Save Our Trains Michigan
Conductor
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>Subject: Developing Grass-roots support for each long-distance route
>Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2006 11:45:28 -0400
>From: "NARP" <[email protected]>
>To: "NARP" <[email protected]>
>
>To NARP Members, August 9, 2006--
>
>The budget battles of recent years make it clear that Amtrak's critics
>are out to get rid of all long distance trains. We can stop them by
>making noise and demonstrating strong public support for these trains.
>
>NARP is organizing a campaign to form "route teams" to support each long
>distance route. If you can do even such simple things as talk, walk,
>phone, and pass out leaflets we need you to join this important campaign
>that will strengthen and grow these important trains. Organizing
>ourselves at the local, grass roots level is the way to do this. It is
>an essential component in our ongoing campaign to preserve and improve
>the long distance system.
>
>The model for these groups would be the very successful Texas Eagle
>Marketing and Performance Organization, or Tempo. It has been in
>existence for nine years and has proven to be an effective voice and
>advocate for the Texas Eagle, and spurred the formation of a similar
>group for the Heartland Flyer. Grass roots organizing is what saved the
>Texas Eagle and its how we're going to prevail in our fight to protect
>other routes.
>
>We need volunteers in every area where Amtrak has a station -- including
>cities and towns that have Thruway bus connections. Anyone and everyone
>who has a little time can make a difference.
>
>Some of our ideas for what we would like to see these groups do:
>
>--establish relationships with local businesses, chambers of commerce,
>and newspaper editorial boards; engage them to promote their train
>service and also make them aware of the threats outlined above
>
>--reach out to local elected officials and make sure they are aware of
>the train and the continual threats to Amtrak's long distance system
>from Washington
>
>--pass out literature at stations
>
>--get merchants to put posters in store windows
>
>--attend meeting with your Representative and Senator when they have
>town hall meetings
>
>--raise the general visibility of the train in your community and
>region.
>
>This is by no means a complete list. Groups may take on other tasks
>they deem appropriate. In some cases, the teams' work will strengthen
>and expand on efforts already under way by Amtrak ticket agents and
>other people acting individually.
>
>If you would like to volunteer along the Amtrak long distance route you
>live near, please reply to this E-mail. Include all of your contact
>information: name, address, phone number and E-mail.
>
>Since a key element of the groups will be interaction with local
>officials, we would prefer those that live along a specific route become
>involved with that route. However, Thruway Bus connections count as
>well (e.g. Duluth, MN for the Empire Builder). And, yes, we would love
>to have participation for the long distance trains that serve stations
>on the Northeast Corridor!
>
>There are many tasks to do. The first step is to volunteer. We will
>get back to those who are interested once we gauge overall interest in
>the program, identify leaders, and begin the effort to organize each
>route.
>
>-Ross B. Capon
>NARP Executive Director
>Subject: Developing Grass-roots support for each long-distance route
>Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2006 11:45:28 -0400
>From: "NARP" <[email protected]>
>To: "NARP" <[email protected]>
>
>To NARP Members, August 9, 2006--
>
>The budget battles of recent years make it clear that Amtrak's critics
>are out to get rid of all long distance trains. We can stop them by
>making noise and demonstrating strong public support for these trains.
>
>NARP is organizing a campaign to form "route teams" to support each long
>distance route. If you can do even such simple things as talk, walk,
>phone, and pass out leaflets we need you to join this important campaign
>that will strengthen and grow these important trains. Organizing
>ourselves at the local, grass roots level is the way to do this. It is
>an essential component in our ongoing campaign to preserve and improve
>the long distance system.
>
>The model for these groups would be the very successful Texas Eagle
>Marketing and Performance Organization, or Tempo. It has been in
>existence for nine years and has proven to be an effective voice and
>advocate for the Texas Eagle, and spurred the formation of a similar
>group for the Heartland Flyer. Grass roots organizing is what saved the
>Texas Eagle and its how we're going to prevail in our fight to protect
>other routes.
>
>We need volunteers in every area where Amtrak has a station -- including
>cities and towns that have Thruway bus connections. Anyone and everyone
>who has a little time can make a difference.
>
>Some of our ideas for what we would like to see these groups do:
>
>--establish relationships with local businesses, chambers of commerce,
>and newspaper editorial boards; engage them to promote their train
>service and also make them aware of the threats outlined above
>
>--reach out to local elected officials and make sure they are aware of
>the train and the continual threats to Amtrak's long distance system
>from Washington
>
>--pass out literature at stations
>
>--get merchants to put posters in store windows
>
>--attend meeting with your Representative and Senator when they have
>town hall meetings
>
>--raise the general visibility of the train in your community and
>region.
>
>This is by no means a complete list. Groups may take on other tasks
>they deem appropriate. In some cases, the teams' work will strengthen
>and expand on efforts already under way by Amtrak ticket agents and
>other people acting individually.
>
>If you would like to volunteer along the Amtrak long distance route you
>live near, please reply to this E-mail. Include all of your contact
>information: name, address, phone number and E-mail.
>
>Since a key element of the groups will be interaction with local
>officials, we would prefer those that live along a specific route become
>involved with that route. However, Thruway Bus connections count as
>well (e.g. Duluth, MN for the Empire Builder). And, yes, we would love
>to have participation for the long distance trains that serve stations
>on the Northeast Corridor!
>
>There are many tasks to do. The first step is to volunteer. We will
>get back to those who are interested once we gauge overall interest in
>the program, identify leaders, and begin the effort to organize each
>route.
>
>-Ross B. Capon
>NARP Executive Director