First, you need a good idea ! The idea came from GP… « 5 minutes of rest for the planet » for the IPCC meeting in Paris on the 1rst of February 2007 and was not considered as a good idea by experts… But we loved it at FoE-France ! It fitted in our strategy plan (mobilise, promote alternatives / solutions, work for sustainable societies) And we decided to coordinate if for a coalition on NGOs

Then you need tools to mobilise

And you create a buzz on the internet ! Our new climate change campaigner sent s on lists and put messages on blogs And the message spread as a virus… It even crossed the borders… Our webpage calling for the action got… more than visits !

A simple message for the media You have 1 or 2 minutes to explain the action Message : people feel concern about climate change and they are ready to change their consumption behaviour (link with our campaign on home insolation) Be ready for attacks Prepare answers for all difficult questions Results were amazing Doozens of interviews on radios, lots of articles in papers and even TV interviews !

A success 3 millions homes switched off their lights About 10 millions people Many monuments… Eiffel tower, churches, town halls, even the Elysée And the action was also a success abroad Belgium (EU commission), Canada, Spain, …

Learning lessons A great success to raise our profile This action was not really part of a public campaign. It was an opportunity. But it allowed us to raise our profile and to get more attention from the public, media and decision makers in the following months for our campaigns. Having allies helps to have better results… … but you have to share the success Money is not a problem It did not cost anything but time