SLAP NOW.: SEVEN STEPS TO STARTING YOUR CAMPAIGN

1) DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Carefully read the information in this packet

2) COPY AND PRESENT INFO TO FRIENDS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS. (Start a contact list of those who support the goals of the campaign)

3) FORM A WORKING GROUP OF THE MOST COMMITTED (Under 10 people to start is preferable)

4) REQUEST A MEETING OF THE SUPERINTENDENT AND DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION WITH YOUR GROUP. (You come to convey your concerns about air quality at your school district, gather information about what the school district may already be doing, and hear suggestions for how you can work together).

a) In preparing your questions refer to the no idling policies of the Port Washington and Bethlehem School Districts, and keep your questions brief. Designate a spokesperson for the group who will make a brief introduction. Convey an open mind as you try to learn what your school district is already doing.

b) At the meeting designate one or two people to take detailed notes at the meeting to review later.

c) Hand out materials from the packet to the officials. Ask them what they think of your program, and for any suggestions they might have for furthering your goals.

5) CREATE A SHORT FORMAL PRESENTATION AND ASK INFLUENTIAL SCHOOL GROUPS e.g. (P.T.A., SCHOOL BOARD) FOR TIME TO PRESENT AT THEIR MEETINGS.

6) EXPAND YOUR CONTACT LIST OF CAMPAIGN SUPPORTERS. Hold informal meetings at lunch with students. Ask them to talk to their friends and parents. Set up a table at community events at school (get permission from school officials first)

7) COORDINATE AND KEEP IN TOUCH WITH SLAP-ERS AT OTHER SCHOOLS. Strategize about bringing the campaign to other school districts.

[The steps above were drawn from the experiences and suggestions of organizers from the Bethlehem School District and the Port Washington School District, but tailored for high school students, and reviewed by founding members of the SLAP NOW! Campaign]