Coal Blooded Action Toolkit - Climate Access

Strategy for NegotiationNow the unit can begin to strategize for the negotiation. It should already be established and known whatthe community needs and demands from the facility. Below are areas that must be answered and preparedfor a strategy to be successful. Consider the following: What are the community’s main priorities? What is at stake for the community? What are the non-negotiable elements of the agreement? What are the terms of the agreement are you willing to give up? What is the worst case scenario for the negotiation? What is the most likely to be agreed upon by all the parties? What are the minimum terms you will agree upon? What are the tradeoffs?Answers to these questions will establish the community stance and form the basis for the negotiation. Tohave the community behind these stances will provide the encouragement and confidence the unit needsfrom its community.Initiating ContactAt this point, the unit and the community have completed research and gained strong community support.The community has prepared itself to discuss the issues and solutions. It is time to initiate contact with theother party to further the case. This can usually be done through a letter addressed to the manager of afacility, the head of a government office or to the person(s) believed to have power to address the problem.Tips for the Letter: The letter should include a brief explanation of the issue that you want to discuss: Thecommunity has observed the facility emitting pollution that the community has muchconcern to believe is linked to health problems such as asthma, cancer, lead exposure,etc., in the X community. Explain why the community sees it beneficial to use an alternative resolution method.Highlight the process as a better resort than possible litigation and bad press. This wouldalso be an opportunity for the facility to be viewed as a good neighbor to the affectedcommunity. Invite the other party to help design the measures used for the alternative disputeresolution. If the community shows its good will it can also open doors for bettercommunication. Set a deadline for responding to the letter. It will be important that the community establishtheir seriousness of their request. If the facility does not respond, follow up and send theletter to someone in a higher position. If and when a facility fails to respond, let the facilityknow that the community will pursue media outlets and other approaches that will bringattention to this issue.NAACP Coal Blooded Action Toolkit57 | P a g e