How to Request a Global Response Letter-Writing Campaign

To request a Global Response letter-writing campaign on behalf of a community movement to protect the environment, please contact:

Paula Palmer, Executive Director
Tel +1-303 -444 -0306 ext. 103
Fax +1-303- 449-9794

To support your request for a letter-writing campaign, please tell us:

1. What is the nature of the environmental threat?
   
   
2. Describe the ecosystems, endangered species, and human communities that are or will be affected.
   
   
3. Are scientific reports available that document the dangers?
   
   
4. Which local organizations are working on this issue?
   Do they want Global Response to organize an international letter-writing campaign to help them succeed?
   
   
5. Are national or international organizations involved in the campaign?
   
   
6. What have the campaign organizers achieved so far?
   
   
7. What is the current status of the problem?
   
   
8. Who can make a decision to resolve this problem? (usually an official in a government, corporation or international financial institution)
   
   
9. Are there specific dates when important decisions will be made regarding this issue?
   
   
10. To whom should Global Response members write their letters, and what should they ask for in their letters?
    
    
11. Name and contact information for the local campaign contact person(s)

We will give your request our full consideration. Our goal is to increase your chances to succeed in campaigns to protect the environment and defend indigenous peoples' rights.

How Does Global Response Choose Its Campaigns?

Global Response's Program Director meets with an Actions Advisory Committee each month to review potential campaigns. Advisory Committee members have expertise in various scientific fields, medicine, human rights and international law. They consider each potential campaign according to these criteria:

1. Is there a significant threat to an important ecosystem and/or the health of a community?
   
   
2. Is there a strong local movement to stop or prevent environmental destruction?
   Is this movement working in a democratic, transparent, participatory and non-violent way?
   
   
3. Has the local community or grassroots organization asked Global Response to conduct a letter-writing campaign on its behalf?
   
   
4. Is sufficient and credible scientific information available?
   
   
5. Do we have reliable communications directly with the local community organizers or through international partner organizations (in cases where there are language or other communications barriers)?
   
   
6. Is there a compelling strategy for a letter-writing campaign?
   (Is there reason to believe that international letters may influence a particular decision maker?)
   
   
7. Is the timing right?
   (Is there a particular decision or deadline our letters can influence?)
   
   
8. Can success in this campaign influence broader policy decisions, having a multiplier effect?
   
   
9. Can we create interesting educational materials for children and teenagers based on this issue?
   Is it important to educate world citizens about this issue?

At each meeting of the Actions Advisory Committee, potential campaigns that meet these criteria are discussed. One campaign is selected, based on these considerations:

• Which situation is most urgent?
  
  
• Which campaign helps us achieve the broadest geographical coverage?
  (We aim to conduct campaigns on all continents each year.)