Rough Guide Door Knocking

8/3/2019 Rough Guide Door Knocking

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a rough guide to

door-knocking

on climateJUNE 2010


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The weekend before last, I door-knocked with others in Newtown. It was the best thing I have done on climate

for ages I started the day with a great deal of trepidation (my biggest fear was about not wanting align our

movement with evangelical modes of building participation) I walked away wanting to door-knock my whole

suburb and maybe I will.

Jenny Curtis, BalmainRozelle Climate Action Group, June 2010

Why door-knock?Door knocking is easy, fun and one of the most effective ways of getting our message

into the community and having an impact.

Research by the union movements your rights at work campaign established that door-knocking was a key factor

in shifting public opinion and was the best tool used by the campaign.

It is important to understand the primary purpose of door-knocking.

In one word, it is to change the vibe of the electorate.Getting someones email for climate action groups contact

lists, or their involvement in a forthcoming event or forum is useful, but it is the icing on the cake.

What do we mean by the vibe? We know from marketing research and other campaigns that the more we canget a single idea or meme circulating and repeated, the more it will shift or sway opinion.

Recently the term internet meme has been termed to describe a catchphrase or concept that spreads rapidly

from person to person via the Internet, largely through Internet-based email, blogs, forums, social networking sites

and instant messaging.

Door-knocking is another means of spreading the catchphrase. A recent example of a meme is the way the term

backip, which was rst applied to Kevin Rudds decision to drop the CPRS, rapidly became a (derogatory)

description of his general political mode.

In the Replace Hazelwood campaign, two key ideas we wanted to get through were that:

Kevin Rudd has backipped on climate change and the government needs to replace Hazelwood.

a rough guide to

door-knocking

on climate

about this guideThis rough guide was prepared by Damien Lawson and David Spratt for the Victorian Climate Action Centre.

The case study example used in these notes is the Replace Hazelwood door-knocking campaign conducted

by a number of climate action groups in association with the Climate Action Centre in Melbournes inner-north

from May 2010 onwards, in the leadup to both State and federal elections in late 2010. The areas covered

are now marginal LaborGreens seats. The specic scripts and messages of course depend on the specic

circumstances and locations.

Our special thanks go to Climate Action Moreland and its members and volunteers who participated in and

co-organised the rst door-knocks in Brunswick during April and May 2010. The experience and feedback from

the 40 volunteers was important in developing some of the methods discussed in this guide.
http://www.climateactioncentre.org/http://www.replacehazelwood.org.au/http://climateactionmoreland.org/http://climateactionmoreland.org/http://www.replacehazelwood.org.au/http://www.climateactioncentre.org/


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3a rough guide to door-knocking for climate action

So in talking to people, these ideas were connected as: In this election year we are talking to people about

the need to replace Hazelwood Power station, Australias dirtiest power station, with clean energy. This is more

important than ever because Kevin Rudd has backipped on strong action on climate. So just by knocking on

peoples door and saying those key phrases and leaving a leaet, the main job is already done.

Understanding this should give people condence that anyone can doorknock, because the main job is not to

convince people of a complicated proposition, but to get the meme in their heads. Even if they disagree and leave

the door and go back to the kitchen and say some idiot about that power-station Hazlewood, the door-knocking

has been successful because the idea is circulating.

So you dont need to know everything about climate change or the specic issue or be an eloquent and convincing

person to be an effective door-knocker, you just need to give it a go and you will have been sucessful..

so whats the topic?The purpose of door-knocking is NOT to give people a big, long download on an issue. Most wont listen for that

long, and wont remember most of what you said. Generally they will leave the conversation with two or three

phrases in their head.

In the Replace Hazelwood campaign they were dirty coal ... Hazelwood ... replace ... clean energy... government

must act.. not backip.

This can be backed-up by a yer with some more information, an action people can take (make a phone call to a

politician, join a facebook group, visit a website etc), details about the local climate action group and/or information

about a forthcoming local climate event or forum.

A petition (Appendix 1) is useful because it is simple action that residents can take on the spot (and some will sign

thinking its the quickest way to nish the conversation), and it also provides an effective way for people to opt inand supply email or other contact details to build the local climate groups communications circle.

For door-knocking to be effective, it is important to highlight a specic action that people can understand and think

is (probably) feasible. So it is better, for example, to talk about replacing Hazelwood than just say close down all

coal because the latter has no specic target, and most people wont believe that all coal can be closed down at

once. If most people feel that what you are saying is not practical/possible, and you cannot in a straight-forward

manner give them reasons to believe that it is, then the effort is wasted.

Another way of thinking about are the so called SMART objectives used in strategic campaign planning and

project management - SMART stands for Specc, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound.

Similarly whilst a door-knocking campaign might wish to highlight the need, for example, for 100% renewableenergy, it will get a better grip both on residents and on the local politicians if the specic message is about a

particular policy action. The meme is less about an idea (information) than an outcome (action) for which sufcient

community concern can be expressed or mobilised for the local political representatives to fear about their future if

they ignore it.

This is why we have also talked about Hazelwood being a key election test.

It is also hard to talk about actions which are complicated in operation or terminology. That was one part of the

problem with the CPRS.

Establishing what is relevant to a local area depends on local knowledge and talking to local community activists

and leaders, but can also be informed by:

recent polling

focus-group research, particularly on what language and images are most effective

research about communications and framing of ideas around climate.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMART_criteriahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMART_criteria


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vote em where it hurtsIt is easy to have an aversion to elections. They are stage managed, dominated by the big parties and often

bring out the worst in our leaders and community. But they are also an opportunity to be heard, because

peoples eyes and ears are more open in an election year. More importantly, they are an opportunity to exert

our power as a movement by causing the government pain, especially if we are able to make climate the issue

in knife-edge seats such that a Minister or backbencher could be turfed out because they failed to listen to

what the climate movement was advocating. This would create a large number of parliamentarians very quickly

becoming advocates for movement policies inside the government, because they fear this would happen to

them. Doing this is not easy, but it is possible. It requires organisation, a commitment to prioritising certain

seats, and identifying one or two election messages on which to campaign in the community.

And it requires door-knocking. There is now a lot of discussion about community organising in the movement

and this is a good thing. We have even started to do door-knocking in some of our communities. We need to

grow this commitment, learn from each other and implement it in the election lead-up. We also need to commit

to continuing it well past the election year. Lets starting planning next years national climate door-knock daynow.

From: 10 lessons for the climate movement (redux) by Damien Lawson, in Talk Climate, published for the

second Australian Climate Action Summit, Canberra, March 2010.

recruiting volunteersIt is good to advertise in advance two or three different days and times when door-knocking will happen. It helps

recruit people who may be busy on one day, but not another.

Explain that no previous experience is necessary, training will be provided, and that most people nd it arewarding and engaging experience.

Ask people for a commitment of three hours (half an hour training, two hours door-knocking, and quick de-brief/

feedback afterwards).

Tell people what to bring, depending on weather (hats, sunscreen etc). Water is a must because a lot of talking

leaves throats parched and a snack to keep going such as a chocolate or museli bar.

Clearly communicate the starting location, time and day, and conrm with an RSVP, text message or phone calls if

necessary.

If people enjoy the experience, see if they are willing to make a regular commitment for another couple ofsessions, perhaps a month apart.

where and when to door-knockIf door-knocking in a pre-election period, try and do areas that others havent.

If you are working an area where attitudes towards climate vary widely, it may be good to start with a more

sympathetic area, so that people who havent previously door-knocked have a positive experience rst up. Booth

results from the last election are a useful guide.

We recommend door-knocking in pairs, taking opposite sides of the same street or alternate houses if only doingone side. It provides support, encouragement and feedback. In pairs, an area of about 100 houses is about

enough for two people for two hours. If half the people are home, that means about 25 conversations each.
http://http//www.climateactioncentre.org/sites/default/files/talk-climate-lowres.pdfhttp://http//www.climateactioncentre.org/sites/default/files/talk-climate-lowres.pdf


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If doorknocking in pairs, exchange mobile numbers just in case. And have a break half way through to give the

feet and voice a rest.

Google maps are a good way to prepare maps. Print maps in street view and clearly mark areas for each pair of

door-knockers. Do not put boundaries down middle of streets, but include both sides of street to avoid confusion.

If necessary leave a little space between areas the worst thing that can happen is two different volunteers door-

knocking the same house (Appendix 3).

In Google maps, satellite view is an easy way to roughly count rooftops, and also to identify areas which are full of

shops, industry or institutions such as schools and nursing homes.

From our experience afternnoons are best and especially Saturdays and Sundays, but early during the week could

work, especially during daylight saving. It is important to avoid:

dinner times

door-knocking in the dark

getting people out of bed on weekends

training/de-brief/feedbackTry and nd a spot (community centre, house etc) for half-an-hours training in the middle of the area to be door-

knocked, so that people then dont have to walk too far to their block/s. We have also done training in playgrounds

or a park for smaller groups, but it can be less comfortable.

The training should briey:

outline the purpose of establishing a vibe and that everyone can do it

go through the script and the materials being used such as yers, petitions or questionnaires

briey discuss likely questions (including privacy issues concerning petitions and personal contact details), and

how to doorknock (section below)

a brief role-play to familiarise people with the script is good.

It may be useful, based on previous experience, to give people a written Frequently Asked Questions.

After the door-knocking, arrange for everybody to assemble at one place (either training location or nearby cafe/

Check out the great

video about door-

knocking in Brunswick

with Climate Action

Moreland, made by The

Vagabond.
http://maps.google.com.au/http://www.youtube.com/user/climateactioncentre#p/a/u/0/fujeOfoaj5Mhttp://www.youtube.com/user/climateactioncentre#p/a/u/0/fujeOfoaj5Mhttp://climateactionmoreland.org/http://climateactionmoreland.org/http://www.youtube.com/user/climateactioncentre#p/a/u/0/fujeOfoaj5Mhttp://climateactionmoreland.org/http://climateactionmoreland.org/http://www.youtube.com/user/climateactioncentre#p/a/u/0/fujeOfoaj5Mhttp://www.youtube.com/user/climateactioncentre#p/a/u/0/fujeOfoaj5Mhttp://maps.google.com.au/


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pub, etc) to return materials, take ve minutes to ll in a feedback form (see sample Appendix 4) and debrief. If

time permits, talking through the afternoons events and what people have learned is rewarding. And celebrate

your efforts!

the materialsDoor knocking materials will generally include:

clipboard. Tie the pen to clipboard with string and supply a spare pen. Put a large sticker of the climate groups

name (and possibly a relevant photo of a dirty coal facility or a clean renewables image) on the back of the

clipboard (see photo om page 9). Holding the clipboard to your chest so the back is visible to the householder as

you knock is an effective way of describing who you are, and save time and words.

a yer to hand over (Appendix 2).

a petition or questionnaire.

one copy of the script, the map, and a feedback form (Appendix 3) to be completed at the end of the session.

It is important to try and record key elements of verbal feedback and analyse the written feedback, as both are

very effective in improving the process for the next time.

the key message/flyerIt is important to understand that the general public is rarely aware of the detail and complexity of any issue. It is

also important to recognise that words work emotionally as well as convening facts and information. In other words

it is not what you say, but what they hear that is important. So using simple words that match with peoples values

as well as conveying the problem and solution in factual terms will be the most effective.

To use the replace Hazelwood with clean energy message as an example.

The message is deceptively simple but communicating a lot.

Firstly, replace communicates that we want Hazelwood to close, but also that we have a solution. It is positive

and speaks to peoples values of progress and renewal. It also has a collateral advantage in that it helps counter

some of the governments negative messages around loss of jobs and lights going out if Hazelwood is to close.

Secondly, clean energy. Again clean speaks to peoples values. Everyone wants things to be clean: clean

house, clean room, clean bathroom, etc etc. It also implies safety and security from dangerous substances. By

saying clean we are also labeling Hazelwood as dirty without even having to say the word.

Energy is also important again it speaks to values. Energy is a postive word: they are full of energy, I have a lot

of energy at the moment and so on. It is also a simpler word than electricty.

Why not just say renewables? Renewables is a longer and complicated word and does not operate emotionally

or speak to peoples values. When we say clean energy 99 out of 100 people think of solar, wind and other

renewables any way. Try it. Ask a family member or friend what is the rst thing that pops into their mind when you

say the words clean energy? It will be something to do with renewables and we bet it wont be clean coal either.

The coal industry has dropped the phrase clean coal because it doesnt work. People dont believe it, it grates

and it just comes across as spin. That is why they are talking about newgen coal, trying to tap into values of

progress and renewal.

So think hard about what words to use when constructing a message and remember a message is different to a

position or policy, it is about trying to convey and communicate a policy with words that work.


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the scriptVolunteers should be provided a script, and training should include role-play which allows them to practice and

adapt the script to their needs.

Whilst not formally in the script, some people nd it helpful early on to say I am not selling anything (todistinguish from all the door-to-door utility salespeople) and that often produces a more friendly response.

A sample script for Replace Hazelwood was:

Hello, Im..... , a volunteer from the local climate community group ......

Kevin Rudd has backipped on climate change, so we are out campaigning before the election.

We are talking to residents about our campaign to have Victorias dirtiest coal power station at Hazelwood

closed down and replaced with clean renewable energy.

We have some information on why Hazelwood should be replaced (hand over yer), and wondered if you

would be interested in signing our petition to replace dirty coal with clean energy in Victoria?

We will also be meeting with the local candidates and can keep you up-to-date with our monthly email

newsletter if you wish to provide your email address.

Thank you for your time

It is important that people understand they dont have to stick exactly to the script, but rather communicate the

essence of the script. So they should read it through a few times and then say it in their own words.

It is important they try and speak to people directly, and not just read it out. If they have difcultly they can review

the script between houses to remind themselves.

Reinforce it is about the vibe and the meaning, not the specic words.

how to door-knockKnock on the door then stand well back, a metre or so. You dont want people opening the door with you right in

their face. Standing back also invites them out, and ensures they cant just speak through a crack in the door.

It also helps to do a friendly knock, with a rhythm rather than an aggressive, bang-bang police at the door. If thereis no answer, try once again, but no more: there are plenty more houses to do.

Smile and perhaps stand to one side on the angle, with a friendly, open stance. If you have a clipboard with a

sticker identifying the group, have that showing.

Say hello, and start with your script. In some circumstances you can even start by saying I am not selling

anything, particularly if people have an unhappy look.

Dont worry, you will never get anyone shouting at you or being aggressive when you doorknock. Not everyone will

want to talk, but people will not tell you to go away; they will just say no thanks and shut the door.

Here are ve of the most likely situations that will occur when you knock.

1. Not a home. At about 4050% of the doors you knock on there will be no one at home. Leave a leaet under

the door or letterbox. Make sure you push the leaet all the way under, some people worry that a leaet sticking

out tells the world they are not at home.


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are they listening?There is now a vast array of communications, messages and stories being told about climate change, often

in contradictory and complicated ways. But the history of social movements, advertising and modern political

communications teaches us that what gets through to the population at large is much more limited.

We need some simple messages that correspond with our goals, and that we repeat ad nauseam, if we are to

have an effect on public opinion.

To paraphrase Frank Luntz, the conservative pollster who coined the phrase climate change as a way of

countering the frame of global warming, it is about repetition, repetition, repetition.

As a movement we are yet to agree on a common language that can win over the public, but we do know

some of things that work and that could be adopted. So lets start a conversation about how to have the

climate conversation. We should listen to the eNGOs, Get Up and others that have done focus-group work and

we should try and agree on some things to repeat over and over.

My favourite mantra is We can Repower Australia with clean, safe and reliable energy. We know this

language works because the polling and focus groups say so, and this is why the government uses some

of the language. But we need to do more than just reinforce this framing by connecting it to messages/

actions that bite the government and forces them to do more. For example, We can Repower Australia with

clean, safe and reliable energy Thats why the federal and State government should commit to replacing

Hazelwood power station by 2012.

Regardless of the specic message, the point is we should agree on some language and try and repeat it

movement-wide.

One of our biggest communication and strategic failures as a movement has been to allow climate change to

be seen as an environment issue. This has been reinforced by messages about saving beautiful places like

the Great Barrier Reef. We need to change our communication strategy. The key is to talk about real, concrete

impacts on people in Australia, like the Black Saturday bush res. Sea level rises, oods and the drought are

all key areas to explore because of their social and economic impacts and their tangible effects now and in thenear future.

From 10 lessons for the climate movement (redux) by Damien Lawson, in Talk Climate, published for the

second Australian Climate Action Summit, Canberra March 2010.

2. Answer, but busy. Up to 20% of people will be busy (kids, on phone, rushing to get ready etc.). Thats OK,

there will still be time to get in the key message and give them a leaet. Sometimes they will even sign the petition

etc. just to get moving, but be gentle and dont take up their time.

3. Interested and more time. Up to 15-20% of people will give you time to go through your script and want to

know more and ask some questions. Some of these will be very interested and are potential recruits for further

action.

4. Non-English speaking. Depending on your area there may be many people from CALD communities. This

may prevent you from communicating your main messages, but always try and leave a yer. A friend or family

member will often translate for them later.

5. Lonely and up for a chat. Sadly many in our community have few social networks and avenues of support.

Some people will use your visit as an opportunity for a chat, depending on your time you will need to try and

minimise getting stuck.

The critcial thing to remember is to try and balance between quantity and quality in your doorknocking. You want

to maximise the number of houses you do, but have enough time for talking and building relationships with the


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people who show a high level of interest. To do this effectively you need to minimise time with people who are not.

Dont spend time trying to convince someone who is a hard core climate sceptic: their views are not likely to be

shifted anyway. Time spent with them means you are not nding the interested people.

doorknocking flats/apartmentsDoorknocking ats or apartments can be difcult as they often have security doors downstairs. In large blocks it

may be possible to get in and try. It will depend on the nature of the block, but some people may be concerned

about your knocking on their door directly. Often you will need to just try, see how it goes and be prepared to move

on.

In small blocks you can buzz and explain what you are doing over the intercom.

surveying the electorateSome climate groups have been experimenting with surveying their electorate using the survey from the

100% Renewables campaign.

A survey can be a useful way to enage with the community and identify people for further enegagement andfollow-up. However, unless a survey contains key questions about campaign asks it can fail to build a specic

campaign and not help shift community opinion decisively.

Surveying the electorate can also be a useful media strategy with the results being made made public 80% of

Climate Action Moreland volunteers launch the 100% renewables campaign at the start of a door-knocking afternoon.
http://www.100percent.org.au/http://www.100percent.org.au/


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Smithville residents think this (Appendix 5).

One participant in a survey door-knock described it this way:

I walked away from each house feeling a growing sense of satisfaction because through our survey we

had helped people have a voice and engage with the issue. The survey that we asked them to participate

in was all around transition to renewables and whether they thought the government was doing enough

... We recorded their own words on how they feel about this and let them know that these sentiments

will be passed on to their Federal incumbent and candidates before the election... through us they had

the opportunity to communicate how they feel to their MPs. It was fantastic. They have now sent the info

gathered to Federal Member Anthony Albanese, who presumably is having to have a bit of a think about

things We know hes getting a little alarmed.

In the end whether we use surveys, petitions, leaets or other information tools will depend on the strategy, goals

and timeline of a campaign. In any case, there is a story about what you are doing which will often be of interestto local media (Appendix 6).

The crucial factor is the direct community engagement through one-on-one community campaigning that can start

to shift the public in favour on our issues.

feedbackThis guide will be updated. Comments and suggestions welcome.

Victorian Climate Action Centre

email: [email protected]

phone: +61 3 9639 3660 or 0419 253 342

web: http://www.climateactioncentre.org


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a rough guide to door-knocking for climate action

Appendix

11

1 Sample petition

________________________________________________________

Returnallcompletedpetitionformsto:

Wewillonlyusethisinformationtokeepyo

uinformedabout

ourcampaigns.Wewillnotgiveyourdetailstoathirdparty.

---------------------------------------

Optionalcontactinformation

-notpart

ofthepetitionforma

ndwillnotbe

submittedaspartofthepetition.

Stay

in

touch

Wec

allonJohnBrumbyandKevinRuddtomakean

electioncommitmenttorepla

ceHazelwoodpower

statio

n-Australiasdirtiest-withcleanenergy.

PETITION

Firstname

Surname

Signature

Address

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

Contactphonenumberandemailaddress:

(pleaseprintclearly)

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

ph.

email


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Appendix

13

3 Sample Map

Show

location for

training and

feedback/

debrief

Colour in one area for

each team so there is

no confusion

Instruct volunteers

to door-knock both

sides of all streetsin their area

Leave clear

space between

areas to avoid

overlap or

door-knocking

twice

Make sure the door-knocking co-ordinators

mobile number is on the

map


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Appendix

14

4 Sample Feedback form

CAM Doorknocking FEEDBACK FROM DOORKNOCKERS

Date

Name

Streets covered

What proportion/% of doors were answered

What issues were commonly raised?

What were the issues/questions that you have difficulty answering?

Best/worst experiences

Your experience: Lessons for future doorknocking


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Appendix

15

5 MEDIA RELEASE 1

Media Release:85% of Newtown residents saygovernment needs to do more on climate

June72010

MembersandsupportersofClimateActionNewtownfannedoutacrossNewtownonworldenvironment

daylastSaturdaydoorknockingthecommunitytoputclimatechangebackontheagendaintheleadupto

thefederalelection.

InnercityseatslikeGrayndlerarenowmarginalLaborGreenandthesittingmembersandcandidatesknow

thattheclimatevotecandeterminetheoutcomeonelectionday.

TheFederalgovernmenthaswalkedawayfromwhatRuddhimselfdeclaredasthegreatestmoralissueof

ourtimeclimatechangerecentlydumpingthecarbontradingschemeandofferingverylittleinits

place",memberofClimateActionNewtownanddoorknockingorganiser,LydiaAndrewssaid.

Thedoorknockingteamof15visitedmorethan500householdsintheGrayndlerelectorate.Over100

residentsweresurveyedaboutrenewableenergyandclimatechangeandaskedtoexpresstheirconcerns

totheirlocalcandidatesoncameraforashortvoxpop youtube.compiece.

85%ofresidents,withouthesitation,saidthattheRuddGovernmentisnotdoingenoughtotackle

climatechangesaidLydiaand92%ofpeoplebelievethegovernmentshouldsignificantlyboost

investmentandcreatecleanenergyjobsbydevelopingaplantomoveto100%renewableenergy.

Residentsoverwhelminglysaidtheywouldsupportcandidatesintheelectionwhowerecommittedto

strongclimateaction.95%ofvotersundecidedabouthowtheywouldvotesaidtheyweremoreormuch

morelikelytovoteforacandidatewhocommittedtoapriceoncarbonandinvestmentinrenewable

energysaidLydia.

ItwasgreattohearsuchcommunitysupportforstrongactionsaidIngridDernee,firsttimedoorknocker.

IwasreallynervousaboutknockingonpeoplesdoorsbutthisissuchanimportantissuetomethatIwas

willingtoputmynervesbehindme.Iendedupreallyenjoyinglisteningtowhatpeopleinmycommunity

think.

Iwanttourgeotherresidentstomaketheirvoicesheardintheleaduptothefederalelection,by

contactingtheirlocalcandidatesandlettingthemknowwewantrealclimatesolutionssaidIngrid.

Anurgenttransitiontorenewableenergyispossible.Allweneednowisourleaderstosharethe

communitysvisionforacleanenergyfuture.

DoorknockingandletterboxingwilltakeplaceinothersuburbsacrossGrayndlerinthecomingweeks,

startingwithAshfieldonSunday4thJuly.

Formoreinformation MoiraWilliams0420504411LydiaAndrews0413229660

Surveyresults(fromtotalsampleof110)

85%ofresidentssaidthattheRuddGovernmentisnotdoingenoughtotackleclimatechange93%ofpeoplebelievethegovernmentshouldsignificantlyboostinvestmentinrenewableenergy

andcreatecleanenergyjobs

92%ofpeoplebelievethatAustraliashoulddevelopaplantomoveto100%renewableenergy75%ofresidentsbelievethatthegovernmentshouldsticktoits2007electioncommitmenttoputa

priceoncarbonandmakepolluterspay

75%ofresidentsweremorelikelyormuchmorelikelytovoteforacandidatecommittingtoapriceoncarbonandsignificantinvestmentinrenewableenergy

95%ofswingvoterssaidtheyweremoreormuchmorelikelytovoteforacandidateiftheyweretocommittoapriceoncarbonandsignificantinvestmentinrenewableenergy


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Appendix

16

6 MEDIA RELEASE 2

Media Release

Knock, knocking on Brunswick's doorClimate election campaigning begins

April 16 2010For Immediate Release

Members and supporters of the Climate Action Moreland will fan out across Brunswick thisweekend door-knocking the community about the growing campaign to replace Hazelwoodpower station with clean energy.

A commitment to replace the coal fired power station with clean energy is a key electionask of climate and environment groups ahead of the coming state and federal elections.

Residents will be asked to sign a petition and contact the local candidates about the issue.

Over the coming months, we will be door-knocking and letter-boxing the whole of theelectorate. We will also hold public forums and meetings with candidates to explain whyAustralia's dirtiest power station must be replaced in the term of the next government.spokesperson for Climate Action Moreland, Merryn Redenbach said.

Hazelwood is the key climate test in this election.

Inner-city seats like Brunswick are now marginal Labor-Green seats, and the sittingmembers and candidates know that the climate vote can determine the outcome onelection day and perhaps even which party forms the next State government.

Victorias brown-coal pollution has increased 10% in the last 10 years. Hazelwood is anindustrial dinosaur. It produces almost 15% of Victorias carbon pollution, spokespersonfor Climate Action Moreland, Wayne Heywood said.

Replacing dirty coal with clean energy is the key to solving the climate problem. We canreplace Hazelwood with clean energy alternatives, such as investments in energyefficiency and renewable energy like solar and wind.

Door knocking and letter-boxing in other inner-city electorates and areas will take placeover the next two weeks.

For more information

Merryn Redenbach` 0407 825 046Wayne Heywood 0421 170 233

Documents

Rough Guide Door Knocking