Advocacy can be used to inspire change, laws, and discussions about causes you care about. The planet needs advocates more than ever who are committed to spreading accurate information. Information is power, and one of the pillars of advocacy is education
According to the Alliance For Justice, advocacy is defined as, “any action that speaks in favor of, argues for a cause, supports or defends, or pleads on behalf of others.” Advocacy can be conducted in a variety of ways.
Many people confuse lobbying for advocacy, and while it is a form of advocacy, it is not the only, nor the most effective way to advocate for a cause.
Since the planet has no voice, people act as the voice of the planet. Much of current legislations across the globe that protect wildlife and ecosystems have come from advocacy from involved citizens. From climate change to endangered species, advocacy has the power to inspire research, legislation, committees, organizations, and projects that aim to help the environment.
Under democracies, advocacy is a great way to practice your rights! Whether on a federal, state, or local level, advocacy is an essential part in public discord and decision making. The next helpful environmental law, project, or organization could be inspired through your advocacy.
Being a good advocate comes from doing your homework. Find an environmental niche that you’re passionate about; be it wildlife, the oceans, litter, agriculture, etc. Begin to research the shortcomings and problems of an issue, and why it isn’t being addressed in a more effective way.
Choose one problem that needs attention. Perhaps you disagree with the uses of pesticides or harmful lawn chemicals in your town or community. Become educated on such chemicals, their uses, and their harmful effects. Gather an understanding of how this problem can be detrimental to humans, wildlife and the environment. Form a well-rounded knowledge of the issue, and continue your advocacy with the tips below
Regulations and laws fall under federal, state, and local jurisdictions. Depending on what environmental issues you’re passionate about, start to dive into the current laws and/or regulations in place for each issue. Understand how they came to be and how they currently operate.
This can be time consuming and overwhelming, especially as you travel up the hierarchy of law. It may be more manageable to begin with local rules.
It may be that there are no federal, state, or local laws in place for the issues you’re interested in. If so, that opens space for advocacy that could inspire new legislation!
There are so many ways to voice your advocacy. Social media has become a powerhouse for public communication, spreading awareness, and gathering support for a cause. Consider taking to social media on various platforms. Share information, graphics, photos and links to resources about your environmental topics.
Social media can also be used to grow followers. By creating online communities, you can inspire others to join in on discussions, current affairs, events, and can even gather signatures or support for petitions.
You don’t need to be an expert, but understanding how laws and protections are decided on federal, state and local level will help you create achievable action steps. Become familiar with the differences between public meetings, public hearings, and sessions.
Public hearings, for example, are required by many state and local laws and must be advertised to the public. You may attend in person, send a design, or submit written comments regarding the subject matter.
If there is a cause you are passionate about, you may present it to your local or state representatives in order for them to discuss them in a public hearing or meeting which could inspire legislation to follow. Each state and local jurisdiction is different and has unique hours of operation for public hearings.
You can usually find your next public hearing or meeting by visiting your state or local governance website.
Consider putting together a letter, slideshow, or both, and attaching a signed petition along with your communication. Send or deliver these communications to your state or local officials, whose job it is to represent citizens and their concerns under law. You can also bring these communications to larger organizations or committees who may have more resources to bring to the table.
Consider bringing awareness to a cause by conducting fundraisers, protests, or events. You can get creative with this.
For example, to bring awareness to plastic pollution, many organizers schedule beach cleanups. To advertise, use social media, public displays, or consider reaching out to a local news station who may be interested in covering your developments and events!
For Earth Day, many organizations bring awareness to climate change, deforestation, and more. Using significant dates or holidays can be a great strategy, as the public are more likely to become engaged.
By creating communities with similar goals, you generate more manpower and resources to bring your concerns or cause to light.
