Dad's Against Dirty Air ( DADA) is a pilot program to form a non-profit, grassroots organization that is committed to stopping unnecessary pollution on a neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood outreach basis.

We aim to support a network of parents, with an aim to reach out and educate the public administrators, local institutions and private citizens on the hazardous health effects of pollution and the FREE and SIMPLE steps we can all take to be part of the solution NOW.

We believe the following:

• In numbers, we build momentum and affect change.
• We need to reach advocates who want to make a difference and make it easy for them to start their own program in their towns, schools and institutions.
• We believe that we, the older generation, have formed a destructive habit of idling our cars and wasting energy and resources. Through education and gentle reminder and peer coaching we can promote change.
• Our Government should be leading the example by cutting waste and unnecessary pollution which citizens will see as positive. Ie. If you are on a city bus and the bus turns its engine off at a lengthy stop, all passengers will observe and appreciate this and learn from it.
• We will pilot a program with personal funds to prove the program works, and then expand the program regionally through support and funding outside sources.
• Most citizens don't know they are doing wrong and need to be educated as idling is a habit. Its not a blame game but inform and act!
• What we are really trying to do is changing habits! Its tough! Changing a habit takes 21 days. Our goal is to get people to commit to a positive change for 21 days.
  

• Passive programs are ineffective as they mainly preach to the converted. Only active outreach is effective in getting the word out and targeting those who need to change. Taking small steps is easy and effective.
• Our children are one of the best ways to reach the parents with 'the message of change' and what each parent can do. Parents want to be the best role model for their kids. Therefore, if we train the kids to train the parents, we all win!
• Our viewpoint is that our children and the young generation are the agents of change and need to be empowered. We aim to create leaders and show the youth that they do have a voice. It is their future.
• The school is the partner and place to come together to learn about the effects of pollution and where 'idle free' can start. More schools are implementing green initiatives and our program can help them do it effectively.

• We believe in positive enforcement and recognition. We will select and publicly award organizations and institutions that have initiated successful programs. We will brand the programs and post 'how to' articles on our website so others can model those programs. This will foster a competitive spirit to create 'agents of change' while recognizing creativity and leveraging best practices and experiences from others - not to 'reinvent the wheel'.

• We believe this program has a lot of potential if we get the right partners and support to launch it effectively. We aim to pilot the project in Burlington, Ontario and then duplicate it abroad based on momentum and support of the pilot as well as results.

• We will utilize the web to make the information readily available to everyone and make it easier to duplicate abroad. Schools will be able to utilize free videos and download workbooks, course outlines, presentations and template letters to parents and school bus drivers as well as posters and other print materials.

• We will partner with other public and private institutions to create new and innovative programs and initiatives thereby leveraging our reach and touch points to our target audience.