Action Alert system helps Citizens Utility Board advance Illinois rate-freeze bill
Citizen's Utility Board (CUB) of Illinois , is praising its supporters for their hard work in helping to advance the electricity rate-freeze bill. The bill's purpose is to prevent Ameren and ComEd's proposed rate increases of 26-55 percent by extending the current rate-freeze for three more years.
Thanks in part to nearly 6,000 supporters of CUB taking action in a week's time, the bill was advanced to the floor of the Illinois House where it received 65 votes, enough to pass the bill when the General Assembly is back in session in January.
How was CUB so successful in getting people to contact their legislators? Their CUB Action Network, powered by thedatabank, makes it quick and easy for people to take action.
"The beauty of the Databank is with the push of a button, people can become activists. People today are so worn down between work and other stresses, so this easy way to take action is a great tool. It really tells legislators that people are listening and paying attention. All of the letters that are sent help reinforce the legislators who support the bill and it makes the ones who don't support it think twice." says Jim Chilsen, of CUB.
How does CUB's Action Network work? CUB sends out an email to their supporters, urging them to visit a page on their website where they can contact their legislators. The Action Alert page provides the activist with a sample message that they can send to their legislator (which is already filled in for them, based on where they live). They can send it immediately with one click, or they can personalize the message and then send it.
thedatabank's Advocacy Module, which allows people to take action with the click of a button, has a much higher response rate than asking them to make a phone call or write a letter on their own time, because it makes taking action so easy and quick. CUB can even track the response rate of each action alert in their Databank, which provides them with details such as how many people told a friend and how many people took action.
According to Jim, "People are hungry for an outlet in which they can do something good. This is a great outlet. We get a lot of thank yous from our supporters."
CUB is urging their supporters to continue to contact their legislators until this battle is completely won. If you are interested in becoming a part of their Action Network, visit http://cubaction.org .
If you would like to see what thedatabank's Advocacy module can do for your organization sign up for a free online demo.
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