[Peace] Please join the effort to help pass the poverty referendum

[Randall Cotton]

I've created a Yahoo group to gather together folks who would like to work
together with other individuals and organizations to help get the
Champaign township poverty referendum passed.

Please email me if you'd like to help and I'll add you to the group, which
will sign you up to a (temporary) mailing list. The sign-up will be in the
form of an e-mail invitation (you must read the message and click on a
button within to be signed up). I'll be sending out invitations to folks
who are already helping or who have said they would like to, but if you
want to help and don't get an invitation, please drop me a line.

A Yahoo group functions as mailing lists, but also as "forum", allowing
any member to access all mailing list messages sent so far with their web
browser. Groups also offer a web page where files can be posted for
download and a web page where important links can be accumulated. The
group I've created utilizes all these.

Folks are needed to help brainstorm on how to best move forward, but
current ideas being discussed are:

1. Letters to the editor (and lots of them)

2. Convincing the NG, the DI and other outlets to do stories on the issue
(especially the amazing disparity regarding how poorly Champaign funds
General Assistance in comparison to comparable surrounding cities).

3. WILL Public Square piece

4. Calling into local mainstream radio talk shows (WDWS, etc.)

5. Getting the audio and video of the Abernathy/Winston interview on
public access media  (UPTV, WEFT, etc.)

6. Flyers at Farmer's Market (given to willing booths in some sort of
eye-catching display that will attract Champaign citizens, but also just
handing flyers to folks in the parking lot).

7. A high-profile press conference next week with many supporting
non-profit organizations in town.

But MUCH HELP IS NEEDED. We have some decent raw material to work with - 2
articles, a detailed/footnoted/referenced report making the case for media
coverage, audio, video, a flyer and endorsements from the City
Council/Township Board (save one). But now people power is needed to
educate and raise enough awareness to get this thing passed especially in
the face of the economic difficulties and the inscrutable language of the
referendum itself.

Please consider joining the effort and reply to me directly if you're
interested in helping.

Thanks!
R