CO2 Music Video

A quick thanks to Cathy Resmer over at Seven Days for showcasing this gem in her Vermont YouTube of the Day on June 28th before she went on vacation. Yeah, I know...that was like a week ago...however, still timely.

Why? Well the deadline is July 11th. Noteably my sisters birthday (Happy Birthday Laura -- You will ALWAYS be older than me!) but also the day when Vermont Legislators come together for some very important business -- namely H520: THE VERMONT ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND AFFORDABILITY ACT.

First, we have a local rap group that has decided to get all advocac-y like (which I LOVE, by the way!) and has created a video about CO2 and H520 with a direct call to action. Check it:

Now not only do we have this, but we also have local business group, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) advocating for the veto override. They've created an advertising campaign and posted information on their website.

So what is significant about all of this?

Well, in my mind we have a great mixing of social media (i.e. YouTube) and youth (X10) (i.e. anyone younger than me!) and business (VBSR) coming together (sort-of) on an issue that even Al Gore has weighed in on (they've got a video of his points posted).

Now, if only VBSR would reach out and get X10 to work with them on this! Perhaps they should contact the Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) where one of the rappers is interning...as a matter of fact you can find the Video on the VPIRG site too, along with lots more info! Their blog is also quite informative.

Great mix of online tools to spur activism. I wonder if they are using Facebook? Hmmm....

So the big question -- will the legislature get the 2/3rds they need to override? And the even bigger question -- did social media help them raise enough awareness that people in Vermont sat up and took notice?

We'll see on the 11th.