Why Take the Plunge?
The National Polar Bear Plunge brings a number of unique and exciting advantages as an organizing opportunity for groups all over the country, making it a fitting successor to recent nationwide climate demonstrations. Whether you do it simply as a powerful photo op to be part of the national event, or also as fundraiser for your group or for other local and national groups, we believe there are few better ways to promote our message on global warming and grow the movement than to jump into a cold body of water with your friends on December 8, 2007. Here are just a few reasons why:
An iconic image, and a vital animal friend - The Plunge captures a powerfully iconic animal - the polar bear - and places it in the service of the climate change movement. Everyone from board room executives to elementary school children understands and is engaged by the beauty and power of these creatures, and recent developments, including the fight to put polar bears on the endangered species list and the public frenzy over the German polar bear cub, Knut, only serve to reinforce this animal's special status in the public's mind as both a beloved animal friend and the contemporary "canary in a coal mine" for global warming.
Powerful, direct messaging - The inherent message of the Plunge - the danger posed to polar bears by shrinking icecaps - communicates directly and viscerally to the issue of global warming, without need for explanation.
Powerful media draw - The Plunge is an exciting physical event and a natural photo opportunity, further increasing the likelihood of media coverage of the message.
It's fun! - Joining with others to express your commitment to fighting global warming by jumping in a cold body of water may sound nuts, but it's an amazing, joyful community building and an invigorating experience. You'll never forget it!
Great fundraiser - The Plunge is an easy and natural fundraiser. Utilizing a pledge method, the Plunge also helps turn individual participants into organizers and messengers. In turn, most people are happy to pledge money to support the cause and to watch someone else jump in cold water. Think of it as the county fair dunk tank of the 21st century climate change movement.
Maximum citizen participation - There are numerous opportunities for individuals to participate, from those who would take the Plunge themselves (including, not surprisingly, an increasing number of politicians), to those who come to support them with a warm blanket and cup of hot cocoa, to those who make pledges. It's a fun event that builds community, and is invigorating in more ways than one!
Connection to a national and international movement - Like Step It Up, the Plunge will help groups feel connected to a national movement even while they are acting locally. It's as easy as taking pictures of a local Plunge and sending them or a written description to the national website to join hundreds and thousands of others. Initial response from organizers in other countries is also favorable, particularly since the Plunge will be on International Climate Action Day, December 8.
Easy to do - Perhaps best of all, a Polar Bear Plunge is easily orgnized with very few resources. Essentially all you need are people and a body of water. (Although the blankets and hot cocoa go a long way too!) It will build your organizing capacity, including both people and money, precisely where it is needed the most - right in your local community. Perhaps more than any other issue, fighting global warming will require personal involvement and action at the local level.
