Focus the Nation

The Empower Poly Coalition, a network of environmental Cal Poly clubs, will host a workshop on “Strengthening the Political Will for Investment in Climate Change Solutions.” This public policy workshop is the finale to a series of events throughout the day, collectively known as “Focus the Nation: Global Warming Solutions for America.”

The public policy workshop will begin with an opening keynote address from Congresswoman Lois Capps via satellite. This will be followed by a town hall meeting moderated by Larry Allen of the Air Pollution Control District. Local officials on the panel include San Luis Obispo City Council Member Christine Mulholland, Paso Robles Mayor Frank Mecham, County Supervisors Jerry Lenthall and Jim Patterson, candidates for Supervisor Adam Hill and Debbie Arnold, and more. Cal Poly Political Science professors will then present a non-partisan examination of the 2008 Presidential candidates' plans for climate change solutions. Finally, Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee will deliver a keynote speech during which students will have the opportunity to engage with visiting local, state, and federal representatives. The goal of this three part workshop is to educate voters about the public policy issues associated with climate change solutions.

When: Thursday, January 31, 2008 from 7:00 - 9:30 PM

Where: Chumash Auditorium, University Union, Cal Poly (map)

Cal Poly is just one of more than 1,300 colleges, high schools, faith organizations, civic groups, and businesses holding similar events across the country: making Focus the Nation the largest teach-in in America's history. The purpose of Focus the Nation is to spark a national discussion about climate change solutions. The event has been planned to take place directly before presidential primary elections in order to make climate change a key issue during the race for the presidency.

At Cal Poly, the day-long teach-in will feature presentations and panel discussions by two dozen faculty and staff experts in various fields including physics, biology, architecture, engineering, agriculture, business, economics, psychology and religious studies. All are open to the public free of charge.

More Information

For more information about the local events, including times and locations, please visit the Focus the Nation SLO website.

For information about the national movement on over 1000 campuses, visit the national Focus the Nation website.