These are tough times for the environment and all of us who depend on it. Climate change is worsening, biodiversity is declining and natural areas are disappearing. Yet many of our governments seem unwilling to act. It is easy to be discouraged and become apathetic. So many people throw up their hands in despair.
We want to help you turn helplessness into action, so we have created some new resources.
While there are many ways to do good, the most important thing you can do for the environment is to speak up. As with any important issue, complacency is our worst enemy. Once you start making yourself heard, you may be surprised at how much can be accomplished. So, rage, rage against the dying of the light (and the planet)!
Knowing how to best advocate for nature and where to start can be daunting. Of course, voting for leaders who will protect the environment is a great start – but real democracy requires more than voting. It requires a vocal and engaged public. We want to help you make your voice heard, and we have been working on developing some resources for just that purpose.
We have updated and expanded our advocacy tipsheets which will help you be the best agent for change that you can be!
Influencing Decision Makers. This tipsheet is an overview about how to reach out to those in power to get your issue on their agenda. It includes who to reach out to and how to build relationships. The following three tipsheets stem from some of the specifics that are covered in this first one.
Letter Writing. This tipsheet is on how to write persuasive and effective letters to leaders.
Media Outreach. This tipsheet is on how to write effective media releases, media advisories and op-eds for publication in media such as newspapers, radio and TV. Any coverage will help get the word out about your issue.
Making a Delegation. This brief tipsheet explains how you get your city or town council to hear your issue.
Together, we hope these tipsheets provide a useful toolkit for any group or individual trying to get their voice heard for the good of nature.
With our current provincial government pushing through legislative changes that are bad for the environment, we need to speak up now more than ever. There is also so much happening at the local level that you may be able to influence.
One action you can take immediately to make your voice heard is to sign our Sprawl Action Alert and share it widely!
“I’m tired of hearing it said that democracy doesn’t work. Of course it doesn’t work.
Lesley joined Ontario Nature in 2022. She holds a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Guelph, a diploma in Ecosystem Management from Fleming College and an M.Sc. in Biology from Queen’s University. She has diverse work experience including roles with government and not-for-profits in stewardship, conservation and granting. She has been active in a turtle conservation and research project in Kingston and area since 2016. She is a member of Kingston area nature groups and enjoys running, cycling, swimming, camping, hiking and gardening.
One Reply to “4 New Tipsheets Help You Flex Your Democratic Muscle for Nature”
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Thank you for a great article and helpful tips