Dear Friends, 

In follow up to our national Zoom call last night, I want to clarify where we stand and our responsibilities as a Coalition to achieve our goal for the National Infrastructure Bank (NIB).

This is an historic moment for the (NIB): “An idea whose time has come.” It’s a moment similar to previous periods of America history when the NIB was used. Fortunately, in those times, great American Presidents recognized the existential need, and took dramatic measures. Without this historic leadership, this Nation might not have survived, and the NIB played a critical role. This is where “we” come in now.

This is one of the most difficult and critical periods of our Nation’s history. Therefore, we need all hands on deck. No time to be a spectator, hoping that someone else will do the job.

Our strategy, which has been extremely effective, is to mobilize the grassroots in order to force Congress to do the right thing. This strategy is working. But, time is of the essence. We must expand. That means using all of our available resources to get support. It’s our job to make people pay attention to what is happening to our country. We have the only positive solution. No one else is proposing anything!! We must do our job and lead. That means approaching everyone we can, from the news media, to elected officials, to the general population. 

Addressing a few things that were raised on last night’s call:  

• “Preaching to the choir.” Reach out to those beyond your political realm. We need more cosponsors on the bill, including Republicans. 

• “Getting to” the mainstream news media. Just because we have the best idea in the country to solve the infrastructure shortfall, don’t expect the mainstream media to do the right thing. They know that we exist. We’re just not news yet. We must make ourselves news. The media likes controversy. Let’s get a fight in Washington on policy. That’s why we need more cosponsors. 
• Impacting the smaller news outlets. This can be very effective (as Donald Sutherland, aka “Mr. X” said in the movie “JFK,” “Stir the shit storm”).
• OpEds. There are plenty of articles being published on the needs for infrastructure funding. Write an Op-Ed or Letter to the Editor. Identify how the NIB can solve this problem. 
• Podcasts. Arrange an interview with our experts. Email me.
• Social media. Spread the word. Talk up our solution. Let the population know about the bill and the progress we have made. NIB Facebook; X 

• Advertising. This is not just relegated to the news media. Circulate the NIB flyer. Go to Meetings, Conferences, Conventions. Meet people. This is the best form of advertising of the NIB.

• Donating. All this costs money. Make a generous contribution.

We have positioned ourselves well. But, this is a “high-stakes” game. We can win or lose everything. Fight for the sake of the Nation.

Call or email me to brainstorm. avullo@nibcoalition.com 571-432-7789

Angela Vullo

Communications Director

Coalition for the National Infrastructure Bank