This document provides guidance on running a successful campaign to save New York State parks and historic sites from closure. It outlines the steps already taken in the campaign, including generating media attention around potential closures, leaking and publicizing the closure list, and organizing large rallies. It recommends continuing momentum through recruiting volunteers, coordinating with community groups, targeting local legislators, and generating ongoing press coverage through op-eds and press conferences. The overall message is to restore $11.3 million in funding to keep all parks and historic sites open.

1. Running a Successful Campaign 101 What we need to do to save all NY State Parks & Historic Sites

2. The statewide Save Our State Parks Campaign up to this point. We started by creating a buzz in the media—”Parks will be closed!”

3. After Executive Budget HearingsGot word out that Closings were likely

4. Closure List became a big story before it was released

5. At first, legislators would not commit to keeping parks open. We heard many of them say, “we support parks, but there’s just no money this year.”

6. Early last month, portions of the closure list were leaked to the press.

7. And the Press Coverage Increased…

8. Then the list was released. Media coverage & public outrage exploded.

9. The Media Have Been Largely Sympathetic

10. Public outrage has been best exemplified by net-roots activism 36,000 Fans Nearly 100,000 Fans 17,000 Fans

11. At PTNY we were able to work with Facebook activists to organize the largest Parks Advocacy Day ever.

12. Over the past few weeks thousands of New Yorkers also attended Rallies in Long Island Knox Farm State Park John Brown’s Farm Woodlawn Beach State Park Wilson-Tuscarora State Park Allegany State Park Fort Ontario Riverbank State Park DeVeaux Woods State Park

13. Our efforts so far have resulted in: Several law makers identifying parks as the issue they have heard more about than any other this legislative session. During the press conference and legislative visits, dozens key law makers said they were committed to restoring $11.3 million to parks in order to keep all State Parks and Historic Sites open.

14. Let’s keep up the momentum! We have at least a month before the budget will be passed.

15. Recruit others to helpThe outcry against closures can provide your friends group with a great opportunity to recruit volunteers. Use Contact and coordinate with community organizations Chamber of Commerce Tourism Health/Outdoor Sports Environmental/Conservation Work your networks.

16. Create a realistic strategy Meet one-on-one with your legislators Rally/Press Conference—only if you think it will get a lot of press. Invite legislators Hand-written letter drive Call-in Day E-mail drive Petition

17. Make sure to target your local legislators, legislators in the majority, and leaders Assembly Speaker Silver Senator Sampson The Governor Enhance the attention you get by sending out Media Advisories and Press Releases to local media.

18. Ideas to Generate Press & Support Sit down with the editorial boards of your local papers Write an Op-Ed or letter to the editor Chamber of Commerce and town board Hold a press conference with a coalition of groups and have a theme St. Patrick’s Day-- pot of gold April Fool’s Day—Governor announces full support for Parks Historical figure is turned away by NY Government Teachers & Students Teams that practice in the park

19. Our message is strongest if we are unified Restoration of $11.3 Million to Operating Budget Great Depression State parks are economic engines Generate $1.9 billion dollars 5 to 1 return on investment The miniscule savings not worth the loss to local businesses State parks and historic sites provide a sense of pride State parks and historic sites provide affordable, close to home recreation

20. Thank You! Contact: Shawn McConnell Director of Parks Campaign Parks and Trails New York smcconnell@ptny.org (518) 434-1583 www.ptny.org