STRATEGIC PLANNING

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Permalink Reply by Ron A. Rhoades on August 17, 2008 at 7:33am

Since I have been on this site (a few days after it was launched), I have observed many members who have been frustrated with the site's organization and/or lack of leadership and/or lack of longer-term goals. Indeed, I have had those frustrations myself. Not being one to just complain, but rather take action I believe the answer is for THE MEMBERS THEMSELVES to set a direction for the site. And I am a firm believer that MANY HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE. Hence, the formation of this discussion.

Already Good Changes Have Occurred. Let me state that I'm very impressed with the developments on the site over the past month. Members offered suggestions, which were then implemented. The "Find A Group By State" was an important step, followed by the addition of zip codes to member profiles (which will lead to better communications to members). The "Daily Pickens" now serves as the all-important means of communicating to members with frequency. The Town Hall meetings are working out well to continue to build the organization and gather all-important publicity. In sum, the "national grassroots organizers" seem to be very involved now, and doing more and better work at every turn.

The Communications Support Group. Having identified about ten or more activities that could be undertaken to foster the PickensPlan success, I decided at that time to concentrate on one - forming the "Communications Support" group - the purpose of which is to support the efforts of other members. By the members of this group (and other groups) themselves, since the site's inception a great many supporting activities have been undertaken - videos, letter writing, brochures and flyers, a "guide" to the site, and much more. The members themselves have delivered on truly outstanding work. Yesterday this "Communications Support" group page was re-organized, so that guides, materials, technical papers, projects, etc. could be more easily found. I hope that this group will continue to empower other members to succeed. Additional "co-administrators" for this site are welcomed - or those willing to spearhead or assist with a particular project.

A Primary Focus of the PickensPlan - The First 100 Days of the Next Administration. It remains so important to build "Boone's Army." The period of January through April 2009 represents an important opportunity for our country to move past partisan bickering, and complacency, and start down the road to energy independence. Why is this aspect of PickensPlan so important?

T. Boone Pickens states that we are exporting this country's wealth to other countries, to the tune of $700 billion a year. He is entirely correct. Every credible economist will tell you that large trade deficits are unsustainable. It is essential - and critical - that we reduce our imports - especially of oil. In my over 25 years of studying the economy, the global financial markets, and U.S. trade policy, the PickensPlan is the first large-scale strategy I have seen that can successfully tackle a great portion of our trade deficit problem. Hence, it is essential that the PickensPlan come to fruition. If it does not, I do not foresee another major chance to attack this problem before it is too late. The future of the American Dream is literally in the hands of PickensPlan and its supporters. The time is now to accomplish a comprehensive, good long-term national energy policy. If you do this, you will be able to look back in the years to come and tell your children and grandchildren of the time when - "I really made a difference ... Together with other concerned citizens, I propelled a movement forward which changed the future of America - and individual Americans - for the better." Your time has arrived to positively impact the lives of all Americans ... Seize this moment!

(This post to be continued in next comment.)

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Permalink Reply by Ron A. Rhoades on August 17, 2008 at 7:42am

-continued from prior comment posted

Abraham Lincoln once wrote: "The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew." Nearly 150 years later, in this present time, Lincoln's words ring true again - for as T. Boone Pickens has stated, "This is one emergency we cannot drill ourselves out of."

I just want to emphasize my view that the primary goal must remain as such - that Congress and the new administration be propelled forward toward a comprehensive policy of energy independence and reduced export of our nation's wealth. Without this step being accomplished, the greater or broader efforts desired by members, and perhaps planned out in this discussion, cannot occur and will not succeed.

The Desire for Something "More" - A Future for the PickensPlan, Better "Leadership" On The Site, Better "Organization."

New members to the site often wonder what the PickensPlan might evolve into. I have offered some perspective on that, in my prior posts and blogs. Let me summarize these postings, as follows.

The "Communications Support Group" has provided a list of "100 Action Steps." Undertaken a few weeks ago, there are a number of new ideas that could be added to that list. It is possible to take action, on an individual level, and as part of a local, state, or regional group.

It is only natural that the PickensPlan movement start off focused and with a limited time duration. Once the support for a greater agenda, and greater numbers, materialize, it is also likely that the PickensPlan can evolve into something more - or at least foster such efforts (as is occurring now). I believe that this Discussion - on Strategic Planning - can answer the question - "Where Are We Going?"

Many members have expressed a desire to "invest in the PickensPlan." Numerous posts exist which provide insights into investment opportunities. Some groups are forming to actually raise capital (hopefully in full compliance with federal and state securities laws, as I have blogged about). Capital formation for alternative energy programs will be aided by the PickensPlan.

Other members desire to be part of a nonprofit organization (which may or may not be a "charitable" group). We need to examine the current organizations which exist out there (see a listing of many groups on the Resource Guide of CommSupp Group). Should PickensPlan "partner" with one or more of these organizations in the future? Should PickensPlan be formed as a new non-profit or charitable group? If so, for what purpose(s)? To provide guidance to entrepreneurs and governments looking to develop and deploy alternative energy solutions; (and/or) to act as an "angel investor" for certain start-ups, etc. Note that a political action committee (PAC) may also be considered, perhaps as a separate entity.

Closing Thoughts.

Teddy Roosevelt once said: "It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows achievement and who at the worst if he fails at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."

I am also reminded by a quote from Franklin Covey, "An empowered organization is one in which individuals have the knowledge, skill, desire, and opportunity to personally succeed in a way that leads to collective organizational success." To that end, I am so grateful for the many people who are helping others to join this site, who then assist others in navigating the site and advising them on how each person can personally contribute, and who are taking action now to build the foundations necessary for success tomorrow. I am also appreciative of those members who are concerned about the organization and strategic direction of the PickensPlan, and who will share their comments and suggestions in this forum.

I hope this adds some perspective. I'm just a member of the PickensPlan, and not associated with the "national" people in any way. I see the potential of the PickensPlan. Let us work together to construct its future, and empower our fellow members to effect change. Thank you. Ron

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Permalink Reply by Carol on August 23, 2008 at 10:20pm

What national people?

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Permalink Reply by Ron A. Rhoades on August 17, 2008 at 12:15pm

I am just a volunteer and member of the Pickens Plan, and I am not connected with the PickensPlan organization in any formal way. But I'll share with you my own "vision" about the future, updated as a result of "looking around" the web recently, and attempt to provide my own response to a few frequently asked questions about organization, leadership, and vision for the PickensPlan.

WHAT'S THE PURPOSE OF THE ARMY? While some purposes are now known, others can only be guessed at. Let me share with you what I foresee at this time, as this organization continues to come together.

1. NEEDED - THE DEVELOPMENT OF POSITIONS ON FEDERAL PUBLIC POLICY, AND A CONCERTED EFFORT TO IMPLEMENT THAT PUBLIC POLICY DURING THE FIRST 100 DAYS OF THE NEXT ADMINISTRATION. There are numerous public policy decisions which Congress and the next President must undertake in the near future, in order to reduce America's reliance on foreign oil. These will involve tax credits to spur investment in alternative energy policies, decisions on possible conservation measures, decisions on permitted locations of oil drilling, federal initiatives to support the development of electric transmission infrastructure, etc. The details of these policy initiatives require further formulation. Some of the resources found in the "technical papers" or "other nonprofit groups" section of the "Resource Guide" on "Communitions Support" can assist in the development of these legislative positions. Or maybe it is just enough to support a legislative bill which has already been formulated. Once all of the policies are formulated, a concerted lobbying effort will be required by all members of Boone's Army.

That is not to say that there are not things that can be done now. Indeed, some action will be needed by Congress this fall - but it will probably be of a temporary nature. The Salt Lake Tribune summarized this aspect of tax legislation as follows: "A production tax credit for wind and solar power plants, and investment tax credits for homeowners and businesses that install solar power systems, expire at the end of the year. Congress has debated a long-term extension since last December, but can't agree on how to offset the cost under 'pay-as-you-go' budget rules. Failure to act would take the wind out the rapidly expanding wind-power industry and cast a cloud over a solar-power industry that's just starting to heat up. Renewable energy industries, until they achieve scale, need a sustained government commitment to assure a return on investments in today's volatile energy market. In the past, on-again-off-again tax credits have resulted in boom-and-bust cycles. But the current three-year tax credit program, which offers 1.9 cents for each kilowatt hour of electricity produced for the next decade, has resulted in a clean-and-green power surge."

It is unlikely that Congress will enact the needed long-term energy policy to spur on investment in alternative energy technologies until after the election. A long-term energy will probably be addressed next year. Hence, it is important for The Pickens Plan to foster the development of desired tax policy (and other federal policy initiatives), to be ready to influence our newly elected (or re-elected) Congress later this year and well into next year.

-continued in next Comment

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Permalink Reply by Ron A. Rhoades on August 17, 2008 at 12:22pm

-continuation of prior comment

2. "IS THE PICKENS PLAN LIMITED TO WIND ENERGY AND NATURAL GAS VEHICLES?" Not at all. The Pickens Plan has these as its two major components, but these have always been seen as more easily deployed technologies that serve as a bridge to the future. Solar energy is a huge opportunity out there, especially when newly announced technologies from MIT and other institutions and firms lower the cost of same - likely very soon. Conservation measures, both short-term and long-term, must be part of the overall plan. Geothermal, wave energy, and many other technologies need to be explored as well. Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and increased public transportation are all part of the future as well. There is no single answer to solving our nation's over-reliance on foreign oil. We should support all of these emerging technologies to some degree, and adopt public policies which foster the rapid deployment of those technologies which are ready to deploy.

3. "IS THE PICKENS PLAN SELF-SERVING." One of the things which is truly inspirational is an old oilman stating that "We can't drill our way out of this problem." This is not to say that T. Boone Pickens and his companies, which invest heavily in natural gas and are making new investments in wind farms, will not benefit. But I, for one, believe that this 80-year old man is a true American, has altruistic motives, and that he is putting millions and millions of dollars behind building this army for the good of America, primarily. Even if T. Boones Pickens does profit from accomplishment of the PickensPlan, so what? The bulk of his estate is left to charity. As is often said, "you can't take it with you."

This nation faces several major long-term challenges. The first of these is large, ongoing trade deficits. Most of the United States' trade deficit is due to oil imports (at today's prices). As T. Boone Pickens has stated, we simply cannot export $700 billion of wealth from our country overseas each year, and survive as a country. Every economist's view I have read agrees - no society can prosper with huge, ongoing trade deficits of the size we are seeing now. Other problems include federal budget deficits, the lack of personal savings, and the lack of investment in U.S. infrastructure and jobs. The Pickens Plan may well aid in aiding in the resolution of some of these problems, as well.

4. WHY NOT BETTER "ORGANIZATION" AT THIS TIME? It has only been 35 days or so since the Pickens Plan was launched, and all reports indicate that the outpouring of response, including media requests and Town Halls, has kept the Pickens Plan formal organization plenty busy. Despite a limited number of "grassroots organizers," several changes and improvements to the web site have already been undertaken.

Quite frankly, I believe that the PickensPlan will need a lot "self-organization" - from its members. A grass-roots movement will organize itself, over time. It may not occur fast, nor be "pretty" - but it can be done. Any "organization" which results must be supportive of members, not controlling of them. The strength of sites such as these is the creative energy that flows from social networking.

-continued in next comment.

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Permalink Reply by Ron A. Rhoades on August 17, 2008 at 12:33pm

5. WHAT DOES THE FUTURE OF THE ORGANIZATION HOLD? To be honest, I have no clue. But I do have a few ideas. Before I set these forth, let me emphasize that the "new media" of social networking, etc., must be permitted to blossom and reach its full potential, as applied to The Pickens Plan. It is important that any "organizations" which are formed be supportive of, and supported by, the many ways that people now communicate with each other and unite to achieve a common cause. Having said that, I can envision some "formal" structures in the future, as follows:

(a) Non-Profit Charitable Foundation To Explore Alternative Energy Sources, and Provide Education. Imagine a 501(c)(3) foundation which has as its aim the fostering of the best technologies which exist out there through education. Assisting with the formulation of public policy initiatives would also be undertaken, up to the limits imposed by tax law. (It is a common misconception that charities cannot undertake political activities; actually there are many types of "public policy" issues that can be addressed by charitable organizations, and there are monetary limits on other types of "political" activities a charity can support.) Fostering new enterprises, and/or aiding state and local governments through consulting, could also be undertaken.

This charitable organization (or another organization) could also support numerous committees. Examples of possible activities include:

...(1) Committee For Review of All Energy Technologies. To gather research and information about all existing and emerging technologies, objectively evaluate them, and publish comparative analyses of their likely costs and benefits. In reality, there may be several sub-committees under this committee, each constantly reviewing the developments in a particular field. This will require a lot of assistance - from those who know and understand technology, and from those who can help weigh the potential costs and benefits. By the way, if you want to see a credible effort to distill some of the information on solar energy / wind energy / etc., just check out Wikipedia.com as well as www.PESwiki.com. A more focused (and perhaps more detailed and up-to-date) version of these wiki efforts could be employed, either at those sites or through "wikis" developed on PickensPlan.com.

...(2) Committee for the Development of National Public Policy Initatives. The formulation of policies we would like Congress and the President to pursue.

...(3) Committee for the Development of State Public Policy Initiatives. The formulation of policies we would like to see state governments, and larger regional areas, to pursue. For example, state legislation and rules on "buy-backs" of produced energy by power companies.

...(4) Committee for the Development and Support of Local Policy Initiatives. The formulation of policies we would like to see local governments pursue - perhaps even supporting local governments to evaluate "town-specific" or "area-specific" local installations of wind turbines, solar thermal plants, etc.

...(5) Committee for Support of Non-Profit and Governmental Projects. Some local areas already have experience with wind turbines and/or solar energy or other alternative energy projects. A "master plan" for how to create local projects, secure financing, etc., can be explored. I am intrigued by the possibility of issuing municipal bonds to finance such installations, if the right long-term public policies are adopted at the national and state levels to facilitate greater likelihood of sustainable revenue from wind power, solar energy, and other installations which connect to the power grid.

...(6) Committee for Conservation Initiatives. We need "green homes," "green offices," and many more policies to be adopted to encourage less use of energy (and less consumption of goods which are produced by massive amounts of energy). There should be a committee that focuses on these aspects, and then works with the public policy committees and educational committees.

....(7) Committee for Educational Support. Support educational efforts at graduate, collegiate undergraduate, secondary, and primary schools, and through civic groups and other organizations nationwide. Provide the necessary PowerPoint presentations, educational tools, reading materials, charts, graphs, videos, etc. to foster such educational efforts.

...(8) Committee for Investment by Industry. Government and not-for-profit companies cannot solve this crisis alone. Indeed, with the right long-term public policies adopted, we can foster industry to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the infrastructure needed to transform America's over-reliance on foreign energy to a reliance on our own wind, solar and other resources. The oil industry is not our enemy. Rather, with its billions and billions and billions of profits, it could be this movement's greatest ally in investing in "green" technologies. But it will take a lot of encouragement - not only public policy initiatives, but also shareholder petitions and perhaps a bit of pressure by "Boone's Army."

...(9) International Activities Support Group. What can be done to spread components of the “Pickens Plan” internationally? (If other countries reduce their need for oil consumption, then this benefits everyone.) Is this a group to be launched later (i.e., let’s get things going in the U.S. first)? Would the group seek to encourage other individuals in other countries to form similar grass-roots efforts? Would this group seek to influence discussions at various international bodies, such as United Nations, WTO, The World Bank, etc.?

BUT - do existing nonprofit / charitable organizations, and/or government programs, already sufficiently tackle these needs? If so, should members be encouraged to support those efforts?

-continued in next comment.

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Permalink Reply by Ron A. Rhoades on August 17, 2008 at 12:35pm

-continued from previous comment

(b) Political Action Committee (PAC). To make a difference on Capital Hill will require a huge number of voices - hence, the need for Pickens' Army. It may also require some targeted contributions. The formation of a PAC will likely be needed.

(c) Outreach to Similar Organizations and Efforts. While the Pickens Plan and its influence can be tremendous, large efforts will need to be made in reaching out to the many existing groups of a non-profit nature (and PACs, and for-profit industry organizations) where there exist commonality of interests.

(d) For-Profit Entities To Invest or Partner On Projects? There is also the possibility of Boone's Army seeking to invest in for-profit business entities. A word of caution as to new business entities - compliance with federal and state securities laws is a complex endeavor, if you desire to raise capital in the public markets. And a word of caution to individual investors - always seek legal, tax, and/or financial advice before giving your money to an investment in any company. Having said that, it is possible that the Pickens Plan members will seek to band together to invest in existing and/or new companies which hold the greatest promise for helping to achieve the Pickens Plan's goals.

IN CONCLUSION. These and other organizational ideas are being considered. The PickensPlan will spawn other ideas, as well.

So, how do we desire The PickensPlan to evolve? What other ideas exist out there? What are your thoughts about organization, or vision?

Finally, note that a lot of these efforts are underway now. Just look at the various "Groups" and "Forums" where actual work is going on in many of these areas. Yes, it may look ugly for a bit. But then Edy's ice cream is not all that pleasant, if you just take a whiff of some of the isolated ingredients before they are mixed.

I hope this answers some of the questions you may possess. The future is indeed bright. Let us all help each other. Let us each reach out to another member and help them out. Let us move forward, perhaps in different directions at times, but all with the same common goal. - Ron

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Permalink Reply by Lyn W. on August 29, 2008 at 7:08pm

Hello Ron,
I just finished reading an interesting article in Mother Earth News about a Green town that works together because most of the stores in town are cooperatives. The Mayor of the city said, "When there's a need in the community, you can bet that a team will self-assemble to take care of it." How very thought provoking.

My point is that there is already a type of cooperative here with the plan. Couldn't that be expanded? If government will not get involved there must be big money sectors that are willing to invest in infrastructure and More than a Million, when we are done, who are willing to invest time and money to get it up an running...

I keep seeing this in a similar light to the rebuilding of the infrastructure of the country after the Depression. Everybody pitched in, went to work and made it happen. They brought the country around to be profitable again.
Lyn

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Permalink Reply by Ron A. Rhoades on August 30, 2008 at 5:03pm

Lyn,

Thank you for your reference to the site, Mother Earth News. I've added it as a resource under the non-profit groups.

I read the article about Greenbelt, Md. Sounds like an intriguing place. I'll even put it on my agenda next year, to visit.

But the article talks about cooperative efforts, not the establishment of formal "co-ops." Legally, co-ops are formed to assist in the transmission of electricity to rural areas, to assist farmers with distribution of crops, to provide cable tv installations, and for other purposes. While they are non-profit in nature, all members (and past members) of the cooperative can receive "capital credits" back, as the co-op essentially makes a profit over time.

I do believe a "co-op" makes sense for some ventures in the wind and solar energy area. In fact, I believe there is one that exists in the Northwest - several towns or regions that got together and installed a wind farm of some kind.

Further exploring the concept of a "co-op" could be worthwhile. Hopefully others with knowledge about same will chime in.

Ron

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Permalink Reply by FredDC on August 18, 2008 at 1:14pm

Dear Ron, group members. There's no doubt in my mind that Pickens Plan has to have specific goals and steps to attain such goals to become a reality. We need to target specific industries and regulations on these industries to allow for changes to take place. Some of these include (but not limited to) the electricity supply industry, the heating oil industry, the heavy duty transportation industry, the automobile industry, and so on. The broad spectrum goal would be to switch these industries to using wind and solar electricity production and natural gas for heating homes and fuel.
Obviously we don't want to eliminate jobs in these industries so we'll need their assistance in developing plans for the changes to take place.
The most helpful organizations to promote Pickens Plan would be trade associations that these industries are members of. They are mostly non-profit agencies created for the development of their work force and PR. If Pickens Plan is a non-profit, membership in these organizations is a nominal fee, sometimes none, provided we are there to promote higher education to their membership. A list of target associations should be generated in priority order to educate and help them diminish their use of foreign oil.

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Permalink Reply by Carol on August 19, 2008 at 1:10am

Hi Ron,
Just wanted you to know that I would like to assist in the Strategic planning and I will also try and help with some of the other areas such as 100 first steps. If there is anything else I can do or an area that you think I can contribute to...let me know. I'm on board!
Carol
PS...I've taken an oath of no complaining for at least 2 weeks! :-)

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Permalink Reply by Ron A. Rhoades on August 19, 2008 at 4:53am

Carol,
Thank you.

1. I'll send you the 100 Action Steps in Word format, for your editing prowess and additional ideas.

2. What is your "vision" for the PickensPlan?

3. I've been thinking recently that the PickensPlan should concentrate, in the future, on:
... (A) influencing Congress and the new Administration to adopt a comprehensive, long-term energy policy.
... (B) influencing state legislatures and elected officials (each state group to be provided guidance on desired legislation, rulemaking, etc.);
... (C) influencing county/city/town governments and school districts (influencing purchase of CNG or other fuel-efficient vehicles, guidance to governments to "go green" as to energy utilization - all new buildings designed for same, erect wind towers or solar panels, etc.;
... (D) influencing large corporations to invest in alternative energy - from car manufacturers (CNG vehicles, etc.), to domestic energy companies (invest profits in wind energy, solar energy plants), to other corporations;
... (E) encouraging broadcasters and the press to do more and more stories on energy alternatives, emerging and newly deployed technologies, and conservation measures;
... (F) getting community leaders (politicians, business leaders, and more) to host "Town Hall" meetings on the PickensPlan and alternative / renewable energy (and providing these meetings with a PowerPoint presentation, and / or a speaker).

I'm uncertain if an associated PAC should be formed. But the nonprofit organization will have to register as a charity.

4. I would like to see T. Boone Pickens commit to funding the PickensPlan web site through 2009. Perhaps a nonprofit organization should be formed to foster the continuation of the PickensPlan beyond 2009, with memberships available to individuals and businesses (and with contributions voluntary in nature, no membership fees are required of anyone). If so, the nonprofit organization should possess a small office for its executive staff in Washington, DC, since most other organizations, federal departments, and of course Congress are there. (Grassroots coordinators can be located elsewhere; administrative staff relating to membership, accounting, etc. can be either outsourced or located elsewhere.)

5. As to other activities - there are many existing nonprofits out there now. The PickensPlan can point individuals to those nonprofits, by continuing to have a "guide" to them. And the PickensPlan can "partner" with them on specific projects / presentations.

6. Mr. T. Boone Pickens should consider a longer-term personal commitment, not necessarily of funds, but to speaking engagements and lobbying. He is a good speaker, is a huge draw (and will likely be such for much time to come), and presents the vision of a better America very well.
... a. He should be aided by an Executive Director who puts together written proposals and also speaks, so as to provide the details behind the plan. The Executive Director needs to travel to, and speak with, all of the state groups, once each year.
... b. T. Boone Pickens should be highlighted as a guest speaker at national and regional "alternative energy" forums, several times each year, and he should undertake media appearances as well.
... c. A separate "Director of Public Policy" will be needed, to focus on Washington, DC lobbying efforts - and someone with Capitol Hill experience would be desired.

Just my most recent thoughts. I'm still trying to get another handle on all of the nonprofit organizations that already exist, to ensure that the PickensPlan (the future part of it) is not redundant.

Again, the purpose of this discussion is to offer to T. Boone Pickens the members' view of a potential future of The Pickens Plan.

Thanks again.

Ron

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