Group XII (2006-2008) News

National Seminar - Energy Issues, Washington, DC, March 10-16, 2007

by Jennifer Fanucci with contributions by Heidi Dyas-McBeth & Mark Novotny, Group XII participants

Sponsored in part by:

Anthropologist Margaret Mead once stated, “Never doubt that a small group of concerned citizens can change the world.  Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” 

For a small group of Wisconsin citizens who made their way in March to learn about Global Energy Issues in Washington D.C., this kind of ideal was never far from their thoughts. The group spent one full week meeting and learning from some of the most influential people involved in U.S. and international energy issues in order to become more knowledgeable about the variety of energy issues facing the nation, the world and, in turn, their own Wisconsin communities. 

For one week the WRLP group embarked on a journey into the world of energy issues and global climate change.  It took a day or two for them to learn to navigate the Nation’s Capitol but they learned quickly and were ready to ask some tough questions.  Seminar Chairs Al Anderson and Dave Wernecke, set up a week of lectures in the fields of energy, economics, environmental issues and climate change that would be the envy of many educators and leaders in those fields. Lecturers who addressed the group included David Painter of Georgetown University, Anthony Janetos of the Joint Global Change Research Institute, Frank Verrastro from the Center for Strategic & International Studies, Brian Czech from the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy, Bill Hogan from the Center for Public Integrity and many others.  Seminar topics included oil and U.S. foreign policy, environment and climate change, U.S. energy policy and process, and the role of the lobbyist and media in the policy process.

The participants also split into small groups for a day and traveled around Washington D.C. to learn about specific topics from representatives of disparate interests. They met with leaders of think tanks, government departments and non-governmental organizations. Issues discussed included oil consumption, oil generation, alternative energies, bio-diesel, foreign policy, other countries’ approaches to energy issues, and global warming. From the U.S. Department of Energy to Green Peace, the organization representatives proved to have strong opinions and vast knowledge to share about the complex world of global energy issues.

Finally, the group met with their respective State Representatives to discuss issues concerning their regions of the state and to ask questions of their legislators.

Though the group kept a demanding schedule, the week wasn’t all work. Participants enjoyed a guided night tour of the national monuments, a visit to the National Museum of Art, a night at the Kennedy Center, and a few nights out on the town exploring the nation’s capitol.  Some participants also found time to visit the Holocaust Museum, the National Building Museum, the National Museum of the Native American, and, of course, the Capitol Building.

In a week full of energy, an overwhelming feeling that impressed the group was the importance of acquiring knowledge of the issues in order to share knowledge and ideas with neighbors, family and communities, and to actively participate in effective change. Participant Heidi Dyas-McBeth states, “It was good to focus on such a critical issue as we realized the important role we can play as individuals in communicating with elected officials about public policy and recognizing the impact of our own behavior. Spending time in an environment that draws attention to our country’s history and culture makes me aware that we cannot ignore the bold and innovative action and the risks taken by courageous individuals. I feel comforted by the fact that as a nation we have valued those individuals – be they politicians, artists or everyday citizens that have been leaders through sharing their vision, passion and voice.” 

Remember, it only takes a small group of concerned and dedicated citizens.  The current WRLP participants are on their way to effecting positive change for their communities, their state, their country, and their world.    

Thank you to Seminar Chairs, Alan Anderson, former director of the Center for Community Economic Development, UW-Extension and Dave Wernecke, Director of the Baraboo Range Preservation Association.

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