I think corporate sponsorship is great. In fact, I'd even go so far as to say we need more of it. You heard that Branson and Gore announced a $25 Million dollar prize to fight climate change, right? The idea was simple: Solve the climate change dilemna, and win $25 Million dollars. It had Virgin Atlantic Marketing all over it, but who cares? The sponsorship got the idea out there and the brand put their 'money where their mouth is'. I'd love to see a corporate sponsor at our own upcoming AGM/Leadership Convention. Why not? Imagine Smart Car sponsoring a Green Party Leaders debate? What if a wind-farming tech company got behind our entire event - would that really be such a bad thing? I don't think so, and I don't think it's wrong for companies to want to associate with our platform or message. Smart car wants to sell more cars. We want more people to drive them. We're connected to the same idea. I wonder why people might resist that notion? Currently we have a party policy banning corporate donations, and I think it's a mistake. I see why it was originally created, but with so many fantastic new green companies looking for exposure and in-line with our own platform, it's a shame we can't work with them to press ahead. (I can just see the angry emails coming now..)Don't over-think this idea, or over-react. Consider it for just a moment: What if? Our party would be in a stronger financial position, and we could do some great things with those finances in preparation for the next election. Imagine the candidates we could support during the campaign? Don't picture some fat-cat in a suit lobbying their evil business interests, consider the idea of a company of like-minded principles allying themselves with us. Sponsorships offer some enormous potential to further and forward our platform and agenda. We should seriously consider it. If we're going to grow and win in the next election, we're going to need some help. - end -
5 comments:
You know what, this isn't a bad idea, assuming that exec council was able to distinguish the 'good companies' from the 'bad' ones. Our party is not as wealthy as other parties, we could use the help.
The members are gonna hate this idea, but you make a good case with your smart car analogy. that would be cool.
Ruby
Bennet,
I think you're on to something here. If we're going to step out of the sandbox and hang with the big kids we're going to need the finances to play ball.
The party will always have the ability to say no to a sponsor that doesn't mesh with the party's ideology and goals. I think it's silly to have policies against allowing participation in mutually beneficial relationships.
I think it's about time this party got the kind of leadership it needs to propel us to where we need to be. Let's get in the game GREENS!
Bennett, you rock. We need to hear more of this at the provincial party level. Make it happen, party funds are low and this kind of thinking could help us.
Wall-Eye
what do the other leaders think about this kind of idea? I'm interested to hear from them?
K&L in Burnaby
I came across your blog looking for something else and just read your post...
I'll give you the other side of the story with corporate sponsorships (since we're pretty well-versed in it here in America)
Corporations always always want a return on their investment -- and oftentimes it comes in the form of policy changes to suit their needs.
So, they sponsor your events with their logo you get press, you think everything is finished right? Nope...let's say your guy or gal is elected, time for legislation to be passed and it's 'unfavorable' toward your company. They'll be knocking at your door reminding you about their investment.
Let's give the corporation the benefit of the doubt, that they're ethical, green, and generally on the up and up. But they manufacture in Mexico and laws are changed about import taxes -- those taxes will go to toward building 'green' government buildings and they want the taxes eradicated otherwise they lose half their profit?
See where the dilemma lies? Your party might support the tax increase because of the amazing things it's doing on behalf of your mission but your corporate sponsor is going to lose money in the long run...and they'll remind you many times about their donation.
I'm married to a Canadian, and we live in America and we've had friends who are Greens who ran for office in Alberta. I understand Canadian politics pretty well and teach political science at a University and I just want to give you the other side of the story. Don't get me wrong, those corporate $$$ can get you exposure you never envisioned you'd have. There's a reason that money is so appealing -- just be wary and aware, there's ALWAYS a price tag far greater than you might think associated with it.
Best of luck to you all!!
Post a Comment