End Mountaintop Removal Week in Washington 2013 – FAQ
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us at (202) 266-0479 or email wiw@ilovemountains.org.
Where can I register for the End Mountaintop Removal Week in Washington?
The registration page can be found here.
What is the deadline for registration?
Registration opens January 17, 2013.
If you are seeking a scholarship, the deadline April 6th. If you do not need funding, the deadline is April 15th.
Who comes to the End Mountaintop Removal Week in Washington?
Caring individuals from all over the United States who are passionate about mountains, water and social justice! Traditionally, we have had people from as far away as Florida, California, New York and Michigan. Many residents from Appalachia who are directly impacted by mountaintop removal coal mining also attend. Prepare to meet amazing like-minded people and make new friends.
Can’t come but want to help?
When and what type of information will I receive after I sign up?
Once you sign up, you will get an email notification confirming your registration and an electronic version of your welcome packet. If you request it, we will also mail out welcome packets the last week in February. In the mean time, we encourage you to read up on mountaintop removal on the iLoveMountains.org website.
What are my travel options to DC?
We recommend what will be most economical for you. If you are flying or taking a train into the DC area, there are many options through the Metro System once you arrive. If you are driving, please be aware that hotel parking is $40 a day ($42 for valet parking). There are several parking garages located near the hotel and we are looking into less expensive options.
You may also be able to park your vehicle at certain public transport hubs outside of the city and take public transportation into the city. The Shady Grove Metro Station in Maryland and the Fairfax Metro Station in Virginia have been recommended by past participants.
What is the schedule while we are in DC?
General Schedule:
- Saturday, May 4 – TRAVEL DAY — Registration and evening “Meet and Greet” (Meals on your own, no food or beverages provided.)
Sunday, May 5 – TRAINING DAY – Workshops: Learn about mountaintop removal, the efforts to end MTR, the work we’ll be doing in DC during WIW, and ways you can take action back home. (Breakfast and lunch provided. Dinner on your own.)
- Monday, May 6 – MEETINGS WITH FEDERAL AGENCIES and LOBBY (Breakfast and lunch provided. Dinner on your own)
- Tuesday, May 7 – MEETINGS WITH FEDERAL AGENCIES and LOBBY (Breakfast and lunch provided. Dinner on your own)
Wednesday, May 8 – WRAP UP/CLOSING of EVENT and TRAVEL HOME (Breakfast and lunch provided. Dinner on your own)
- Thursday, May 9 – POTENTIAL TRAVEL DAY – Note – a very few participants may be traveling home on Thursday, April 7th. (If you think you may need lodging Wednesday night, please discuss with WIW planners.)
Do you offer childcare?
In the past we have not offered childcare arrangements, however, children have attended every Week in Washington. While lobbying is hard work and involves lots of walking, children can be incredibly powerful advocates for a cause. Please contact us if you are wondering if the Week in Washington could be a good fit for your child.
What kinds of meetings will be happening?
In addition to lobby meetings, every year at Week in Washington, we meet with federal agencies that are charged with regulating and enforcing the laws on mountaintop removal. Working with these agencies is a key part of our strategy to end mountaintop removal.
Participants also meet with key national allies and offices located in Washington, DC that are vital to our work during the Week in Washington.
How much walking is there? Is this event accessible?
Participants should wear comfortable shoes and most should expect to walk 1-2 miles per day, minimum. We welcome and make efforts to accommodate people of all abilities, and provide a shuttle service for those who can’t walk these distances.
Unfortunately, the realities of Washington DC, including heavy traffic, lack of parking, historic buildings with few wheelchair ramps, as well as the distances between offices once inside Congressional buildings, can create frustration for some participants. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about the accessibility of this event.
How are lobby visits scheduled?
We will ask you to assist with the scheduling process if at all possible, to maximize the number of visits we make to members of Congress during the Week in Washington.
Setting up an appointment varies by office but usually involves some phone calls, and possibly some emailing and/or faxing. Shortly after the registration deadlines have passed, someone who has prior experience making lobby visits will contact you about setting up appointments. You will also be put in touch with other participants from your state who are also setting up visits.
I have never lobbied before. How does it work?
Much of the Sunday training will be about lobbying, so you will be familiar with the process by the end of the day. Citizens directly affected by mountaintop removal coal mining will join with people from around the country to meet with legislative offices.
If you or your community have been impacted by mountaintop removal mining, use your own words to explain how this practice has affected you and why it must stop. If you are from an area not directly impacted by mountaintop removal, briefly explain why you care about the issue. No matter who you are, or where you’re from, your voice matters. Most appointments are 15-20 minutes long, but could be much shorter or longer depending on the situation. A visit is like having a educational conversation with the member of Congress or a staffer, making sure you ask if they will cosponsor the bill before you leave.
What do we do in between lobby visits?
We will have a headquarters, “HQ” set up Monday through Wednesday where breakfast and lunch will be served, and where participants can debrief and relax in between visits. There will be numerous volunteer opportunities at HQ. The HQ is within walking distance of the congressional offices and some DC attractions.
What are the costs involved? Are scholarships available?
Training and lobby materials, all breakfasts, and 3 group lunches are included for all participants. Participants are responsible for travel expenses, dinner each night, and hotel expenses. Lodging will be $438 for 4 nights, if you share a room, and $876 if you prefer your own room. Parking at the hotel is $42 per day.
Lower cost dorm style housing is available at the Washington Seminar Center, located 3 blocks from the Capitol Building. Fully equipped kitchen, bathrooms with showers, lounge area, and space for meetings. $35 per person per night. No alcohol policy. If you are interested in Alt housing, please indicate so on your Week in Washington Application. For more info, please read WSC’s rules and regulations.
Many meals are provided, but dinners are not, please expect to spend up to or more than $120 for dinner and miscellaneous expenses.
Travel costs will be dependent on mode of transportation and distance.
Limited scholarships may be available for travel and lodging. Please indicate if you need a full or partial scholarship on your registration form.
We encourage you to raise funds to help you get to Washington DC. It also doubles as a chance to educate others in your community about mountaintop removal. Please send us your ideas and fund raising stories, too!
Some Suggestions:
- Host a presentation of Appalachian Treasures or show a film that exposes the issue of mountaintop removal coal mining in your community and ask for donations. Email outreach@appvoices.org for your free kit today.
- Contact local clubs and organizations. Send a solicitation letter to your local Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Kiwanis, etc. They support the causes of individuals in their communities.
- Ask your traveling buddies to donate their frequent flier miles to your trip to DC. If you need help with how that works, email us.
- Collect loose change. Label old yogurt cups or jars and pass them out to your friends and family, asking them to return a full cup for a good cause.
- Create an office fundraising challenge. Ask your colleagues to challenge each other to raise the highest amount. Give the winner a prize.
- Ask your local bartender to donate a portion of one day’s tips. Create a sign for the bartender stating “All tips collected tonight will go directly to ending mountaintop removal coal mining.”
- Host a used book sale. Gather your old books, ask your friends, family and neighbors to donate whatever they’ve got and set up a weekend book sale. Put up some signs so people will know where the money is going. Once they know that they may even give you more money.
- Host a Game Night. Invite your friends over for a night of competition. Charge them at the door and include some door prizes for the winners.
SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS: The members of the Alliance for Appalachia include:
Appalachian Citizens Law Center, Appalachian Voices, Appalshop, Coal River Mountain Watch, Heartwood, Keeper of the Mountains Foundation, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, Save Our Cumberland Mountains, Sierra Club Environmental Justice Program, Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards, Southwings, West Virginia Highlands Conservancy
