Why it Works
I'll level with you: Questions for Candidates will be as effective as you, the users, make it. All the tools are here. Use them. Let us know what you think. And if you want to know why we think it works, read on:
The questionnaire itself is an educational tool about the influence and importance of energy policy and global warming. We make it easy for you to act on this awareness, and easy to get friends and others to help you get answers. And in the end, its a great way to celebrate our democracy.
The questions in the broad questionnaire illustrate how seemingly abstract issues like energy policy and global warming are actually related to the day-to-day experiences of nearly all Americans – from our pocketbooks to our jobs; from our family’s health and safety to our nation’s security; and from stewardship to our country’s natural heritage.
The site provides a novel way to act on that awareness, by reaching out to candidates for Congress and engaging them on these issues. Awareness combined with action is a powerful force for change, and we hope that you will become part of the force by participating in and spreading the word about this website.
Given that this broad set of concerns closely related to the choices our nation makes about energy and global warming, it makes sense for the individuals who will be making those choices to let us know their thoughts on them.
That brings up the most important part of the site: your participation. Asking for public participation – your participation – is an important way to let candidates know that regular Americans are deeply concerned about these issues; in addition, it is important for you to realize you have power to influence the decisions that will affect you and your children.
By sending questionnaires to candidates, and following up, and checking out the answers, you are educating candidates about the issues and about the fact that Americans care about them. It isn’t the entire solution, but it’s a very important part, and its one that you can play a leading role in.
That’s why you’ll find so many groups using the site as a basis for conversation with their own members and helping to spread the word about it. The more people that get involved and use this site, the more powerful it will become.
Some will question whether any candidate will fill out such a long and detailed questionnaire. Fair enough. Candidates who aren’t asked surely won’t. But you can do more than ask. Once you put in your questions, the real fun begins. Ask your friends, family and colleagues for help getting answers. Its easy to let candidates know that lots of people, not just one, want some answers. Send them email reminders! Find an upcoming event and plan to be there in person, to remind the candidate face-to-face to respond to the questionnaire.
Most importantly, don’t let candidates for Congress get to election day without having to face these questions.