Alabama for Internet Freedom

StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ in Individual State Discussions
Top Priority for AL: Set up Meetings

There aren't any public events yet, so the most important thing is to get meetings with Senators. Here's what you need to do:

  • Call (205) 731-1500 to meet with Senator Sessions, who has no public position on PIPA yet.
  • Call (205) 731-1384 to meet with Senator Shelby, who has no public position on PIPA yet.

Be polite and professional, and request a meeting on behalf of Alabama for Internet Freedom (the folks in this forum) to discuss the PROTECT IP Act and SOPA.  Make it clear that you want to meet with the Senator during the January recess, and that you'll be bringing others from your group.  Have your calendar open when you call, so you can pick a time that works for you.  When finished, post a report-back. 

For example: "Hi, my name is ________, I'm with Alabama for Internet freedom, and I'm calling to request a meeting with Senator _______ during the January recess.  The PROTECT IP vote is happening on January 24th, and I wanted the Senator to understand my concerns before the vote happens."


IMPORTANT: If you do get a meeting, post another message. That way others can join you in your meeting.  If there's any other specific information we should include in this post, message us and we can add it. 

Comments

  • FJCKFJCK
    We can do this Alabama! From Cullman.
  • P_Eddie_GP_Eddie_G
    We REALLY need do this people of Alabama! 
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    I know it might be a scary prospect, but either of you can begin the scheduling process. The employees at the various district offices  are quite nice!
  • CloudedMindCloudedMind
    I've talked to Senator Sessions scheduler and he is not taking any more meetings for the recess. I am however, not even close to giving up. I am speaking with his Washington office to see what can be done about a VTC conference once the recess is over.
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @CloudedMind @FJCK @P_Eddie_G can anyone call to follow up and see if a meeting can still be had?
  • ChristopherHolderChristopherHolder
    Senator Shelby isn't going to be back in Alabama until the end of January D':
    I'll try to set up a teleconference, but I don't know if it'll work.
  • ChristopherHolderChristopherHolder
    I was directed here: 
    http://shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/requestameeting
    Hopefully I'll get through in time.
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @ChristopherHolder - Meeting with a member of the Senator's staff is just as valuable! Try pursuing that request!
  • ChristopherHolderChristopherHolder
    Sure, I'll try that, I hadn't thought of it. Thanks! I just submitted a request for a meeting, and I'll post what they say when they get back to me.
  • oldworldTECHoldworldTECH
    we dont need big brother looking over our shoulder. small gov't
  • MarkeTrueMarkeTrue
    Writing your congress person is still powerful. If you cannot meet with Senators Shelby and Sessions then take the time to send an email in opposition. Here's mine:

    Senator Shelby:

    My small business supports other small businesses in using the Internet to market and grow their revenues. SOPA/PIPA will impede those small businesses' ability use the Internet and make them subject to unfair treatment at the hands of competitors and service providers. 

    SOPA/PIPA is an abomination to the freedom of speech and business in this country. I ask that you VOTE NO on these two issues. Stand up for Alabamian's and American's rights by siding against the big business interests who value profits over citizen's rights. 

    Sincerely, 

    Mark Griggs


  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @CloudedMind @ChristopherHolder @MarkeTrue
    UPDATE: One of the major take-aways from the briefing call with Public Knowledge was that you don't have to set up a formal meeting to come in and talk to someone in a Senator's local office - you can just show up! So if the meeting requests don't seem to be going anywhere: just find the location of your closest office, recruit a friend or two, and get in there!
  • ChristopherHolderChristopherHolder
    Ok, I have an appt next Thursday with a member of the Senator's staff. I'll be reading over the bill and all the materials you have. Any other way you can help me with this would be appreciated.
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @ChristopherHolder - That awesome! Would you like other people to attend with you? Can you give us a time and place? We will make you a Facebook event and e-mail folks in Alabama who are on our mailing list. As for more help preparing, we will be having briefing calls Monday at Noon EST (1 CST), feel free to join us! We'll try and answer any questions you have.
  • GeorginaGunningGeorginaGunning
    We have also requested a meeting to take place at the Rockford Courthouse in Coosa County.  We will post any news as soon as we have it so that others may join us if they wish.
  • Vote_them_outVote_them_out
    The only real way to stop this kind of poorly crafted legislation that is sponsored by those that do not read nor understand the language of these bills, is to vote them out of office, it is really just that simple, if a senator or a congressman sponsors such trashy legslation as these "horribly evil" Bills, then they need to go home they need to be voted out of office, Then and only then can we finally have a freedom of the Rights the Constitution has given us, if we allow these people who sit in the peoples seat, to support legislation that they do not even read first, then that person does not deserve to occupy the peoples seats in congress.

    It really is simple, just vote them out of office, If we can read these bills why can they not read them and understand them.

    I believe that the American people are sick and tired of these bills that do not represent the American People.
  • ChristopherHolderChristopherHolder
    No, I told the staff member that my meeting would only take a half an hour-- I plan to present that entire time-- and I don't want to change that. However, people on here could visit that Web site I posted above and schedule a meeting for sometime next week, since all of next week is open except for Monday. They're friendly and respond quickly. My appt is on Thursday at 4 at Shelby's Birmingham office.

    I'll try to make the briefing calls, but I already have something scheduled then (that can be moved around, admittedly). How long will the briefing calls be available? Could I call in at 2 and still talk to someone?
  • ChristopherHolderChristopherHolder
    You can e-mail people on the mailing list, though, in case they have ways to help me, or to let them know about the ease of scheduling a meeting next week. Ultimately, though, you should put an emphasis on reading the bill itself; it's only 30 pages, and it's invaluable to have firsthand knowledge of the issue.
  • JoshuaIngleJoshuaIngle
    Just left a message w/ Heather @ Senator Shelby's office to try to set up some sort of teleconference. The people of the state that gave that man his job will NOT be ignored!
  • globeflyerglobeflyer
    Guys, the internet is the only way to get enough momentum to stop this "power" grab. Everyone get on FB and ask all your friends to do the same. If we lose the 'Net, we've lost one of our best, and most effective, tools for modern day change. Contact Senators Shelby and Sessions TODAY!
  • ChristopherHolderChristopherHolder
    On the line for the conference call now
  • ChristopherHolderChristopherHolder
    Stayed on there for roughly half an hour. I'm gonna continue doing some research. Best of luck to the others who've made appointments!
  • anonymous5424anonymous5424
    Hi i would like to attend that meeting Christopher Holder. if at all possible can you please email me about it at                                   Anonymous5424@gmail.com i would greatly appreciate it
  • ChrisCookChrisCook
    I've got the code setup to go dark tomorrow, and will be sending out letters today. A bill such as this has a direct impact on my business, and I really hope we can all band together and put a stop to the insanity!
  • SeanSullivanSeanSullivan
    I took MarkeTrue's advice and posted email letters to both Senators Sessions and Shelby.  Will try and get them on the phone as well.  Everyone do what you can.  Be persistant but professional!
  • ChristopherHolderChristopherHolder
    @anonymous5424 : look at the comment above; I think it'd be too late to add a person in the meeting. However, feel free to schedule a meeting sometime before next Tuesday. Every bit helps, although with this blackout I think the tide's really shifted.
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @ChristopherHolder - We're all certainly hoping the same thing, but we don't want to be too sure of ourselves either. There's still way too much support for these bills, coming from very powerful groups (ie, the RIAA, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, etc.). So let's not let up the pressure quite yet: keep those meetings coming!

    @GeorginaGunning Any updates on your meeting request, by the way?
  • AdamAlcaidaAdamAlcaida
    personally guys i hope this does work....... i think this is screwed up about all the censorship and if it goes through alot of people will get bored and restless with wonder and curiousity....... this actually could start a: a revolotion or b: a civil war ......... the government needs to remember that the more rules and  regulationg the more trouble you can have .... signing off Adam 
  • ChristopherHolderChristopherHolder
    Alright, the meeting went really well! I ended up talking to the staff member about 45-50 minutes about the issues, which didn't actually just include "ITLL BREAK INTERNETZ," and she'll pass up her notes and the materials I brought to her boss. We actually had a nice discussion, and I really feel like I made some impact. This is novel, and I'm gonna keep doing things like this, I think. I didn't think I could actually do it before I tried.:D
  • ChristopherHolderChristopherHolder
    Congratulations, everyone! Now let's try to get the Open Act to be the best it can: keepthewebopen.com.
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Have a meeting or want to learn more? Please join us for a BRIEFING CALL ON MON AND WED AT 12PM EST with Public Knowledge.


(712)-775-7100
code: SOPAPIPA# or 7672-7472#

Miscellaneous tips!

Having trouble finding people or getting a meeting? Hook up with local chapters of the ACLU, library association, civil rights coalition, bill of rights defense committee (a handful around the country), tech meet up, linux group, free culture campus group, local Occupy or Tea Party group and get a meeting together.


Is your senator asking for a fax? Use this free service to do it.


Some people are using a doodle calendar to coordinate a time amongst themselves.

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