Policy/Advocacy Work Group Monthly Call – January 2021

Thank you to everyone who joined our last call of 2020. It was very productive and we are using many of the ideas generated to pull together a list of priorities for the new Biden Administration. You can read the minutes here

For our call next week we’d like to continue this discussion but center it on the work group activities for 2021. What would you like to see us focus on? What do we want to accomplish in 2021? To help guide the discussion, Kathy has assembled a list of considerations we should keep in mind as we’re proposing issues to work on. (call in information is below – looking forward to talking with you all next week!)

Ripeness: The issue is fully developed and advanced to a sufficient level of maturity; ready to “burst” in the environmental harvest. The issue has gained a significant amount of attention in the environmental community and is a major focus of the media, political entities, and various stakeholders on a mass level. Perfect Storm of Environmental Change: All of the factors surrounding this issue combined create the ideal opportunity for a significant impact to occur.

Winnable through collaborative efforts: When all of the partners join together as a united front, the ultimate goals of the issue are realistic and attainable. Available alternative: The product, substance or process being restricted must have an environmentally safe or preferred alternative in order to enable just transition for workers and communities. Someone on the ground to coordinate: The issue must have a designated point person or group that is local and is accountable for coordinating the overall effort.

Collaborative in nature: The issue provides an opportunity for us to easily work together toward a common goal. Builds capacity for our collaboration: The issue attracts a broader and more diverse group of people to get involved and ultimately join and work toward our collective vision. Makes the movement stronger: The issue builds a greater sphere of influence and impact on the toxic-free movement in a more powerful way. Builds ties with labor groups: The issue provides an opportunity to develop stronger relationships and connections with labor groups in order to energize their membership.

Widespread not just Local: The issue is not isolated to one local community, but has implications to leverage across New York State.

Significant health and environmental impact: The issue reveals the widespread effects it can have on a large cross section of the community. Does this policy help prevent significant impacts?  Children’s impact, results in health impacts (cancer, cognitive disabilities, etc.)

Salient: Something that is both educable and marketable.

National Scene/Other States: our campaign helps or is helped by efforts to advance chemical policy in other states and at the national level.

Helps us tell our story broadly to people who don’t think about this.

Is a bridge/building block toward a broader paradigm shift (infrastructure, etc.)

Policy-Advocacy Work Group January 2021 Call

January 14, 2021 3pm – 4pm ET

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Meeting ID: 843 1763 2004
Passcode: 136882
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