People working together can force change – it’s the only way change has ever happened.  Be a part of something bigger than any one individual.  
 

The information below and the easy links can all be found on the SPC website: www.SussexPreservationCoalition.org.

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Be a Recruiter:
   Tell your friends about SPC and ask them to join the effort.  Use Social Media to recruit others and inform them about the issues or causes that matter to you. Encourage your network of friends, family, and affiliates to go to www.SussexPreservationCoalition.org to learn how they can make a difference. Share posts from the SPC website and social media addressing the issues.
   
Be a Champion: 
   Join the Writing Campaign. Write a letter stating your opposition or support and send it to: 
1.    Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission, http://pandz@sussexcountyde.gov, and send a copy to Jamie         

           Whitehouse, P&Z Director, asking that your letter be made part of the official record:             

           http://jamie.whitehouse@sussexcountyde.gov  
2.    Sussex County Council
           Michael Vincent, President: mvincent@sussexcountyde.gov
           John Rieley, Vice President: jlrieley@sussexcountyde.gov
           Doug Hudson: doug.hudson@sussexcountyde.gov
           Mark Schaeffer: MSchaeffer@sussexcountyde.gov
           Cynthia Green: CGreen@sussexcountyde.gov
3.    Letter to the Editors:
           Cape Gazette: newsroom@capegazette.com
           Coastal Point: darin.mccann@coastalpoint.com:
           News Journal: editorial@delawareonline.com
           Delmarva Now: Opinions@delmarvanow.com
           Bay to Bay News: newsroom@iniusa.org  

 

Be a Hero:
   Attend the Planning & Zoning Public Hearing. Most hearings are held at the Sussex County Administrative Building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown, DE.  The agenda and an online packet of information can be found at https://sussexcountyde.gov/agendas-minutes/planning-%26-zoning-commission.  Check the agenda to confirm time and place a day or so before. *
   Attend the County Council Public Hearing, held in the Sussex County Administrative Building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown, DE.  The agenda and an online packet of information can be found at https://sussexcountyde.gov/agendas-minutes/county-council. Check the agenda to confirm the time and place a day or so before. *
   *If the County anticipates a large audience, they may change the time and/or venue.

 

Be a Superhero! 
   Stand up and speak at the public hearings.  Read aloud a letter you wrote, or write down what you want to say.  You can use PowerPoint slides or PDF files to illustrate your statements. Or, simply say, “I agree with the statements made before me.”  
 

Numbers matter!
 

              

Suggestions on “How To”

How to use Social Media:  The easiest way is to share posts that others have created. Or create your own. Post to your personal account and group accounts that might sympathize with your position. Text and email family and friends inviting them to join the effort. Be professional. Don’t use foul, aggressive, or demeaning language. Copy the SPC website address www.SussexPreservationCoalition.org into your post as a reference for more information.

 

How to write a letter to the Editor: State your case. What is it that you are opposing or supporting? State your reason(s). Provide facts and data, when available, that support your position. (Go to the SPC website for facts, data, and sources.)  Is there a personal story about the topic that you are willing to share? Personal stories are engaging. Keep your paragraphs short. Most publications have a limit of 500 words. Read examples of letters written by others and follow a format that resonates with you.  Always end your letter by signing off with your name, the town you live in, and your email address or phone number so the editor may contact you if necessary.  Go to the SPC website for examples.

 

How to Speak During a Public Hearing: Arrive early so you have time to acclimate to the setting, use the restroom, get settled. During the Public Hearing portion of a particular application, you are not constrained by a time limit. So, relax, take your time, and speak slowly and clearly.  Read your written comments or work from bullet points or an outline if you prefer. Practice your comments beforehand!   
                 Use facts and data, whenever possible, to substantiate your statements.
                 Visit the SPC website to view and listen to other statements made in the past. 
                 Remember: You are not alone. There are many others who feel the same way you do, and many will be in the room                     with you. In fact, bring a friend, or however many you can fit in your car!
 

Begin with a greeting, e.g. “Good morning, Commissioners/Council and staff.” Then give your name and your address. Now you are ready to continue with your statement. End with a “Thank you.”
 

If the P&Z Chairperson or Council President asks the audience to not repeat statements already made by others before you, make sure you at least stand up and say you agree with the statements already made about a particular topic. Note anything in addition that hasn’t been said and continue. 
   

Use visuals, if possible, to accentuate the points you are trying to make. Photos need to be on a thumb drive using PowerPoint or a PDF file. Not comfortable with using photos or visuals?  Don’t let that stop you from speaking. Do your best to describe the picture you want to mentally illustrate. Nobody knows what a flood or traffic in your neighborhood looks and feels like better than you!  No one knows those hazards in your location better than you, not even the paid attorneys and engineers. 
 

 If you can attend the Public Hearing but are not ready to step up to the podium with a full statement, then step up, and simply say, “I agree with all the statements made before me.”  That puts your opposition or support on record, and you are now among the ranks of the superheroes!