Advocacy

Take Action and Advocate Effectively

Simple directions to help launch you as an advocate.

Part of the power of the Audubon Chapter Network is its ability to mobilize around ever-evolving conservation challenges through advocacy, legislation, and education. 

These simple directions from Audubon’s Policy Office will help launch you as an advocate to make a difference for birds and the environment. Conservation policy efforts will not succeed without your help! Lawmakers care about your views and opinions. As a constituent, you have a unique ability to convey your concerns about issues affecting birds, wildlife and their habitats. Helping is easy, won't take much time, and most importantly, will go a very long way in protecting our birds and wildlife!

Sign up for Action Alerts from Audubon Washginton.

Join your local Audubon chapter and get involved with its conservation committee.

If you have 15 minutes, call your state legislators.

If you have an hour, schedule in-district meetings with your legislators, who often hold office hours at local coffee shops or community centers.

If you have a half-day, travel to Olympia to meet with your legislators, testify at a hearing, or submit public comments on a bill.

If you want to make a strong public statement, join other officials in signing letters and/or op-eds.

Know how to: 

Learn 

The Art of Talking With Your Legislator

Emphasize what is known. Stop leading with unknowns, caveats, and disclaimers. What you start with is what people remember. Give those details later if need be.

Invert the standard order for reporting. Start with the main points, then give the background. Say why it matters up front.

Less is more. Stick to simple, clear messages about what's important and repeat them often.

Stop speaking in code. Choose plain language over technical terms, insider jargon, and acronyms. (Use Fahrenheit if that's what's most familiar to your audience. Human-caused, not anthropogenic.)

Effective Advocates

Apply endless pressure endlessly

Build relationships with those able to make decisions about conservation - find out what makes them tick

Create interest and goal alignment

Know who has the power to influence decisions they care about

Speak from the heart to connect values and perspectives

Work to build bridges

Tools

How you can help, right now