Please join me, members of the Healthy Gulf Krewe, and other dedicated GRN volunteers for a conference call to learn more about joining the Healthy Gulf Krewe to help save the Gulf.December 9th at 7:30 PM Central TimeCall-In Number: 712-775-7000Conference Code: 969864#Below is the blog I posted a while ago that gives a brief overview of the Healthy Gulf Krewe. It’s pretty good, but it will be even better to discuss the vision for the Krewe, its mission, and what it means to be a Krewe member on Wednesday’s call. Look forward to speaking with you then!________________________Gulf Restoration Network is proud to launch the Healthy Gulf Krewe to continue building the movement of ordinary citizens from around the country fighting for Louisiana’s wetlands and a healthy Gulf! You are officially invited to join the Krewe, and you can get started by contacting Dan Favre, dan@healthygulf.org or 504-525-1528 ext 209.Healthy Gulf Krewe Mission:To unite and empower people to protect and restore the natural resources of the Gulf of Mexico (and have fun while doing it!). To build the Gulf Restoration Network citizen voice throughout the country. To develop dedicated volunteer leaders to defend the Gulf Coast.Background:On the Gulf coast, the traditions of Carnival are celebrated from Galveston and New Orleans to Mobile and Tampa. The bands of revelers, known as “krewes”, are famous for parades and balls, and many also support good causes. Gulf Restoration Network is using tradition to fight for the future with the Healthy Gulf Krewe, a nation-wide band of fun-loving, hard-working activists passionate about defending the Gulf.Krewe Member Commitment: 10 – 10 – 10Maintain donation of $10 or more per month through the Gulf Sustainer programSpend at least 10 hours per month fighting for the GulfOrganize 10 events per year to educate and mobilize the public (see reverse for ideas)GRN Commitment to YouMaterials – From our No Coast, No Music Benefit CD and your choice of GRN t-shirt to brochures, posters, and petition sheets, we’ll provide the materials to get things done (and look good doing it!).Knowledge – You’ll receive our newsletter, calendar annual report, and e-mail action alerts to keep you up to date. Krewe members will also be invited to special briefings and skills trainings – over the phone, and perhaps even here in New Orleans.Support – Monthly conference calls will keep the Krewe in touch, and GRN staff will be happy to help you brainstorm, plan, and execute your events. And we’ll show you a great time when you come to visit!As we celebrate the wilderness and amazing cultures of the Gulf, we’ve got to fight for the future. Defend our wetlands, defend ourselves! To learn more and join, contact GRN Campaign Organizer, Dan Favre at dan@healthygulf.org or 504-525-1528 ext 209.Potential Events for Krewe Members to OrganizeSet up a table and gather petition signatures at a local farmers’ market, street festival, or music show (we could probably help get you set up with Dr. John, Galactic, Tab Benoit, Amanda Shaw, Anders Osbourne, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and a few others)Make a short presentation to a local civic organization (your Rotary club, your church, your friends at the bar) and collect petition signatures addressed to your elected officialsPhonebank GRN members and activists to engage them in a specific effort, event, or campaignHost a GRN Happy Hour or a “Mardi Gras Party with Purpose” with New Orleans food and drink to raise money and awareness for GRNMeet with other environmental or civic groups to enlist their supportOrganize a movie screening – anytime is great, and especially important as part of GRN’s work to commemorate the 5th anniversary of Katrina and RitaJoin us in Washington DC to lobby your state’s delegation for a federal commitment to a sustainable Gulf coast, and/or meet with your Senators and Representative at homePut together a panel of speakers to present at a local university (maybe you could even get a GRN staffer to come talk!)Conduct a press conference to publicize an important event or reportPut on a huge benefit concert to raise awareness and money (we know the guys in Galactic . . . )Dan Favre is the Campaign Organizer (a.k.a “Krewe Organizer”) for GRN. Join the Krewe by contacting him at dan@healthygulf.org or 504-525-1528 ext 209.