Get Out the Pens and Paper!

Huge thanks to everyone who came out to the meetings! The concerns, stories, and ideas you all raised were not only very appreciated, but will be incorporated into the campaign!

Moving forward, I'm excited to announce that we will be starting the first action of our campaign - letter writing. Please take a read to find out why and how you should/can participate. Keep in mind, EVERY LETTER IS VALUABLE AND COUNTS!

LETTER WRITING

Why Do It?

Simple answer: it’s easy and effective! Starting our efforts with a letter writing campaign is a great way to not only open the lines of communication with the company, but it allows the company to see that we’re organized and empowered. It will additionally allow you to voice your concerns about how ArcelorMittal-Dofasco is affecting you and your family. Remember, although the company knows what affect they may be having on the community in general, they most likely don’t know how they directly impact you specifically.


Tips to Consider When Writing the Letter:

Make your letter as personalized as possible! Remember, generic letters generate generic responses, so make sure to tell YOUR story, ask YOUR questions, and tell the company what YOU want!
Handwrite the letter if possible. This will show that it was worth your time to write, and again, it will add a personal touch.
Be direct, but not attacking. Although we want to have our strong opinions heard, we don’t want to immediately close the lines of communication we’re working to create.


Who to Address the Letter To:

We want the letters to go to the top, thus, please address them to Juergen Schachler, the company CEO.


Confidentiality:

Realizing that individuals may not be comfortable in revealing their identity, we are offering the option of complete confidentiality. If you are not comfortable including your name on your letter, you can feel free to identify yourself through a term such as “concerned neighbor”.


What Do I do With My Letter Once Written?

We are asking that you submit the letters to us and have us submit it for you. By gathering and submitting all our letters together we can have a much greater impact. Just picture the community dropping off bags of letters to the company! An early/late Christmas present perhaps? This also opens the door to media coverage which can greatly help our case.

If you would like to submit your letter immediately, we do ask that you either inform us that you have sent it, or send us a copy to us which we can include with our other letters.

You can send/bring your letters to us via this address:

Good Neighbor Campaign
Attn: Dofasco Letter
1130 Barton Street East, Suite 207
Hamilton, ON
L8H 7P9

Please note:
The option for letter pick-up is available. If you would prefer us to pick up the letter from you, as opposed to mailing it/bringing it to us, just let us know! You can call in at 905-549-0900 or email kstiel@environmenthamilton.org


When Do I Need to Have This Done By?

The sooner the better! However, although no drop-off date has been finalized, we are currently aiming to have the letters completed and sent to us by December 20th, 2009.