Illinois for Internet Freedom: meeting w/ Sen Kirks staff on Jan 18th in Chicago

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

@andrewb has set up a meeting with Senator Kirk's staff on Jan 18th at 1pm in Chicago, and is looking for 7 other people to attend. If you can go, please message him with your e-mail!

Please keep requesting meetings:

  • Call (312) 353-4952 to meet with Senator Durbin, a co-sponsor of PIPA.
  • Call (312)-886-3506 to meet with Senator Kirk, who has no public position on PIPA yet.

Be polite and professional, and request a meeting on behalf of Illinois 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 Illinois 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. 

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Comments

  • WillPhill76WillPhill76
    If people want to support this reply via this post. I will attempt to call and set up an appointment. If anyone else would like to do so also, please reply.
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    Are you on the IL-IN border?
  • ChicagokrzyChicagokrzy
    I am up for going. Send me an e-mail: jim.minardi@gmail.com
  • djsdjs
    has anyone called yet ?  I might tomorrow morning
  • WillPhill76WillPhill76
    I am on the IL/WI border, but don't mind the commute. I have not called yet, but will in the morning. I have tried to contact Durbin in the past and he is a difficult person to get a hold of. I have not tried to contact Kirk yet, but newer senators are easier to get a hold of.

  • WillPhill76WillPhill76
    state_scheduler@durbin.senate.gov with the following information:

     

    • organization name
    • participant names
    • purpose of request/topic of meeting
    • contact name and information
    • which office you would like to meet (Chicago, Springfield, Carbondale, or Rock Island)

     

    For an invitation, also include:

     

    • date, time, and location of the event

     

    When we receive your email, you should receive an immediate email
    confirmation. Scheduling requests typically take 2-4 weeks for
    processing and may be delayed even further without complete information.
    If you have any questions about the request process, please call
    312.353.4952 and ask to speak with the scheduler.

  • WillPhill76WillPhill76

























  • WillPhill76WillPhill76
    A Person named Andrew called and made an appointment already with Senator Kirk under the Illinois for Internet freedom group name, so please tell us when you get the appointment. I asked them to forward the details to me if we can get it. The assistant said it would be on a Monday, Tuesday, or Friday.
  • frafrifrafri
    you guys need to call. i will spread the word!!!
  • SevenSeven
    I called Mark Kirk's office and left information. Presumably, anyone who is successful setting up a meeting will be able to alert everyone else who is trying or wants to go.
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @WillPhill76 let me try and sort this out: you got a response from Kirk's office about a meeting, but they said someone else already got a meeting for Illinois for Internet Freedom? Crap... I wish they would post that here. Hopefully that info will show up soon! Let us know if you get any more details about that meeting!
  • FitimFitim
    I would like to help out in this cause. I live in the suburbs of Chicago, please contact me at kelfitim@gmail.com, I would really like to go and fight for my rights.
  • stevetstevet
    I am on the IL/WI border (Rockford). I will call Durbin and Kirk. I have called both before in regards to different issues and have found it easier to get through to Durbin. I suggest emailing and calling, I am not sure if the phone calls are actually relayed to the Senators themselves. Durbin is pretty reasonable and has dropped sponsorship of bills before. He was a co-sponsor of the RAVE Act at one point and dropped that after he received enough complaints. I do not have a ton of experience with Kirk. I would be cautious about anything that his office states.
  • stevetstevet
    Also, its usually better to call the state office of a senator over the D.C. office.
  • kfarreykfarrey
    OK, I don't have time to do this right now, (already getting the angry looks for being online too long) but I would like to suggest creating a Facebook event & maybe a meetup group for this. Anyone who already belongs to a group, please share. I've pasted to Facebook but I don't know how many people will read it. Will keep reposting, we really need to get the word out.
  • RoxanneRoxanne
    Were any of you able to request a meeting with Senator Durbin yet (since apparently someone else already made an appointment with Senator Kirk)? I'm going to bookmark this page and send it to everyone I know, so please keep the rest of us updated! 
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @Roxanne - no, no one's managed to get one with him or his staff. Definitely request one!

    @kfarrey - we're trying to make Facebook events for each meeting as their scheduled, but we are few and the meetings are quickly becoming many.

    @stevet - it depends. Some state offices don't do any scheduling and direct you to the DC office.
  • rosalindwillsrosalindwills
    Definitely willing to add body mass to this if and when any of us manages to get something arranged (assuming it's in a Chicago location, as that's all I can get transportation to). Will be watching this thread and will try to call tomorrow or Monday.
  • TobiTobi
    Do it! Do it! The SOPA bill will ruin everything as we know it!
  • SevenSeven
    The message I received is below. On the one hand, if a bunch of people could go, it could be meaningful. Also, I am an active Republican, so that adds heft. On the other hand, I know from working in DC that these meetings with staffers are usually meaningless. Thoughts? ... ... ...

    "Mr. Owens,



    I received your request for a meeting with the Senator to discuss the
    SOPA Act. At this time the Senator’s schedule is quite full, however I
    would be more than happy to set up a meeting between you and one of our
    staff liaisons. Please let me know what your availability is over the
    next few weeks.



    Kind Regards,

    Kayleen Carlson"
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @Seven It is worth it to speak to the staff if people can make the time. Shall we set up a doodle to figure out a good time?
  • WillPhill76WillPhill76
    Let me know when the appointment is. I am assuming it is with Senator Kirk, because of the Republican statement. I could take the time out to speak to a staffer. I have a few friends that are willing to go also. Call Durbins office and let him know how displeased most people are with this bill.
  • DevilzEyeDevilzEye
    Indeed. Individuals who already have called without looking at the comments should post their meeting times somewhere in a public place such as the comments here or a facebook group that is linked in these comments. For those who cannot commute or be online for long periods of time (kfarrey), somebody who attends some (if multiple) of the meetings, should bring with them at least a laptop if its allowed so that it could be broadcasted here online which would enable the rest of the community to realize what steps would be taken, if needed, to convince the senators based on their views toward it. Just a suggestion as I personally don't get involved in politics, however this raises a major concern because I'm sure I speak for alot of us, I love our internet freedom, let's fight to keep it...
  • andrewbandrewb
    @WillPhill76 I called to set up an appointment and mentioned I was with this group. They said they were busy and would contact me with a date and time for a meeting, but I am skeptical as I have not heard anything from Senator Kirk since contacting them. As soon as I hear anything back I will post any and all info on here! If anyone contacts Sen. Kirks office say you are with Illinois for Internet Freedom under the meeting made by Andrew Bach and we are still waiting to hear back. Maybe if more people jump in on this it'll go up in priority. you can reach me at abach292@gmail.com if you hear anything about the meeting or have any questions
  • andrewbandrewb
    Just contacted Senator Kirks office again, as I have not heard from them in about a week since I set up that appointment for this group. I did not know they would be turning people away because an appointment was made! Bogus! I just contacted them again saying that I have not heard back from Sen. Kirks office in response to a in person meeting request for this group and was told I will be contacted soon by the scheduler. I told them that if anybody else calling about the meeting from Illinois for Internet Freedom group via the appointment with Andrew Bach to pass the info along to anyone requesting the info! Hope this helps. Again, i can be reached at abach292@gmail.com
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @andrewb - awesome, way to follow up. Keep requesting meetings, eventually they'll have to give one to you. Don't give up, we'll try and get other people to request meetings. Which office were you calling?
  • WillPhill76WillPhill76
    The Chicago office.

  • tsmithtsmith
    I'll call both Senators' offices tomorrow.  I can be reached at tsmithdmr@gmail.com.  Please contact me if any progress is made.
  • rosalindwillsrosalindwills
    Side note -- I've noticed some people mentioning it and calling it SOPA. Bear in mind that we're hitting up the senators right now, which means PIPA is the bill that's actually on the table. Same deal, different name, but we need to make sure we sound like we know what we're talking about.
  • AC84AC84
    We cannot allow this bill to pass. I am all for support of free web with no censorship. Let me know how I can help out.
  • WebWeaver64WebWeaver64
    I'm on the phone right now holding to schedule with Durbin
  • WebWeaver64WebWeaver64
    state_scheduler@durbin.senate.gov
    fax - 312.353.6427

    I'm sending the following email. Who's name would like to be added? You can email me directly if you don't want to put your name here at uneedstuff.shari@gmail.com

    I'd like to have at least 5 people willing to meet with him. Just myself will have no weight. We can edit as necessary as well. Please if you can make a meeting, are interested in a meeting. We need to get one scheduled.

    Illinois for Internet Freedom would like to request an appointment during Mr. Durbin's January recess. He will be going back to the Senate which is scheduled to vote on the PIPA bill. A bill he co-sponsored. We would like to bring to his attention how this bill in no way protects copyright or the internet, but allows for big business (which can't be trusted) to lock down the internet on law abiding citizens. The internet must remain a source of creativity, not a place where what is blocked can become another avenue of restriction. Restricting that creative ingenuity that allowed the creation of the internet in the 1st place.

    Attending the meeting will be:
    Shari Smith
    uneedstuff.shari@gmail.com
    708.898.4000

    We would like to meet in Chicago, however are open to other locations.

    Date and time can be set by Mr. Durbin
  • Maximus5684Maximus5684
    I would be very willing to join this meeting if it is in Springfield or the surrounding area. If not, I would still be willing provided my schedule would allow it.

    maximus5684@gmail.com
  • MimRoseMimRose
    Please let me know how I can help.  mdepelichy@gmail.com
  • rosalindwillsrosalindwills
    If the meeting is in Chicago, I can hopefully attend, depending on when it is scheduled. rosalind.m.wills@gmail.com is my address. I'm only 22 (and a bit nervous :/ ) so I may not be a good front-person but I'm definitely willing to bring my voice in.

    Possibly better to just say "We will be bringing a group" so that you can get the message in while we work out the details? These things take a long time to set up or get a response, as we've seen already.
  • nekogunnernekogunner
    I would like to attend and show my support, but unless it is on the weekend, (including this coming Monday) I can't do much other then write an e-mail / letter. I live on the IL./MO. border by Scott AFB. Roughly a 15 minute drive to St. Louis.

    If the meeting were to be in my area within reasonable driving distance (30-45 min max) I might consider it in the evening. I will attempt to contact Senator Kirk's office tomorrow during the after and see if I can get an answer regarding his position from him or one of his aids.

    Please let me know if I can help:
    goldleader1987@gmail.com
  • Rob_MRob_M
    I'm ready and willing to attend any meeting in the Chicago area. My email is bobmodzelewski@gmail.com. 
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @Rob_M, @rosalindwills, @MimRose, @Maximus5684: One of the major take-aways from our briefing call with Public Knowledge earlier today 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 assume that a meeting IS going to happen, and start planning the details of logistics and content. You can even submit meeting requests of your own (preferably identifying yourself as part of "Illinois for Internet Freedom," so staffers get a sense that you aren't a bunch of isolated individuals, but rather part of a larger movement). And 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!
  • BSG33chiBSG33chi
    I heard about this SOPA deal a few weeks ago from the awesome video game website destructoid.com and well, I'll make the call to senator kirk plus tell my friends in real life and xbox live to do the same there.
  • Frank888Frank888
    Id love to attend anytime/anyplace. Contact me at tplive8@hotmail.com
  • rosalindwillsrosalindwills
    "One of the major take-aways from our briefing call with Public Knowledge earlier today 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 assume that a meeting IS going to happen, and start planning the details of logistics and content."

    In that case...

    What's everyone's availability to go downtown and drop in on both offices in Chicago next week? (Bear in mind Monday is MLK day and therefore I don't think offices will be open). Both senators have their offices in the same building, 230 S Dearborn.

    Wednesday around 1:00 is ideal for me -- and might have some added punch in that we could possibly cash in on or make reference to the Reddit/Explosm/possibly Wikipedia media blackouts taking place the same day. However, we should aim for a time we can get a number of people together. 

    (That being said, if we can't settle on a time, I will be going myself that day and be glad to join up with anyone else...I'll be the grad student holding a big binder of notes and looking terrified. :P I've never actually done anything like this before.)
  • andrewbandrewb

    I just heard back about setting up a meeting with Sen. Kirk for Illinois for Internet Freedom, and unfortunatley he is away in Poland this week and will be downstate next week, the represenative from the office Ed Murphy thatt called me said he would be happy to sit down with us though. I am thinking either tomorrow (Friday Jan 13) during the day or wednesday afternoon (Jan 18), does this work for anyone else? The goal would be to have a sit down and express our concerns about the PIPA and SOPA act and move towards possibly setting up a meeting with Sen. Kirk (which he did not rule out on the phone).


    As I will be at work and not able to check these forums, you can email me at abach292@gmail.com to jump in on this meeting, (what works best for you? Fri jan 13 or Wed Jan 18? I'm thinking maybe about 5 or so of us would be a managable number to express our concerns on behalf of the group. @rosalindwills @frank888 @rob_m


    thanks!

  • tflynntflynn
    I can attend if the meeting happens in Chicago.  email at teeflyn@gmail.com
  • rosalindwillsrosalindwills
    @andrewb Great stuff! Just sent you an email to the effect that Wednesday is better for me (I'm assuming this is for a Chicago meeting). If we're down there for Kirk anyway, we can see about trying to drop in on Durbin too, since they're both in the same building (same floor even).
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    EDITED

    @andrewb - this is a great opportunity. We would suggest Wed. to give you and other users time to organize. Plus, some of you could hop on a briefing call with us Monday at noon. If you know anyone who works primarily online (IT people, web designers, Start-up CEOs, etc) ask them to come with you! And make sure to bring some informative literature that we've posted to out WordPress. 

    @rosalindwills GREAT IDEA!!! At the very least chat with a staffer, give them your names, and drop off some informative literature. It will take about 5 minutes, and you'll be informing two birds with one stone!
  • rosalindwillsrosalindwills
    @StopSOPA-HQ  Ah, good, I was going to ask if that briefing was happening again this week. I'll definitely be on the call, and will make sure to have a bunch of the literature from the WP site printed out to give. I'll probably also write down and bring along some links to the best overview videos and other stuff like that, as well as the big tech-giant open letter. Would you say linking to this forum would be a good idea (to show that we have solidarity with other states)?

    Side note, I'm a web development freelancer so I can bring a little technical expertise to the table, though I haven't been in the industry very long so getting other people with that expertise is still a good idea.
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @rosalindwills - The next briefing call will happen Monday at Noon. EST. I don't think linking them to these forums would be useful, but linking them to http://americancensorhip.org would be!
  • analogkid01analogkid01
    I work odd hours, so I might be able to attend a Chicago and/or a Springfield meeting.  Thursdays and Fridays are best for me.  I'm a former network engineer and would love to discuss this with Senator Kirk.  I'll keep an eye on this thread for meeting updates.
  • andrewbandrewb
    Progress! I just confirmed a meeting with Ed Murphy on Sen. Kirk's behalf for 1pm Wednesday, Jan. 18. Space is limited and he requested a cap of about 8 people as that is what their conference room can comfortably accommodate. So lets delegate this to a group of 8 to deliver a bigger message on all of our behalf's. If you are interested in being one of the 8 as a part of a formal meeting, email me at abach292@gmail.com

    For anyone else:
    I wish we could get more people and flood his office, but they have been very open and helpful in setting up a meeting, so lets be professional. Sen. Durbin's office however (which is in the same building) has been MIA and said they would "get back to me in 3-4 weeks." So his office is fair game to be swamped by anyone not a part of the meeting with Sen. Kirk.


    @StopSOPA-HQ how do we get in on the briefing call?
  • rosalindwillsrosalindwills
    @andrewb If you look on the sidebar at the right-hand of this website, there's information about the briefing calls Monday and Wednesday with Public Knowledge.
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