A.
FOR THOSE OF YOU NEW TO THE PLEDGE,
if you were holding off till next year
because you think it's too late, consider a
small effort even this year (doing sign-ups
during tabling, distributing literature
there taken from the web site, and maybe
even handing out green ribbons and pins to
be worn at graduation). Besides giving
seniors an opportunity, if there is just a
little publicity (signs or school newspaper
article), it makes it more likely other
folks will get involved next year, either
signing on or organizing the campaign. It
will be seen as a budding tradition.
B. FOR
PLEDGE VETERANS, a few brief reminders :
1. Let
us know, as some have done, about any plans you
have for promoting the Pledge on Earth Day.
2.
Don’t forget the listserv
as a way to tell others what’s worked or
not in your Pledge efforts,
or to ask for advice. (GradPledge@yahoogroups.com
If your message is rejected it means you’re not
on the list, but we can easily add you.)
3.
Check out the new poster that we already noted
(www.graduationpledge.org). We’re getting good
compliments and they’re a good way to give
contact info, organize a meeting, or announce an
event. Plus just having them up around campus
raises consciousness on the issue of social
responsibility. At my school’s print shop, they
went from my computer attachment to producing,
for about a dollar, an 11” x 17 “ flashy color
poster.
C.
This Spring,
consider getting local media coverage,
particularly surrounding graduation ceremonies
and the wearing of green ribbons. Though still
before the graduation season, we are already
getting some national media interest (we know
for sure; e.g., that a story will appear in the
Chronicle of Higher Education ). In the
last couple of years we’ve gotten in places like
Business Week and USA Today, among
many other outlets. But schools have also
received local media coverage. It is likely to
increase participation by students the following
year, as well as raise consciousness in the
viewing public. Public Relations Offices at a
number of schools have distributed press
releases on the Pledge, so consider that. At a
minimum, try to get a story in your school
paper.
D.
Though you’re likely busy enough working on this
year’s effort, let me say that this is the time
to lay the foundation for a continuation and
improvement for next year. This is especially
true if you are just getting started and don’t
expect to do too much this year. If you do just
a few of the various possibilities listed
immediately below, when next year comes around,
you can work right on the project rather than
just trying to get your own internal operations
in place:
1.
IT IS BEST IF THERE IS ONE CONTINUING
GROUP (campus organization, graduation pledge
committee, official college administrative or
student office) that makes sure the Pledge
happens each year. Earlier in its history, the
Pledge was on a number of campuses, but
disappeared in all but a few because of lack of
institutionalization.
2.
GET ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES which have sway over
the commencement activities to come on board at
some level. Another approach is to get senior
class officers or reps involved, as they often
have good channels of communication with all
seniors.
3.
GET CAMPUS GROUPS TO ENDORSE, participate, and
get out word to their constituencies (a) student
groups--e.g., social service, community
service, environmental, peace, human rights; (b)
programs/departments/schools within the
university--social work,, sociology,
environmental studies, women's studies-- or any
socially concerned active ones on campus; and
(c) offices/councils/centers--career services,
community services, women's centers, Student
Government.
4.
GET SOPHOMORES/JUNIORS/FACULTY INVOLVED TOO, as
it helps ensure future work on the project. It
also means that each year those involved before
know past history and can try to take
institutionalization a step further each year.
E.
Though I will ask you again,
PLEASE LET ME KNOW AT
SOME POINT WHO WILL BE YOUR CONTACT PERSON FOR
NEXT YEAR SO WE
CAN ADD THEM TO THE EMAIL LIST. It's hard for us
to track that down on our own. THANKS. We’ll
also be asking you later for a brief report on
what will or did happen Pledge-wise. So keep
that in mind.
GOOD LUCK AS WE MOVE SOONER THAN YOU THINK INTO
THE GRADUATION SEASON,
Neil
Neil Wollman, National
Coordinator
Graduation Pledge Alliance
njwollman@manchester.edu