Back from the Brink Video Activist Guide

Activist Guide

Back from the Brink

Produced December 1, 1999

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International De-Alerting Campaign

CDI Resources:
New Security Media Center
Study Guide

Ask CDI's Expert:
Adm. Eugene Carroll, USN (Ret.)

De-alerting Experts:
Dr. Bruce Blair
Amy Lesser
Dr. Arjun Makhijani
Adm. Stansfield Turner

The Activist Guide shows activists what other steps they can take to spread the word and mobilize support against the threat posed by nuclear weapons.

1. Hold meetings

You can organize a video briefing at your school, church, or home. Using the Study Guide, prepare some discussion points and encourage everyone to participate in the discussion and brainstorming.

2. Contact regional, national and international policymakers

Visits
Direct contact is good. Even better is to visit the policymaker with a group. You should prepare a visit well. Know whom you want to talk to and about what. Appointments are made by the Appointment Secretary/Scheduler. If possible, get information and materials to back your visit.

Letters
See sample letters:
Nuclear Age Peace Foundation
Abolition 2000
You should be courteous and to the point. Address only one issue and try to keep the letter to one page. See following directories for different addresses.
Address Directory: Politicians of the World
Addresses: Embassies of Washington, DC
List: U.S. House of Representatives
List: U.S. Senate

Telephone calls.

See mentioned directories. Or call the US Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121, and the operator will connect you with the office of your Representative or Senator. The calls are often taken by staff members. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issues you wish to address.

E-mails

See mentioned directories.

3. Contact the media

Letters to the Editor.
Articles expressing your viewpoint can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to newspapers and magazines.
"Letters to the editor" are an opportunity to correct and/or comment on an article or statement that recently appeared in a publication. These letters are actually the most widely read sections in any publication. The competition for a paper's limited space is great, so the letters should be to the point, well-written, and "pegged" to a the paper's coverage of a related issues.
Always include your name, address and phone number, for verification purposes.
Call the editor's office for specific criteria. The letters are short: never more than 300 words. They usually consist of three paragraphs. The first one refers to the article and gives a reaction, it is supposed to grab people's attention. The second one gives the argumentation and information to support that reaction. The third one is for the conclusion.
Always relate your comments to a local concern.

Opinion Editorials
The so-called "op-ed's" are more an opportunity to show the expert view. They often appear opposite the editorial page of the newspaper. They are usually longer: between 650 and 750 words.
For more information and a media guide:
News Directory
US Media Guide