Help with Earth Day 2009!!

Here are the committees

To get involved:
Contact Eva Sohl 326-1375 or Julie Diegel 613-8519
or email lincolnearthday@gmail.com

Steering Committee- Carries out the administration and fundraising for the event. Creates and maintains partnerships with the Nebraska League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the city of Lincoln, Lincoln Green by Design, Sierra Club and other community organizations and individuals. Maintains and updates contact and volunteer lists. Investigates legal and logistical concerns. Works closely with all work groups to keep project on track and communicate progress. Train event staff. Creates a contingency plan for bad weather.

Art Project- Organize a community art project using electronic waste. Build an armature of a dinosaur on which to attach electronic waste. Arrange for an electronic waste company to pick up waste (small pieces only- find out what items would be acceptable. Organize volunteers to build armature and help community participants on Earth Day.

Entertainment- Prepare an event schedule of simultaneous activities, a “carnival” atmosphere, book entertainment, staging. Street musicians, bands, DJs, LAFTA, Jugglers, Clowns, mimes, acrobats, singers, street artists. Screening of The 11th Hour, other films. Leonardo DiCaprio?

Family and Children's Activities- Organize opportunities for families and children to build their relationship with each other and the natural environment, i.e., Exploring nature, Frisbee, croquet, kickball, jump-roping, hula hoops, yoga, badmitten, kickball, three-legged races, etc. Nature activities and activities that teach kids about energy and water conservation, recycling, etc.

Food and Beverage- Organize a "Know Your Farmer" area where people can meet local farmers, buy goods, sign up for CSAs. Find out which restaurants buy locally produced foods, offer samples? A place for people to drink city water. Sell reusable water bottles and sacks. Can the reusable bottles be washed first?

Marketing and Publicity- Develop and implement a marketing plan, logo and branding campaign for Lincoln Earth Day 2009. Refine general "pitch". Create a web site, write news releases, make a volunteer appeal. Look for free advertising- Lamar Outdoor Advertising, KZUM and other radio and TV stations, handbills, posters, t-shirts, etc.

Political Outreach- Organize opportunities for engagement with elected officials and candidates. Provide opportunity for political parties to communicate their vision for making Lincoln a green community. Organize a candidate forum for city council candidates. Invite Senator Ben Nelson and Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, state senators for Lincoln, county commissioners. Arrange with Mayor to announce sustainable position.

Product and Non-profit Fair- Organize booth registrations for local (primarily) and other businesses and non-profits to share information. Research innovative products in a wide range of sectors. (Certain presenters can hold teach-ins at scheduled times during the event.) Renewable energy, household goods, cars, bicycles, recycling, recycled goods, used clothing stores, compostable goods, etc.

Presenters/Speakers- Identify and arrange for speakers during the event. Criteria: dynamic, compelling message relevant to the overall themes of “personal/political action” and “renewable energy/ transportation”. Teach-ins about energy efficiency, bike repair, fuel efficiency, solar panel installation, creating natural play areas, political engagement, etc.

Transportation Activities- Organize a bicycling event on Earth Day and organize a “Ride your Bike or Take the Bus to Work Week for office teams and others. Hold an informal teach-in for minor bike repairs using several volunteers on Earth Day. Organize sign-up opportunities for people interested in car share and bike share program in Lincoln. Coordinate with Star-tran to have busses available, sell bus passes, hand out schedules on Earth Day. Shred Day.

Service Project- Organize and implement a service projects and volunteers to carry them out. Provide opportunities at Earth Day for people to sign up for specific volunteer work that needs to be done i.e. weatherizing homes, cleaning up parks, etc.

Waste Recycling- Coordinate recycling at the event. Make this a zero-waste event. Compostable food containers only if food is sold. Arrange with city, other recyclers. Have appropriate barrels around, sell reusable drink containers and sacks here?Water Issues- Organize activities and learning opportunities about water conservation, wastewater. Groundwater Foundation, Lincoln Water System, others? Provide city water for drinking.