Building Capacity

Nuclear Information and Resource Service is offering a one-year partnership to build the membership base of interested local and regional organizations and NIRS at the same time. A blend of cooperation between groups and donor/foundation funds make it possible for NIRS to offer the following deal (which must, of course, be approved in advance):

An individual joins or renews membership with a grassroots group and that group offers the individual a one-year membership in NIRS at no additional cost. If the individual accepts the offer, their name and contact info are sent to NIRS. At the end of the year, this individual has the opportunity to renew their NIRS membership at the usual rate ($35), or not. NIRS will raise the funds for that new member’s costs from foundation or other challenge funds this year.

What your group gets:

• A tool to attract new members to your group with a “bonus” offer
• A tool to entice current members to renew – should be coupled with a time limit
• This offer could also be used for a sub-set of your membership – as a “premium”
• Will be listed as a NIRS Partner – and recognized as part of the Fund For A Nuclear-Free World effort of NIRS/WISE in 2004-2005
• Concrete participation in building a nationwide and international movement against the expansion of nuclear energy

What your members get:

• Identified with a National/International movement for safe energy and against nuclear power
• A one-year subscription to the premier international anti-nuclear journal The Nuclear Monitor – published 20 times a year and distributed either hard copy or electronically (note, initial contribution must be at least $35/year to receive the Monitor).
• NIRS Alerts – action alerts on congressional and administration activities and other opportunities for public comment (individual must join NIRS’ e-mail Alert list for this benefit).

What NIRS gets:

• New members for one year, with the possibility of longer
• Concrete, visible support from/collaboration with your group
• Growth of the movement against the expansion of nuclear energy

How to Proceed:

If your group is interested in partnership with NIRS in this program, a specific agreement must be made in advance. This may include NIRS writing a foundation or donor proposal that will name your group as partial recipient since this is effectively a matching grant. Likely a cap will be arrived at for the number of joint members that will be covered by the arrangement. New members will be forwarded to NIRS by a representative of your group, so there will be no confusion about the status of the process of enrollment. If you are interested in moving forward on this plan, contact: Mary Olson (nirs@main.nc.us / 828-675-1792) in NIRS Development Associate in the Southeast Office. All plans will be formalized, in writing, and approved by Michael Mariotte, NIRS Executive Director and your group.

Background:

The massive investment by the nuclear corporations in winning taxpayer support for building new nuclear power reactors is inciting the revival of a grassroots anti-nuclear movement. This movement must unite at a level that exceeds the forces moving to foment a relapse into nuclear development.

NIRS (Nuclear Information & Resource Service) is the national networking and resource center for the grassroots working for a sustainable, non-nuclear energy policy. NIRS also functions as the national headquarters for local and regional anti-nuclear organizations that collaborate on advocacy within federal agency actions and on Capitol Hill. In order to effectively counter the move to return to massive investment in nuclear waste production, NIRS must grow and grow fast. In 2000, NIRS formally affiliated with WISE (World Information Service on Energy), forming a network that includes 14 offices on 5 continents.

Acting locally with a global perspective: The Nuclear Monitor

Many communities are facing new nuclear challenges with the early site permit process for new nuclear power reactors, proposed fuel cycle facilities and new dump proposals. Others live with ongoing impacts of major nuclear facilities. For those who are engaged in struggles with responsible management and prevention the fight can seem endless. The Nuclear Monitor is an international publication of Nuclear Information and Resource Service and our affiliate, WISE (World Information Service on Energy) that brings the good news of progress and victories in the struggle to stop the nuclear industry world wide as well as providing a vehicle for news that may be vital to the local fight in far flung communities around the globe. Indeed, reading about the actions on the other side of the world by the same corporation that is acting in one’s own community can provide powerful fodder for our work.

When NIRS membership is made a benefit of local membership in a grassroots group standing up to the nuclear industry, the local community has an additional dimension of global community to embrace their efforts.

May 21, 2004