The great thing about wanting to be a conservation advocate is that anyone can do it. You don't need a Ph.D. in activism – just a desire for change and the willingness to work for it.
The first step is to realize that it can be overwhelming for any one person to be an advocate on all environmental issues. Start off by identifying one or two specific or local issues that are important to you and then start doing your homework.
Research
Start by finding out as much as possible about your issue. Become an authority. There's no better ammunition for your cause than relevant facts. Websites like this one are just one of many sources of information. Be sure to check out:
- Newspapers: Research any past stories and keep up with all recent news relevant to your issue.
- City hall/planning boards: If it's a local issue, research any public records.
- Local, state or federal agencies: Learn about the laws or regulations governing your issue and how they can be made or changed.
- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): In the United States, both federal and state agencies can be compelled to reveal information they aren't making public.
- Experts: Talking to scientists, professors, engineers, attorneys or even reporters can help you better understand technical issues and give you authoritative support for your opinions.
- Email Updates: Many organizations offer weekly or monthly updates on specific conservation issues. Check out our list of conservation organizations offering electronic alerts, updates and newsletters.
Keep at it
Research isn't something you do once in the beginning. Remaining an authority on your issue requires you to stay up-to-date. You also want to keep your cause in the forefront of people's minds with well-timed messages.
Communicate with the Right People
This means, of course, people with political influence and power, which almost always means your elected or appointed officials. Find out who they are if you don't know already.
If yours is a local issue, you have a good opportunity to network – go to town meetings or local hearings open to the public. Maybe you know someone through the PTA or another community group. Get to know your legislators and let them get to know you.
If you need the attention of those in Washington, you may have to content yourself with calls and letters, which are fine, because your legislators are there to listen to your concerns. They represent you! Here are some places to find out more about your federal legislators:
League of Conservation Voters
You can get contact information here and find out and monitor the voting record of your elected leaders to see whether they are "green" or not.
League of Conservation Voters
1920 L Street NW, Ste. 800
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 785-8683
Audubon’s Capital Connect
A source of congressional phone numbers and addresses.
No time to write? Just call the switchboard and ask for your Congressman or woman, although we can't guarantee he or she will be available. If you are not sure of the name of your federal representative or senators, the switchboard operators can tell you.
Capitol Switchboard
Phone: (202) 224-3121
If you know the name of the Senator or Representative you want to write, the following addresses will get your letter there:
Senators:
The Honorable (first and last name)
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Representatives:
The Honorable (first and last name)
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
And don't forget the White House:
The Honorable (name of President or Administration Official)
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
How to Write an Effective Advocacy Letter
The golden rule of writing a good advocacy letter is to be clear, brief, and polite. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Limit each letter to one issue and state your purpose in the first paragraph.
- One or two pages max. You want to support your argument with well-chosen facts. But if you have mountains of other facts and figures, simply mention that you have ample additional evidence you would be happy to pass along or share in person.
- Give any necessary background information. Don't assume the person you’re writing to knows everything.
- If you are writing to oppose a proposed action or bill, try to offer viable alternative solutions.
- If you're writing to a legislator about a particular bill or ordinance, identify the bill and state clearly how you'd like him or her to vote.
- If you're writing a legislator, be familiar with his or her previous voting record on similar issues.
- Be polite and positive. Don't threaten, huff or puff.
- Don't forget to include your name, mailing address and e-mail address in the letter.
Also remember that decision makers are used to hearing from people when they have a problem. Be sure to follow up with a thank-you letter to the person responsible if your advocacy succeeds. This is good advice whenever a business or legislator does something eco-friendly in general – a letter of praise or support will reinforce those good decisions.
Whichever issue you choose to advocate, you're probably not the first person to do so – which is a good thing. You may be able to get specific issue tips, and sometimes even ready-made letters or key points, from a national organization.
You may want to check out the Official Earth Day Site, which features links to numerous major national and international environmental and wildlife groups.