The clock is ticking for libertarians in Tennessee who want to help
promote the libertarian movement -- and earn valuable prizes and public
recognition for doing so.
That's because December 31, 2004 is the deadline to qualify for the annual
Lights of Liberty awards, sponsored by the Advocates for Self-Government.
"If you help publicize libertarianism in a positive way in 2004, we want
to reward you," said Advocates President Sharon Harris. "We know the best
way to spread the word about liberty is for libertarians to reach out to
people in their community, and the Lights of Liberty program encourages
that kind of vital grassroots activity."
The Lights of Liberty program honors activists who:
Get three letters using the words "libertarian" or "libertarianism"
printed in a non-libertarian newspaper, magazine, or other publication. Or...
Work at an Operational Politically Homeless (OPH) booth on three
different days, for two hours or more per day. Or...
Give three speeches to predominantly non-libertarian groups such as
service clubs, classrooms, political rallies, or Toastmasters, using the
words "libertarian" or "libertarianism."
In 2003, three libertarians in Tennessee qualified as Lights of Liberty
winners -- and Harris said she would like to see even more this year.
"Imagine the effect if every libertarian activist in Tennessee set out to
accomplish these highly effective goals this year!" she said. "It would
generate a significant increase in public awareness of libertarianism in
the state."
In addition, outreach opportunities are especially plentiful this year
because of the presidential election, Harris noted.
"With the spotlight on the presidential race, people are paying more
attention to politics, so the power of our message is amplified," she said.
"Plus, in an election year, your outreach can do double duty. You can not
only promote libertarian ideas, but also Libertarian candidates."
Although the Advocates is nonpartisan, Libertarian Party outreach
activities and LP campaign activities do qualify for Lights of Liberty
recognition.
To qualify for the 2004 awards, outreach activities must be completed
between January 1 and December 31.
Lights of Liberty winners will receive:
An award certificate, suitable for framing.
Their name on the 2004 Lights of Liberty Honor Page at the Advocates Web site.
Their name listed in an Advocates' ad in LP News.
A 20% discount coupon off any order from the Advocates' catalog of
libertarian outreach and educational products.
Their name entered in a drawing for the rare and valuable "Libertarian
Library" -- autographed copies of every book written by Libertarian Party presidential candidates since John Hospers in 1972.
Since the program started in 1998, there have been Lights of Liberty
winners in 46 states (plus Washington, DC) and in five foreign countries
(Italy, Australia, Canada, Seychelles, and Great Britain).
To qualify for the Lights of Liberty awards, submit your name (or the
names of other individuals who engaged in outreach activity) at:
www.TheAdvocates.org/lights.html. Or e-mail: Lights@TheAdvocates.org. Or
call: (800) 932-1776.
The Advocates for Self-Government is a nonprofit organization that
encourages the public to understand and embrace libertarian ideas, and
teaches libertarians how to be more compelling communicators.
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