The Illinois Green Party Media Committee needs you! In the 2006 election, our candidates across the state, especially in our governor's race, are facing well-funded candidates and well oiled political machines.

But the Illinois Green Party has something much better, much more powerful: Grassroots support from people like you, who want to see our state move forward.

Unfortunately, the news media is slow to change its old habits of focusing on a two-person race between Republicans and Democrats, and many outlets are essentially shutting out Green candidates.

That's where you come in. By writing letters to newspapers, tv and radio stations, even bloggers in your area, you can send a message to media that you are interested in the Greens, and they will respond with coverage.

MEDIA ACTION
Now through Sept. 4 (Labor Day), we're asking you to write to newspapers in Western Illinois. This is an area that has lost a handful of factories and good jobs in recent years. Maytag in Galesburg closed in 2004, with a loss of 900 jobs, for example. Many small town economies depend on a just few major employers, and these employers are picking up and moving to other parts of the U.S. and to Mexico, where labor is cheap.

Let them know that Rich Whitney's <a href="http://www.whitneyforgov.org/articles/Employment.html">10-point jobs plan</a> is the only one that makes sense for working people. Whitney's is the only one that strives for a sustainable economy.

If you don't feel comfortable talking about this topic, just browse the paper and respond to something that pertains to the gubernatorial debate, or call for Rich Whitney to be included in a debate -- really anything you want to talk about related to the Green Party is helpful.

A FEW POINTERS
- Be respectful and courteous. Remember, your letter may be published.
- Stick to the facts, but say what you think. Be honest and sincere.
- Keep it short and concise. Two or three paragraphs.

If your letter gets published, let us know! E-mail <a href="mailto:media@ilgp.org">media@ilgp.org</a>

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
http://www.whitneyforgov.org/articles/MessageToLabor.htm
http://www.whitneyforgov.org/articles/Employment.html

TARGETED PUBLICATIONS

<a href="http://www.register-mail.com/news/letters/index.html">Galesburg Register-Mail</a>
<a href="http://www.pjstar.com/opinion/writeus.shtml">Peoria Journal-Star</a>
<a href="http://www.prairie-advocate-news.com/8-30-06/letters8_30.html">Prairie Advocate</a>
<a href="http://www.oglecountylife.com/contact.php">Ogle County Life</a>
<a href="http://www.bcrnews.com/opinion/opinion.php">Bureau County Republican</a>
<a href="http://www.saukvalley.com/opinion/index.bsp">SaukValley.com</a>