Want to know who oversees development, storm water run off, power plant approvals? How about some help planning meetings and strategy? We are building a toolkit that grassroots activists can use to become more effective in the public policy debate. Included are sample letters, organizing tips, email addresses of officials, and useful Web sites.
This how to compendium includes sample documents, as well as information on developing a strategy, holding public events, honing your message, and more.
To view the PDF files you will need the Acrobat Reader software freely available for download by clicking below:
| Document Name |
|
Rules & Procedures - Asheville
If you are going to "play on their court" you better know the rules.
|
 City Council - Rules & Procedures (includes rules for city council meeting and the general guidelines for city boards and commisions). |
| Board of Adjustment (BOA) - Rules & Procedures (BOA hear requests for UDO variances, appeals of administrative decisions, etc). |
|
The Law
|
| Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) - Asheville's Code of Ordinances. Click here for recently approved ordinances which have not incorporated yet. |
| Book of Interpretations as of May 1, 2008 (not really the law). More than 178 pages of memos, e-mails and handwritten notes that Asheville’s Planning and Development Department uses as a guide when ruling on specific points concerning the Unified Development Ordinance. Click here for the story on its revealing and controversy. |
| North Carolina Statutes |
| Open Records - Q&A (from State) |
|
Government Information
|
| Contact Elected Officials, Boards, and Staff (Let your voice be heard) |
| School Of Government (TBD) |
| Planning Approval Process (Flowchart) |
| How to Appeal a Decision (TBD) |
| How to file a Protest Petition (TBD)...to require a supermajority of council for a motion to pass) |
| Sample Freedom of Information Act Letter |
|
Organizing You Neighborhood
|
| Game Plan and Strategy (TBD) |
| "We Are Organizing" Flyer (TBD) |
| Creating a Contact List (TBD) |
| Communication Tools: List servs, website, social network sites, the "good old" ways. (TBD) |
| First Meeting / Social Event (TBD) |
| By-Laws - Samples and why you need them (TBD) |
|
General Organization Tips
|
| Get Organized |
| Know How to Win |
| Inviting People to Your Campaign |
| Getting People to Help |
| Run a Good Meeting |
| Robert's Rules of Order - Procedures for Meetings |
|
Get Your Message Out
|
| Media Contact List (excel) |
| Think Like a Reporter |
| Learn to Write Clearly |
| Framing the Message |
| How to Write a News Op-Ed |
| Sample News Release |
| Writing Testimony and Letters |
| Force Field Analysis |
| Sample Letter to Lawmaker on Industrial Development |
| How to Manage a Letter Writing Campaign |
