Bold Nebraska and pipeline fighters across Nebraska are headed to DC for the national Forward on Climate rally. The event will bring over 20,000 Americans to send the clear message to President Obama that his climate legacy starts with rejecting the Keystone XL pipeline.

This guide is meant for folks going to DC and gives tips on those of us staying home on how you can help spread the word and take action.

Social Media and Writing Letters
Make sure you add a Forward on Climate rally image or one of Bold’s rally images to your Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. Pass these on to friends that won’t be in DC also so they help retweet, share, like and send their own letters.

Hastags: help amplify everyone’s messages and images, please use: #nokxl #climateforward

DC Rally site: www.forwardonclimate.org

Twitter profile image: https://twitter.com/ClimateForward/status/300358013888364547

Facebook profile image: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151305687992572

Nebraska specific images: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.451309091584383.98542.101848089863820&type=1&l=8514a1ba7b

Make your own sign for FB and Twitter: http://sign.350.org

Instead of an online petition, we are asking people to also make sure they sign up to send a handwritten letter to Pres. Obama: http://pipelinefighters.org/

If you already sent a letter to Obama, please consider sending one to your Members of Congress, Sec. Kerry and others: https://boldnebraska.org/letters/

Sending a letter to your local paper (called LTE or letter to the editor) is also a great way to keep the message going: https://boldnebraska.org/lte

Press Conference in Lincoln, Tuesday at Noon
We are holding a press conference in the capitol rotunda in Lincoln on Tuesday at noon to brief press on the DC trip. If you are in town and can help provide some pipeline fighter visuals behind the speakers, please join us at Noon in the capitol rotunda. We will then go outside near the Lincoln statue to unveil some “oil spill” panels for press to get shots of, so if you did make a panel and are in Lincoln please come to the press briefing with your panel.

Solidarity Rallies
Folks not going to DC for the rally are holding events all across the United States. One such event is happening in Omaha where folks will hold signs and listen to speakers.

Omaha Event:
Sunday, Feb. 17 at 1:30 pm CT
Memorial Park, along Dodge St. (just east of UNO at Dodge St. and Happy Hollow Blvd.)

Other Solidarity Events Across US: http://action.sierraclub.org/site/PageServer?pagename=forwardonclimate_solidarityrallies

Hotels
If you do not have a hotel reservation yet, we still have hotels listed below that are in good locations. If you are looking for someone to room with in DC, email Chelsea and she will try to match you with someone who is also looking for a roommate.

Metro/Public Transportation
We have attached a map of the DC Metro system. This website is also very useful for getting around DC using the metro and/or bus system. You are able to plug in your current location and your destination location and it will tell you what train/bus to take and when the departure times of those trains/buses are: http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/tripplanner/

Bus Riders
All 56 bus seats are filled. Bus riders are notated below. If you have changed your mind about riding the bus, please email Chelsea ASAP.  

If you are riding the bus, please sign the contract attached and return it via email to Chelsea (if you do not have a scanner you can just type in the signature line your name and that you agree to contents)—include the location that you plan on loading the bus in your email.  The bus is paid for; however your hotel and food are not covered by Bold Nebraska. If you are having a hard time paying for a hotel, please let Chelsea know.

The bus captain is Reed Brodersen (reed.brodersen@gmail.com, 402-450-7047). He will join the bus in Lincoln. If problems or issues come up on the bus Reed is the point person. Members of the press could meet you guys at these locations, so please be ready to tell your story on why you are going to DC and if you have an oil spill panel, please make sure to tell press so they can get a picture of it.

Important Info for Bus Riders:

• There are changes to the travel itinerary, please note those changes.
• Arrive to each location 30 minutes before the bus is scheduled to leave to ensure you do not miss the bus.
• Email your signed bus-rider contract to Chelsea by Tuesday at 4 pm or she will assume that you are no longer riding the bus. If you have questions, concerns, or extenuating circumstances, email her.
• Add Reed’s number to your cell phone Reed Brodersen (reed.brodersen@gmail.com, 402-450-7047), he is the bus captain.

Congressional Meetings
Some folks are getting to DC early in the week to meet with Members of Congress, State Department, etc. If you will be in DC early and have not already emailed Chelsea, please email Chelsea so we can include you in those meetings.

You can also do what is called “drop by” visits to your House Member and our two Senators Fischer and Johanns. You simply drop by their office during 9-5pm EST (Mon-Fri) and let them know you are in town to help stop the pipeline and ask them to urge the State Department to conduct a scientific and independent study on risks to our water and soil. The DEQ study only looked at a 47,000 gallon spill in the Aquifer, which does not even equal the amount of tarsands that can spill in a daily pinhole size leak of the pipeline. The DEQ also failed to study spills on the Platte, Niobrara, Verdigree Watershed and other bodies of water the pipeline would cross.

When we get back home, we will be asking folks to visit their Member of Congress offices in Nebraska as well. More info on that when we get back home.

You can find your Members of Congress offices here:
Senator Mike Johanns, 202-224-4224
Senator Deb Fischer, 202-224-6551
Representative Jeff Fortenberry, 202-225-4806
Representative Lee Terry, 202-225-4155
Representative Adrian Smith, 202-225-6435

Saturday Night Gathering
Saturday night, we are hosting a gathering for landowners, tribal communities and folks from the Midwest. Meet us between 7:30-10:30pm EST at the Irish Whiskey Public House, 1207 19th St NW. Please pass on that info below to folks who fit that description!

Sunday Rally
We are meeting up BEFORE the rally on Sunday at 11am in front of the American History Museum so we can all walk over together.

We are all wearing red, plaid shirts and cowboy boots (as long as they are comfy/worn in). If you don’t have boots, wear sneakers. The plaid shirt/cowboy boot idea came from Adam Hintz and we think it’s a great way to show our Nebraska unity.

If you made an “oil spill” panel, please bring it with you on Sunday for the rally.

Detailed Schedule

Press Conference
Noon CT

State Capitol Rotunda, Lincoln
Please come with the banners or “oil spill” banners you made for the DC rally

The Nebraska Members of Congress have a tradition of holding a breakfast every Wed. morning for folks visiting DC. You can go and listen to brief speeches by all of the House and Senate Members from our state. They also take questions from the audience, so go with some on the pipeline!

Nebraska Delegation Breakfast
7:30am EST
Dirksen Senate Bldg. (go to basement of the building)

You are responsible for purchasing your own food. The cafeteria opens at 7:30am. The meeting with the Nebraska Members of Congress usually starts right at 8am. They ask that you are seated with your food by 7:45am.

If you are in town, please join us at these meetings with our elected officials. We requested a meeting with Sen. Deb Fischer but she never responded.

Meeting with Sen. Mike Johanns office
1:30pm EST
404 Russell Bldg, DC

Meeting with Sen. Whitehouse office (he is Senator from RI and is on a critical committee)
3pm EST
717 Hart Bldg, DC

Meeting with Rep. Adrian Smith office
3pm EST
2241 Rayburn Bldg, DC

Bus Departs Kearneyʉ۬
Noon CT

Country Inn and Suites (110 S 2nd Ave, Kearney)

Bus Departs Lincoln
2:30pm CT 
Shoemakers Truckstop (151 SW 48th St, Lincoln)

Bus Departs Omaha
3:45pm CT

Saap Brothers Truckstop (9905 Sapp Brothers Dr, Omaha)

Bus Stop in Iowa City
7:15pm CT
Coral Ridge Mall (1451 Coral Ridge Ave, Coralville).
You will be able to get off the bus at this point and eat supper in the Coral Ridge Mall food court.

The bus will then continue on to DC straight thru with stops for food and bathroom breaks, but you will have to sleep on the bus in route to DC. The bus is not stopping for a sleepover on the way. There is a bathroom on the bus. There are also TV screens to watch movies and the seats recline. Please bring your own funds for food. 

Bus Arrives Washington, DCʉ۬
4pm EST
(approximate time)
Union Station (50 Massachusetts Ave NE, DC)

The bus will leave everyone at Union Station in DC, which is the main bus, metro and train terminal. You can then take the metro or a cab to your hotel room. You are responsible for booking a hotel in DC for Saturday night. You just need a room for one night.

Landowner, Tribal and Midwest Gathering
7:30-10:30pm EST

Irish Whiskey Public House (1207 19th St NW, DC)

Bold is paying for heavy appetizers. The pub has great food you can order as well like fish and chips and hamburgers (and beer!). We will have a presentation by landowners and a special guest speaker. This is a time for us all to be together before the rally.

Forward Climate Rally, Omaha
1:30 pm CT
Memorial Park, along Dodge St. (just east of UNO at Dodge St. and Happy Hollow Blvd.)

Nebraskans not traveling to DC will meet up in Omaha to hold signs and listen to speakers. Solidarity events like this one in Omaha are happening all across the United States.

Forward Climate Rally, DC
10am CT / 11am EST (meet up time for Nebraskans)
11am-3pm CT / Noon-4pm EST (official rally start time)

Nebraskans will meet in front of the American History Museum at 11 AM (1400 Constitution Ave NW). The closest metro station to the museum is the Federal Triangle Metro stop.

We walk over together to the rally, which starts at noon at the Washington Monument with a march around the White House. A human pipeline will also be formed. Speakers will greet the crowd.

Remember to wear red, plaid shirt and cowboy boots (or sneakers if those are more comfortable). It can also get cold and rainy, so please be prepared with proper clothing and items such as hand warmers and water.

If you are riding the bus, you will have to load your luggage onto the bus before you go to the rally. You will be able to load your luggage between 9 and 10:30 AM. The bus will be in the parking lot of the Capital Skyline Hotel (10 I St SW, DC). The closest metro to the hotel is the Federal Center Metro stop. From there, it is a 10 minute walk to the hotel. After loading your luggage, we recommend you take the Federal Center metro to Federal Triangle in order to get to the American History Museum.

If you are NOT riding the bus and leaving on a flight Sunday evening, we suggest either checking your luggage in the morning at the airport and getting your boarding pass so you are ready to go straight to security or you can also leave your luggage at the concierge desk at your hotel. With this option you will have to quickly find a cab, get your luggage and then head to the airport.

Bus Departs DCʉ۬
Directly after the rally (apx. 4pm EST)
The bus will pick you up at the corner of Corner of 15^th St SW and Constitution Ave NW at approximately 4 pm (or when the rally ends). This is why it is crucial that your luggage be loaded onto the bus BEFORE the rally. You will NOT have time to back to your hotel to get your luggage.

You can expect to be back in Nebraska on Monday between 4-6pm CT.

Hotels
We do not have one hotel everyone will be staying at; instead below we list some locations and prices so folks can determine which hotel best fits their needs. The River Inn is now sold out.

Residence Inn
Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wascp-residence-inn-washington-dc-capitol/ â€¨
333 E St SW, Washington, DC, 20024

This hotel has a free breakfast and kitchens in every room. Their suite is about $160 a night but has two double beds and a separate sitting room that has a sofa bed. A room with just one double bed and a sofa bed is $110. This is a great option for families or friends traveling together since the rooms are bigger. The hotel is very close to Capitol Hill and museums.

Hotel Harrington
Website: http://www.hotel-harrington.com/ â€¨
436 11th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

A few Nebraskans made their reservations already at this hotel. Rooms, with two double beds, are $150 a night. This is a family owned hotel. The location sits between the White House and the Capitol. Its an older, more historic hotel with a pub and restaurant on site.

Capitol Skyline Hotel
Website: http://capitolskyline.com/ â€¨
10 I Street Southwest, Washington, DC 20024



Farmers Union has a group rate of $150 (call 800.458.7500 and use code NFUN), however if you use their online booking you can get a room for $110. The location is about 5 blocks from Capitol Hill. They have a free shuttle to metro stops and key attractions. There is a restaurant in the hotel and lots of food in walking distance.

Topaz Hotel
Website: http://www.topazhotel.com/ â€¨
1733 N Street, N.W. Washington, DC



If you like smaller “hipster” hotels, this one is a perfect choice. It is located in Dupont Circle near lots of restaurants and bars. It is also within walking distance (10 minute walk) to the White House. It’s a little pricier at about $150 a night but is a great hotel and a great location.

Renaissance Hotel Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasrw-renaissance-washington-dc-dupont-circle-hotel/ â€¨
1143 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington DC

There is a great Illy coffee shop inside the hotel! They have a restaurant on site as well. The hotel is located in DuPont Circle and within walking distance. Prices range from $130-170 depending on if you get a breakfast package. 

The River Inn (SOLD OUT, several folks are staying here, including Chelsea)
Website: www.theriverinn.com/ â€¨
924 Twenty-Fifth Street NW, Washington DC

Clothes/Packing
DC weather is unpredictable.  It will probably be between 45-30 degrees and might rain.

Wear sneakers and layers for the rally day. If you have a “Stand with Randy” tshirt or “Stop Tarsands” we encourage you to wear it or wear a red t-shirt and plaid shirt to represent our state! Bring your “pipeline fighter” armband if you have one!

Adam Hintz suggested folks wear plaid shirts and cowboy boots, so if your boots are comfy, please wear them!

If you are coming in a few days early and attending meetings “on the hill,” lobbying attire is entirely up to you – respectful and presentable, but comfortable. Suits are the general Capitol Hill attire, but you are not a corporate lobbyist and there’s no need to try to look like you are, so jeans and a jacket are totally acceptable.

One thing we strongly suggest is that you wear only comfortable shoes. We do a lot of walking. It is okay to wear sneakers or boots with a skirt.

Another thing we suggest—if you are lobbying—is to keep in mind that you’ll be walking in and out of a lot of metal detectors. It is much easier to carry your money and any other supplies you usually carry in your pockets in a purse, briefcase or other bag so you do not have to empty out your pockets in each building. 

Please see the notes above on luggage for Sunday.

Sightseeing and Eating
There is not a ton of time to do sight seeing while you are in town.  However, whether this is your first trip to DC or you know the city well, we encourage you to get out and see some of the city.

Most of the Smithsonian museums are open until 5:30 or 7pm, but you can visit the monuments in the evenings by walking, cab or tour bus (usually costs $20 and up). Your hotel is also a good source of information and usually have free walking maps.

Spy Museum: http://www.spymuseum.org/ â€¨
Fun museum where you take on a spy persona. This museum does cost to get into.

Smithsonian Portrait Gallery: www.npg.si.edu/ â€¨
An overlooked yet one of the best museums in the Smithsonian family. All Smithsonian museums are free to get into.

American Indian Museum: www.nmai.si.edu   â€¨
Beautiful outside and exhibits. Folks rant and rave about their cafeteria too.

Newseum: http://www.newseum.org/ â€¨
Learn about the bill of rights, see a moving exhibit on 9/11 and Pulitzer-prize winning political photography. You do have to pay to get into this museum but its 100% worth it.

DC local restaurants: http://www.urbanspoon.com/c/7/Washington-DC-restaurants.html

Some good restaurants to try…

Ben’s Chili Bowl (Obama eats here!)

Moby Dick (amazing kabob)

Sakana (best sushi in DC)

Bus Boys and Poets (bookstore and restaurant)

Kramers (bookstore and restaurant, open very late)
Sweet Greens (fast food salads using all local ingredients)

Pipeline Fighters Headed to DC
Please email Chelsea—cjohnson@boldnebraska.org—if you do not see the name of a person you know is going to be in D.C.

Abbi Kleinschmidt

Alayna Cohen (Bus)

Alex Langley (Bus)

Alex Totman

Alexandra  Keriakedes (Bus)

Allen Schreiber (Bus)

Amanda Renshaw McKinney

Amy Schaffer

Andrew Cubrich (Bus)

Andrew Loseke

Art Tanderup

Helen Tanderup

Asmaa Elkeurti (Bus)

Becca Brune (Bus)

Ben Gotschall

Bonny Kilmurry (Bus)

Britton Bailey

Barbara Bailey

Brock Steinbrink

Bruce Boettcher

Cameron Popp (Bus)

Carol Smith (Bus)

Catherine Renshaw

Cathie Genung

Cathy Dobias (Bus)

Charles Ostdiek (Bus)

Charles Peek (Bus)

Chelsea Johnson

Christy Hargesheimer

Craig Stoll (Bus)

Daniel Martin (Bus)

Deirde Evans

Donna Roller

Douglas Liewer

D’Shawn Cunningham (Bus)

Erin Hammon

Fronia Miller (Bus)

Grace Mantich (Bus)

Graham Christesen

Graham Jordison

Gustave Von Roenn (Bus)

Gwendolyn Holley

Hannah Smith (Bus)

Heidi Chapman (Bus)

Helen Winston

Jacki Withers (Bus)

James Liewer

James Tarnick

Jane Kleeb

Jane Wilson

Janine Larrick (Bus)

Jason Miller (Bus)

Jenivieve McPeck (Bus)

Jenn Simons (Bus)

Jenni Harrington

Jim Pipher

John Garrett

John Pappon (Bus)

John Pollack

Josh Brown (Bus)

Josh Budden

Joshua Koleszar (Bus)

Juanita Rice

Justine Marshall (Bus)

Karen Klein

Katherine Wojcik (Bus)

Kathleen McClendon (Bus)

Kathryn Heil (Bus)

Kathy Burrow

Ken Winston

Kietryn Zychal (Bus)

Kitty Fynbu (Bus)

Laura Von Roenn (Bus)

Lauren Davis

Lavonne Beck (Bus)

Liberty Mather

Lois Schreur (Bus)

Lori Fischer (Bus)

Malinda Frevert

Margaret Mainelli

Margo Hamilton

Margret’s friend

Marin Krause (Bus)

Mary Pipher

Matan Gill (Bus)

Matthew Cronin (Bus)

Meghan Hammond

Melissa Bees

Mike Newton

Monica Claesson (Bus)

Nancy Packard

Nancy Peek (Bus)

Naoma Lane (Bus)

Neil Tabor (Bus)

Pat LaMere

Patricia Fuller

Phyllis Cole-Dai

Pippa White Lawson

Randy Thompson

Reed Brodersen (Bus)

Rick Hammond

Sarah Bailey

Shawn Gronseth (Bus)

Shelly Clark Geiser

Sherry Loseke

Steve L’Heureux

Steven Larrick (Bus)

Sue Mitchell

Suz Luebbe

Taylor Long (Bus)

Thom Hale (Bus)

Thomas Heatherly (Bus)

Tim Schuett (Bus)

Tom Genung

Tom Schroeder (Bus)

Victoria Castro (Bus)

Vivian Nguyen (Bus)

Willa Tharnish

Zach Carter (Bus)

Zack Hamilton

Bold Team Contacts
Chelsea Johnson, 402-274-7623, cjohnson@boldnebraska.org (logistics)
Jane Kleeb, 402-705-3622, jane@boldnebraska.org (press)
Ben Gotschall, 402-705-8679, ben@boldnebraksa.org (back-up logistics)
Mary Anne Andrei, news@boldnebraska.org (photographer/filming trip)
Reed Brodersen, 402-450-7047, reed.brodersen@gmail.com (bus details)

Jane will be hard to get on the phone during the DC trip because she is juggling various responsibilities. Chelsea is the best person to call (402-274-7623) with questions on logistics.