Meet your MP and advocate for climate action

Meet your MP
Federal Election
Prepared by: Heidi Lee Douglas
Date: 2 December 2021

In the lead up to the federal election, we want to empower you to sit down with your
Federal Member of Parliament and ask them to commit to more climate action,
including funding Solar Our Schools.
Let’s make climate action a priority election issue!
Meet your MP Training Workshop

Training Structure:
AP4CA introduction including our federal election strategy
& how to prepare for your meeting with your MP – 40 mins
Specialist Sue Dwyer, Climate for Change – 30 mins
Then a Q and A – 15 mins
Sue Dywer, Climate for Change

Our Meet your MP training workshop will teach you:
• How to localise your climate action and Solar Our Schools asks, by providing success story
case studies (Heidi)
• What to take into a meeting, and how to run a meeting with your MP (Sue)
• What not to do! (Heidi and Sue)
• How to develop a constructive ongoing relationship with your MP (Sue)
• How to build bridges and present olive branches (not literally!) (Sue and Heidi)
• What specific follow up actions you can ask for from your MP (Heidi, Sue)
• How to reframe the climate change debate for conservative MP’s, and we will brainstorm
solutions to your problem MP’s! (Heidi, Sue)

Amanda Collier,
Wentworth - Sydney
- Media Spokes
- MP engagement

Our Federal Election Strategy
What needs to change:
• Bi-partisan support for climate action: to shift the politics into support for climate
action from all politicians and their parties.
• Rapid, urgent progress: for short-term action and medium-term targets that see
Australia do its fair share of global climate action now.
• Reframing climate action and the transition to a net-zero economy as a valuable
opportunity for Australia. For our children's sake, we must create the jobs of the
future. We don't want Australia to get left behind, and we need to support all
regional communities in a fair transition, through government investment into
renewable energy zones and industrial precincts. Australia can become a
renewable energy superpower.

Jasper Lee, Adelaide AP4CA local group
- Media Spokes
- MP engagement

The Strategy: How we do it:
• Raising parent voices: all over Australia, the majority of voters want climate
action and together, parents can amplify their voice to create the political will to act
on climate, and make climate action a priority election issue.
• Mobilise and empower our active volunteers to engage the wider audience of
parents who are concerned about climate change, by normalising climate
conversations, being media spokespeople, and meeting with MPs.
• Localise our national asks: our active parents can speak to what the local climate
change issues are, and how climate action will help their local community and
economy. In particular, our active parents can advocate for local benefits of
our Solar Our Schools plan.

Our Federal Election Asks:
• Do our bit in the global community: A legislated plan to reduce Australia’s
emissions by 75% on 2005 levels, including 100% clean energy by 2030.
• The first step towards a clean economy: Solar Our Schools with funding for solar
and batteries for all schools and early childhood centres in Australia and support for
them to be 'virtual power plants’.

The Tactics: How we’re going to make change happen:
• Engage our communities
• Community events and forums (online or in-person) that get the community talking
about climate action
• Having Climate Conversations: with those not yet active on climate
• Climate Action Now signs: Making the call for climate action visible on the streets

Media: Change the story
• Local media stories with trained parent spokespeople sharing their stories
• Sharing positive solutions with more people online
• Joining forces with partners as part of the Together We can Movement
Lobby: show MPs and candidates we want climate action
• Candidate forums: to profile candidate commitment
• Meeting candidates: and MPs to deliver our message
• Writing to MPs: to ask them to pledge their support

Tone and style:
• Consistent branding
• Shareable and modifiable brand assets for all network purposes
• Positive, respectful, and solutions-focussed
• Our campaign will play a constructive role in transforming climate discourse into
positive solutions and benefits framing and affecting major party discourse
• Non-partisan: We are proudly non-partisan - this is a core value for Australian
Parents for Climate Action. Let’s find common ground. Let’s make climate action
inclusive of all sides of politics.

- Media Spokes
- MP engagement
Darwin AP4CA local group

We have launched an online spokes person training program,
designed for busy parents.

We have launched an online spokes person training program,
designed for busy parents.
It will take you on a journey to:
- understand our federal election strategy
- have great climate conversations
- create your own narrative for media and MP pitches
- localise your Solar Our Schools pitch, for media and MP engagement
- be a media spokesperson
- meet with your MP
- With all with our key messages
www.ap4ca.org/parent_spokes_online_training

Question to audience – has anyone started this training journey yet
and wants to share their experience?
Time for one answer.
www.ap4ca.org/parent_spokes_online_training

What does our support for meeting with your MP look like?
• Review your “pitch” i.e. your narrative, localised Solar Our Schools
• Zoom or phone calls to discuss who you plan to meet with, what their values,
policies and background;
• And together we refine your pitch, incorporating it into our federal election strategy,
and strategic advice on draw out how local issues fit with the federal pitch.
• We provide a professional pitching document.
After the meeting, we support you with follow up materials to the MP.

Leanne Brummel,
AP4CA South West QLD
- Media Spokes
- MP engagement

Sharon Draper,
AP4CA Armidale local group
- Media Spokes
- Councillor engagement

Why is AP4CA non-partisan?
AP4CA is proudly non-partisan. And we need to make that clear in everything we do.
What does non-partisan mean?
Non-partisan means not biased or for or against any particular politician or political
group. So AP4CA does not support or oppose any party or politician. We do support
and oppose policies.
In short: we talk about policies, not politics.

We want a safe climate for our children. So we support effective policies that
deliver climate action. And we strongly believe that climate action should not be a
political football. Rather, in other countries like the UK, all sides of politics are working
together to take ambitious climate action.
Most (72%) Australians believe that climate change is something we need to act on
now. But powerful vested interests seek to divide the electorate, to obfuscate and
delay, so as to protect fossil fuel profits. That’s why we need to find common ground.
Because the only thing capable of overcoming the power of organised money is the
power of organised people. And that means everyone who is here. And even more,
people who aren’t.

We are choosing to build a broad base of support for climate action by including all
sides of politics in the discussion. Our theory of change is that by engaging and
empowering a strong constituency of parents to advocate for climate action, our
pressure will increase sustained political and corporate will to implement the solutions
required to ensure a safe future for all our children. And by shifting support towards
climate action, we decrease support for our opposition at the same time.
Some things just shouldn't be partisan issues. Just like how governments responded
to COVID-19, we need climate policies based on scientific evidence. Not politics.
That’s why we are proudly non-partisan.
So let’s depoliticise climate change. Let’s find common ground. Let’s make climate
action inclusive of all sides of politics. And let’s replace the handful of fossil-fuelled
power brokers with the political will we need to see this through.

What does non-partisan look like?
• We applaud the efforts of all representatives pushing for more climate ambition.
• We call on more representatives to support more climate ambition.
• We celebrate steps in the right direction, especially ambitious policies.
• We thank politicians who make their support for climate action known, whilst calling on them to
go further.
• We scrutinise the strength of climate policies against independent scientific advice.
• We distribute approved election policy scorecards from independent sources.
• We amplify independent, non-partisan, and constructive voices.
• We do refer to the government by the leaders' name when appropriate: e.g. the Morrison
Government.

What does non-partisan look like?
• For example: when we got a breakthrough for Solar Our Schools in the Tasmanian
election, we did not hold a joint press conference with the Tasmanian opposition or
government, but we sent our a press release announcing it as a win for parents and
future generations and asked the Federal Government to step us and also adopt the
policy.

What does non-partisan not look like?
• We don't support or oppose a party or politician.
• We don't insult, deride, make fun of, make caricatures of, or misquote parties or
politicians.
• We don't overdo it on criticism. Saying something plainly and clearly is enough.
• We don't get involved in political contests.
• We don't amplify partisan groups or political groups backing particular candidates.
• We don't target one political party or group in our communications.
• We don't tell people how to vote.

What if I'm involved in something that may be considered partisan?
If you're working on or with anything that may be construed as partisan, then please
do it separately from and independent of AP4CA. And please let the staff team know
if you think it may concern AP4CA - especially if you hold a position of responsibility
with AP4CA, such as an AP4CA media spokesperson.

Time to answer one or two questions about non-partisan.

Yolanda Dasgupta, Sunshine Coast AP4CA local group
- Media Spokes
- MP engagement

- Media Spokes
Brigette Bullen,
Mackellar, Sydney

Communicating with Conservatives
Research shows a conservative person’s political affiliations and ideology
makes them more likely to deny the science of climate change.
So how do we reach them, and change their minds on climate?
- Trusted messengers
- Space and time to digest information
- In places that will reinforce their learnings (placed based learning)
Real change is possible!

Deanne Hayes,
AP4CA Inner West local group
- Media Spokes
- MP engagement

Narrative Training
Why parents make great spokespeople
As parents, we have a moral responsibility to protect our children. We have seen the
impact of bushfires, floods, and rising temperatures. And we observe other
governments around the world acting on climate.
But we continue to be disappointed by our own federal government being out of step
with global action on climate. As parents, we can authentically share our concerns for
the future.
Our politicians are there to represent us, to shepherd this future in. You don't need to
be a climate science expert to want climate action.

Narrative Training
Why your personal story is powerful
Every one of us has a unique story to tell. Being honest, personal, and authentic cuts
through the noise of mass media. It makes your story relatable. The more personal,
the more global our story is.
Barack Obama was famous for using public narrative techniques. He used the Story
of Self, the Story of Now and the Story of Us, developed by Marshall Ganz.
“Each of us has a story that can move others to action.”
- Marshall Ganz
Here is a three-stage framework you can use to develop the way you tell a story to
move others to action:

Narrative Training
1. Why you? What makes you care about this issue? Why have you decided to
step up?
Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you live, how many kids have you got, what’s
your job. Now share with us why you care about this particular issue.
Was there a single incident (for example a bushfire), or the special needs of a child, a
person, or fact that enlightened you? Or was it the slow creep of anxiety, like a frog in
a pot of warming water?
Try and make your story vivid with detail to make it more engaging.
“Because stories allow us to express our values not as abstract principles, but as
lived experience, they have the power to move others.” - Marshall Ganz
Take a moment to write your answer.

Narrative Training
2. Why now? Why is this so important that you want other people to hear what
you have to say?
What do you feel is at stake if we don't act now? Why is what is happening right now -
the incident - an important turning point? Remember, people are often overwhelmed
with news about the world, so this is your chance to grab their attention.
It's good to put it in terms of shared values - what value are you driven by to act that
other people will relate to? For example beauty, compassion, citizenship, community,
fairness, faith, justice, love, loyalty, optimism, peace, responsibility, security, stability,
wealth.

3. Why us? What action can we take right now to change the future?
Now it's time to be specific - and what is the call to action you are asking people to do?
It’s what Marshall Ganz calls “urgent – and hopeful – action”.
That might be a call out to other members of your community to sign a petition, donate to a
cause, join a local group. Or it might be a specific ask to a politician to embrace renewable
energy, set a more ambitious climate target, or agree not to approve any new gas.
This is a moment when the community can be empowered to act. Because we all want to act to
make our community better, but many people don't know how to. You are enabling your
community to act in a way they can be proud of.
You can help build a community around your shared values, and move people to take
action. This is your invitation for others to be part of the solution. The “us” might be people in
your school community, it might be your electorate, it might be Australia-wide.

BREAK OUT ROOMS – SHARE YOUR NARRATIVE 3 POINTS
Why you?
Why now?
Why us?
30 second elevator pitch!

AP4CA staff
and volunteers, Sydney
- Spokes

AP4CA volunteers, Sydney
- Spokes

Creating a localised Solar Our Schools Pitch
• What economic benefits can you envisage that we could create through Solar Our
Schools in your local community, both regional area, and state? E.g. manufacturing of
renewables, mining for renewables, more jobs in renewable energy, jobs for teachers
created by money saved in school power bills thus fixing teacher shortage issues in small
rural towns.
• Outline the major threats to your area from climate change e.g. sea-level rise, wet bulb
temperature, heat islands, bushfires, impact on Great Barrier Reef or farming, etc.
• Provide a one-page personal statement/s “parent case studies” about why you support Solar
Our Schools. Use the narrative training guide. Minimum required 2 personal statements.
• If you can, provide local case studies for schools with or without solar. Useful information
includes - the cost of power bills; how hard was it to get solar, or if you are still trying, what
are the obstacles?; benefits of solar. Minimum at least one school with solar and without.

Take a moment to write your dot points.

Louise Shepherd, Sydney
- Media Spokes

Meeting with your MP
Well done! You have secured a meeting with your Federal (or State) Member of Parliament.
The first thing to clarify with yourself is if you are planning to meet as a representative or
supporter of AP4CA. If you meet under AP4CA branding then we do need you to ask that your
style of communication and your ask aligns with our strategy. Read on to find out more!
If you don't want to stick to this strategy, then we kindly ask that you meet as an individual and
not connect the meeting with AP4CA. Thanks!

Reach out to AP4CA staff
Let us know about your meeting:
We will have a phone call or zoom with you, to help with specific advice in relation to your
meeting. Read this guide beforehand as it will answer many of your questions.
We will provide a federal Solar Our Schools pitch and help shape your cover page materials
specific to your Federal MP. For further information on localising your pitch be sure to read
our full guide to localising your Solar Our Schools pitch.
We may also be able to attend the meeting with you via Zoom for additional support.

- Media Spokes
Kitty Walker, Bellarine

Before the meeting
Research your Federal (or State) MP. Key information you can put together into a brief character
profile is:
• What is their portfolio?
• How long have they been in this position?
• What were the electoral results in 2019 - are they marginal?
• Who is their opposition in their seat?
• Do they have children? What are their driving passions? How can you tap into those and find
common ground?
• What are the main issues in their electorate that your pitch could help them with?

Take a moment to research your federal MP.

Meeting with your MP – what to say
Introduce yourself and AP4CA
• Introduce yourself briefly and tell them you are a local constituent and are part of
Australian Parents for Climate Action. AP4CA has 15,000 plus supporters around
Australia and is growing every day. We are parents who are concerned about the safety of
our children’s future and want climate action to be a non-partisan issue. Many of our parents
are disaffected LNP voters who want the LNP to act on climate.
• Tell them a little about yourself: I care about climate because... eg: I lost my house to a
bushfire; my child was born during the bushfires and they struggled with the smoke; I live in
a flood zone/and area impacted by sea-level rise, etc.

AP4CA Federal asks
• We are nonpartisan - our group represents and unites parents from all political persuasions.
We want climate action to be a non-partisan issue, so we are working with all sides of
politics asking for tangible solutions to climate change.
• We want to see both major political parties commit to 75% reduction in carbon emissions by
2030. This is the most appropriate target for Australia, based on the Climate
Council modeling on equity provisions for the Paris agreement so that we can ensure a safe
climate for our children.
• As a tangible commitment on a roadmap to this target, we are asking both the LNP and ALP
to commit to supporting our Solar Our Schools policy - which would see the federal
government provide $3.78 billion dollars to provide solar and batteries for every school and
early childhood centre across Australia. The federal government already invests more than
25 billion dollars per year into education nationwide.

Solar Our Schools is a shovel ready COVID-19 recovery policy that will:
• Create 7000 jobs in renewable energy Australia wide
• Save money in power bills to put towards 4000 teaching jobs Australia wide, thus
addressing the national teacher shortage
• Save 1.35 million tonnes of carbon emissions per year.
• Supporting positive mental health in children, by showing them that adults are acting on
climate
• When tied to the manufacturing of solar and batteries in Australia, help with the important
transition economy out of fossil fuels
• Each school would then become a virtual power plant, creating a resilient energy source and
community hub in local areas.

Success so far:
• We have already celebrated wins for Solar Our Schools in 3 states (NSW, WA and Tas)
where we have helped trigger $71 million on renewables in schools.
• We have met with Education Minister Alan Tudge’s office and repeatedly with Energy
Minister Angus Taylor’s office, who have said they are considering the policy proposal.
• We have met with Shadow Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen and Shadow Education
Minister Tanya Plibersek, and know they are strongly considering the policy.

Specific actionable ask for your MP
We are now urgently asking for your help to lobby to get your federal to commit to Solar Our
Schools. We will provide a full Solar Our Schools policy brief following this meeting, which
includes the benefits of Solar Our Schools to our local community.
Federal Election Urgency for your Federal MP
Nationally, 71% of voters do not see coal and gas as part of Australia’s future energy
mix, with a majority in every seat rejecting plans for the government to build new gas and coal-
fired power plants.
One-in-three (29%) voters in inner metro electorates and one-in-four (26%) voters in rural
electorates say climate change is the most important issue for them at the next election.
Half (50%) of Coalition voters want greater action on climate change and one-in-five
Coalition voters say it is the issue that will determine their vote.

Other aims for your meeting
Find out what their opinion is on climate change, and what advice they have for pushing
climate action into their party – i.e. around framing policy or climate action. What story do they
need to sell climate action to their party, and their constituents?
Can we help them in some way? Do they need information or support to move forward on
climate action?
Aim to make this part of an ongoing relationship with your local Federal Minister.
Finally
Ask if you can take a photo/screenshot of your Zoom meeting and share it on social media.

AP4CA staff and spokes meet with Hon Chris Bowen MP

AP4CA staff and City of Sydney meet with Hon Sarah Mitchell MP

AP4CA staff and spokes meet with Hon Tanya Plibersek MP

AP4CA staff and spokes meet with Sally Sitou, Reid Candidate

AP4CA staff and spokes meet with Hon Libby Coker MP - Corangamite

After the meeting
• Send your Federal MP Solar Our Schools submission document and any other materials
you have promised.
• Contact AP4CA staff and let them know how you went if we can help provide any additional
follow-up information your MP requested, and if there is follow-up lobbying to be done as a
result of the meeting.
• We will share news of your meeting with our supporters.
• We can also then discuss if there is a media opportunity to pursue.

Use your notes you have written to pen an email to your MP
to ask them to meet with you.
Use our e-card provided in the chat.

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