So I was thinking something like this might be very helpful...

[DC2]

It would be wonderful if we had a bullet point list of the "objections" to vaping, each of which would have...
--A brief summary of the counter-argument
--A link (or links) to supporting documentation

If people could have such a list in front of them when they are calling or writing a letter, it would make it so much easier...
--It would keep them from being nervous about not knowing what to say
--It would keep them from being nervous about providing incorrect or incomplete information
--It would hopefully help keep them from providing that incorrect information
--It would help them remember various points they want to make

In short, such a list should make it easier and much less intimidating to contact legislators.
I know after all this time, and all the reading I've done, I could still use a list like this.


Is there already something like this?

 

[mooreted]

There's a bunch of info on the CASAA website.


Sent from my easy chair using brainwaves.

 

[DC2]

There's a bunch of info on the CASAA website.

Yes, and for highly motivated people, it can be studied, consolidated, and eventually used wisely.
But we need FAR more people contacting legislators, including the vast majority of not-so-highly motivated people.

 

[ManuDawg]

That is a great idea. I know there have been times I have wanted to write a letter or make a phone call but have felt that if my statement is questioned I do not have the right arguments to counter with. It's easy to throw out an argument that vaper is not harmful second hand but a little more difficult to point out where that information comes from and what the scientific backing is.

 

[mooreted]

Well, I work six days a week, but here is a place to get started if you want some quick info:

CASAA.org

 

[throatkick]

It sounds like a very good idea.

 

[laurel099]

I do think it's good to give people guidelines but I know for a fact that form letters aren't given as much weight.

Here is how I handle it. I have a document on my computer with "my story". For each letter I write I insert "my story". I also look at CASAA's call to action with speaking points for the particular ban I'm writing to and I include those.

Once I do a few and have saved them it's easy to copy/paste and reword letters as needed. Makes the process much simpler and yet I still am not sending in a form letter.

 

[mooreted]

That sounds good. When I get some time I'll set up some docs.


Sent from my easy chair using brainwaves.

 

[DC2]

I do think it's good to give people guidelines but I know for a fact that form letters aren't given as much weight.

Exactly, and part of the reason I was asking about this is to avoid form letters like what might have happened in Indianapolis.

The thinking was that by providing a bullet point list of issues people would have to craft their own letter.
Or perhaps better yet, give them the confidence to make a phone call.

 

[AlmightyGod]

Exactly, and part of the reason I was asking about this is to avoid form letters like what might have happened in Indianapolis.

The thinking was that by providing a bullet point list of issues people would have to craft their own letter.
Or perhaps better yet, give them the confidence to make a phone call.

After the way they completely dismissed the thousands of emails they received there needs to be some way to make the letter writing more effective. I posted the CTA page probably a hundred times in the last few weeks & Angela Mansfield blew off the respondents like they didn't matter.

 

[Luisa]

Exactly, and part of the reason I was asking about this is to avoid form letters like what might have happened in Indianapolis.

The thinking was that by providing a bullet point list of issues people would have to craft their own letter.
Or perhaps better yet, give them the confidence to make a phone call.

I really like your suggestion. It would be so easy to craft a letter with easy to find rebuttals and correct information to back up the rebuttal. Much simpler to compose a letter or telephone call using that information to fit different situations. Plus,there is already so much dated information that it would be nice to have only the best and most current information. Please design such a paper.

 

[DC2]

I really like your suggestion. It would be so easy to craft a letter with easy to find rebuttals and correct information to back up the rebuttal. Much simpler to compose a letter or telephone call using that information to fit different situations. Plus,there is already so much dated information that it would be nice to have only the best and most current information. Please design such a paper.

I'd like to get one started, but I thought CASAA might already have done this.
If anybody from CASAA is reading this, do you guys already have something like this available?

 

[Brewlady]

The CASAA members meeting is tomorrow night. Here's a link to the event on Facebook: Log in | Facebook

I will have this added to the agenda. CASAA members, check your email for a meeting invite.

I'd like to get one started, but I thought CASAA might already have done this.
If anybody from CASAA is reading this, do you guys already have something like this available?

 

[DC2]

Thanks!!

I would really appreciate hearing what comes of it...

I would attend the meeting, but we are having my father over to watch the Giants vs 49ers game.
Once football season ends, though, I'll probably be at most of the meetings going forward.

At least until football season comes around again.

 

[Vocalek]

Perhaps this document will help:

View attachment Electronic-Cigarette-Research.pdf

 

[kristin]

I hear what you're saying, DC2. I actually had a similar idea recently for live testimonies. We can have something all written up to say, but we never know what someone else might say ahead of us or questions that might be asked. So, I was thinking it would be good to have categorized "talking points" cards or sheets made up. That way, if you brought up the FDA testing and flavors and someone talks about that before you and you don't want to waste your given slot being redundant, you can pull out some of the other talking points and read those, instead. This same concept could be used for putting together an accurate and convincing letter to legislators. We already do put "talking points" on the CASAA CTA pages for each issue, which you can pick and chose from and then just add your personal story. But having something that can be copied or read on each objection is also a goal CASAA would like to have, as well. It's funny that you mentioned this because I was going to start working on something along those lines once I got the new web site done.

Common objections:
May contain toxic chemicals
Has carcinogens
FDA report
Lack of evidence of safety
Lack of evidence as effective smoking replacement
Lack of evidence of effective as smoking cessation
Continues addiction to nicotine
Lack of oversight of industry manufacturing standards
Nicotine content varies from labeling
Leaking cartridges
Lack of laws regarding sales to youth
Technology and flavors appeal to youth
Gateway to smoking for youth
Danger of nicotine poisoning to children
Danger of nicotine overdose to adults
Danger of "second-hand vapor"
Appearance of smoking is setting bad example
Appearance of smoking will cause problems enforcing smoking bans

That's what I can think of right now.

 

[DC2]

It's funny that you mentioned this because I was going to start working on something along those lines once I got the new web site done.

Awesome!!

If there is anything I can do to help, let me know.
Although my feeling is that the best thing I can probably do to help is stay out of your way!

Common objections:
May contain toxic chemicals
Has carcinogens
FDA report
Lack of evidence of safety
Lack of evidence as effective smoking replacement
Lack of evidence of effective as smoking cessation
Continues addiction to nicotine
Lack of oversight of industry manufacturing standards
Nicotine content varies from labeling
Leaking cartridges
Lack of laws regarding sales to youth
Technology and flavors appeal to youth
Gateway to smoking for youth
Danger of nicotine poisoning to children
Danger of nicotine overdose to adults
Danger of "second-hand vapor"
Appearance of smoking is setting bad example
Appearance of smoking will cause problems enforcing smoking bans

That's what I can think of right now.

Nice, that's about 10 more than I would have thought of.

 

[DC2]

As an example of what I would probably do...

May contain toxic chemicals

--FDA report showed same level of TSNAs as NRT products
--Diethylene glycol found in only one of 18 cartridges tested
--None has ever been found in the vapor
--Would need to consume XXXX number of cartridges/day for toxic level
--Known contaminant of propylene glycol and FDA allows 0.1%
--Also present in cigarettes

Links

--FDA report
--Review of FDA report
--Michael Siegel's meta-analysis study

My goal would be to keep it short and sweet, for the sake of portability.
But I can see where somebody less familiar with these issues might need more information.

Thoughts?