CITIZEN'S CLIMATE LOBBY DAY - February 6 at the Des Moines State Capital The Iowa Sierra Club is hosting a statewide CLIMATE LOBBY DAY in Des Moines on February 6. Lobbying is fun, effective and empowering! You don't need any previous experience or qualifications. All concerned citizens are welcome. The latest report by the International Panel on Climate Change says that we only have 12 years to avert a climate change catastrophe. It outlines the dire effects that climate change poses for our state, our nation and our world. Droughts,heat waves, floods, fires, hurricanes and other extreme weather events, crop and livestock damage, disease, mass forced migration,unprecedented biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, pollution, deforestation and the spread of invasive and infectious species, are all caused or exacerbated by climate change. As energy companies and special interests continue to spend big dollars lobbying legislators to maintain the status quo it has become essential that citizens speak up, stand up and take action.This is where you come into the picture. You can play an important role by speaking up for citizens from around Iowa who's voices are often drowned out by paid lobbyists. Come to the Capital on February 6 and meet with your representatives as well as members of the Agricultural and Environmental Committees. Tell them that immediate action on climate change is an imperative for you. We’ll meet in the Capitol Building on the first floor by the First Lady and First Gentleman display case at 10 AM. Sierra Club will supply talking points and and tips on the “Do’s and Don’ts of Effective Lobbying”. EFFECTIVE LOBBYING TRAINING CONFERENCE CALL MONDAY - January 28 AT 7 PM If you have never lobbied before or would like some tips on how to lobby effectively on climate change, the Iowa Sierra Club will be hosting a conference call next Monday evening from 7-8 PM CST. The call in number is 712-770-8025, conference code 664453. The call will include tips from the Iowa Sierra Club’s registered lobbyist Pam Mackey-Taylor and a review/discussion of Climate Change talking points. You do not have to have any previous lobby experience to participate in the Climate Lobby Day and participation on the training call is NOT a prerequisite to participating in the lobby day. We look forward to seeing you in Des Moines on February 6. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to [log in to unmask] Users of Listserv are subject to the Sierra Club's Terms and Conditions (http://www.sierraclub.org/terms). For more information, see our support site (http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp).