this a good time, I can be brief...

...I’m calling to see what times you can come in and take a quick look at some of our lists of voters and ID friends and family who support conservation in Alaska. We have several times during the evening next week when other voters from your district will be here, and of course we’ll provide snacks and refreshment. Are you available next Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday between 5 and 7pm?"

Then when they come in, I'll deliver a spiel:

"...As you are undoubtedly, unfortunately aware, the political corruption scandal has been long and difficult, and it’s opened up an intense examination of Alaska’s politicians and their relationship with industry. It has felt like every other week someone new is under investigation. As always in politics, opinions on who is responsible and what should be done vary however there seems to be one major consensus – change is necessary. More and more Alaskans are recognizing that a healthy environment and strong economy go hand in hand and that value needs to be reflected in our public officials so that more bills, like HB 125 [a bill that will provide $250 million a year in renewable energy support], can be passed. This year we have a unique opportunity to draw from this sentiment and elect ethical candidates. ACV is doing everything we can to put such candidates in office, and a major part of this work is based on expanding our voter network.

Questions?

The Friend-to-Friend program is based on studies that have shown the most effective way to get people involved with a group or to vote is to have their friends contact them. Think about how often you respond to solicitation from a group you don’t know. If we e-mail, call, meet it’s one thing, but if you write your friend a letter and let them know that ACV is doing great work and they should get involved, the number of respondents is much greater. That’s why we asked you to come in today!

On the table you’ll find lists of registered voters from your district. Take a few minutes and look over the lists, identify anyone you know who you think should be involved with Alaska Conservation Voters. Make a note of this person’s name and write him/her a letter letting them know about ACV and encouraging them to join. Even if you wouldn’t classify them as a conservationist, maybe they like to hunt or fish, you could tell them about ACV’s work on protecting clean water and wildlife habitat. That’s just an example, but ACV’s activities can connect with just about anybody. We’ve provided envelopes, paper, pens etc..."

I have a lot of respect for what this organization does as far as coordinating what are often portrayed as conflicting interests (basically, development vs. conservation) in order to establish common ground. So, luckily, I believe in what I'm saying.

That said, maybe I could benefit from acting lessons. It's kinda hard to cold-call anybody, even if it's not a fundraising call. However I feel myself getting more confident in the whole rap-delivery thing as I go along, and tonight is the first night I actually play host. I have a feeling there won't be a big turnout but it'll be good practice (this will be going on for the rest of the summer and I expect that as I get better at the 'rap' and call more people, we'll have higher turnouts).

IN other news, I am officially accepted into the NYC Marathon (!!!) but in the meantime I am extremely tempted to do this and just call it a long run. Extremely tempted. It could be a really bad idea (recent injury, tight budget). But it could be really fun...

I've perfected the balance of groceries and/or beverages that clink, on handlebars. And I saw a moose this morning (they are very nonchalant, knobby lookin' creatures...well, when they're not angry, like David's moose). Also, I wonder should I purchase bear bells for trail running? I don't want to be one of those morons who I used to make fun of up in N.H. But I don't want to be one of those morons who got attacked by an ornery grizzly, either.

FINALLY, here's a great link for those of us who are car-less and looking to go hiking/kayaking/what-have-youing: Anchorage Adventurers Meetup Group. Carpooling with Alaskans. Takers?