Environmental Policy and the Next President

Attended BPF held at Nauticus in downtown Norfolk on the evening of Tuesday, October 7th. Panelists were Ann Swanson of Chesapeake Bay Commission, Donald Luzzatto of The Virginian-Pilot, and Dr. Timmons Roberts of the College of William and Mary. My favorite Public Broadcasting Host, Cathy Lewis, of Hear Say with Cathy Lewis and What Matters on WHRO Channel 15 acted as moderator.

Learn more about the Blue Planet Forum, presented by Nauticus, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and NOAA, by calling the Chesapeake Bay Foundation at 757-622-1964 or via email at blueplanet@cbf.org.

What does Hampton Roads look like in 100 years at the current (and documented) rate of global climate change (resulting in sea level rise)? What does that mean to you and me? To our Food supply? Our water supply? Our children?

Here is an interesting video simulation I found in relationship to this.

Chesapeake Bay pollution and climate change are inextricably linked, especially since many of the same causes prevail in both. For instance, suburban sprawl development requiring more roads and more cars on those roads is a factor in the Bay's health.

Delegate John Cosgrove was in attendance. He sits on the Chesapeake Bay Commission.

Virginia Ideas Forum, what a brilliant idea!

Pardon the pun, but truly ... what a "brilliant" idea ... for the Commonwealth of Virginia to create a simple web tool to ask citizens for their ideas. Ideas that can be discussed, expanded upon and, potentially, acted upon.

I signed up for a free account. You should, too. Just click on the icon above and get to generating that next great idea!

Push Me - Pull You Marketing

Interactive Marketing – Blending Push and Pull Marketing

Pull marketing is like planting a seed (seed = interest in your company, brand, concept, etc.), nurturing it and watching it grow. Nurture happens when you interact with your audience to learn of their concerns and develop solutions to address those need(s). When your audience is ready to engage (buy, donate, etc.), then your marketing efforts puts you “top of mind”.

Blogs, social networks, online PR, online videos, interactive websites, white papers, speaking events, seminars and word-of-mouth are great examples of “pull” marketing.

Add a permission-based email newsletter sign-up (for example), and now you have converted that “pull” into a “push”.

To determine what and how to add “pull” to your current “push”, ask yourself:

1. Where do our stakeholders (customers, donors) need answers that we can provide?
2. What emerging trends can we address?
3. What problems can we identify to be ahead of the curve?

Better have a blend of both push and pull for ultimate success and true engagement of all stakeholders!

Citizen evangelists are what Hampton Roads needs

Yes, I "lurk", aka participate, on forums. Forums about technology, marketing (my avocation and vocation) and others.

The one to join here in Hampton Roads: UrbanPlanet.org > Cities, Places, Regions > USA South > Virginia

Forums like this help gauge the real heartbeat of a community. Get the "man on the street" point of view (POV). When everyday citizens are positively engaged in a community, look out! That is a truly vibrant community or region.

Citizen evangelists are what Hampton Roads needs. WITH the resources and connections to the "powers-that-be" to put words/ideas into action.

Hampton Roads has several citizen-engagement groups already. And, some great public/private partnership organizations as well. They could all help with this vision of Hampton Roads in terms of: the minimal funds needed and manning the all-volunteer, grassroots, roll-up-the-shirtsleeves "work" as well as word-of-mouth, etc.

I've found several examples of citizen-groundswell success stories across the country, one of which is celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. I'm collecting video and print/web collateral now to showcase and share what could happen here in Hampton Roads.

Email me at MGBlankenship@cox.net if you want to step up and help, too! I know I do. If you know of others who may be interested, pass this on and have them contact me.

Stay tuned...

Citizen Soldier, great video, song and message

The National Guard is a direct descendant of the militias of the 17th Century American colonies before a professional, full-time military was even considered. If my research proves correct and up-to-date, our current military efforts abroad consist of 60% standing military and 40% National Guard and Reserves. {please correct me if I'm wrong!}

This video (experienced in a theater recently as part of the movie previews) has some truly great symbolism and pays tribute to the selfless deeds of the "citizen soldier" from our humble beginnings as a country through World Wars and to today in both war and natural disaster.

3 Doors Down (and their MySpace page)
National Guard Promotion

Citizen Soldier
Lyrics

Beyond the boundries of your city's lights.
Stand the heroes waiting for your cries.
So many times you did not bring this on yourself.
When the moment finally comes, I'll be there to help.

On that day, when you need your brothers and sisters to care.
I'll be right here.

[[Chorus]]
Citizen soldiers.
Holding the light for the ones that we guide from the dark of despair.
Standing on guard for the ones that we've sheltered.
We'll always be ready because we will always be there.

When there's people crying in the streets.
When they're starving for a meal to eat.
When they simply need a place to make their beds.
Right here underneath my wing, you can rest your head.

On that day, when you need your brothers and sisters to care.
I'll be right here.

[[Chorus]]

Hope and pray, that you never need me.
The rest assured I will not let you down.
I walk beside you, but you may not see me.
The strongest among you may not wear a crown.

On the day when you need your brothers and sisters to care.
I'll be right here.
On that day when you don't have strength for the burning you bear.
I'll be right here.

[[Chorus]]
Citizen Soldier lyrics on http://www.metrolyrics.com/