Advocacy Resources
Letting elected officials know how you feel is the first step to being an advocate.
Use the resources on this page to locate and contact your elected officials and for tips on effective writing to policymakers.
Contacting Your Representatives
Studies show a personalized email or letter is a more effective method of communication than a mass automated email. Point and click activism only goes so far! Take the time to create a thoughtful, professional communication so you and your ideas are taken seriously. Here are detailed tips on creating powerful communications.
- Be simple, concise, and to the point. Keep your communication to one page, if possible.
Be respectful. - State how the issue affects you, your neighbors and community; your public lands; or wildlife and habitat. Tell your personal story and present a unique perspective.
- State your expectations and desired course of action. Ask for a response if appropriate.
- Be informed about the representative’s voting history and position on the issue. Thank elected officials and bureaucrats for good votes and/or decisions.
- For email communications, consider the importance of the subject line. Avoid attachments; however, if necessary to provide more information, refer to the attachments in your message.
Letters to the Editor (LTE)
Want to shake things up and bring more attention to an issue? Consider writing a letter to the editor. It can be a powerful way to create and influence public and political awareness and opinion.
Public Comments to Agency Plans/Proposals
Submitting comments on agency plans is important for many reasons. Public comments help the decision making process and it is your right to express your opinions and provide substantive comments when it comes to what happens with our public lands.
- Be specific about your concerns with the agency’s proposed action and why you believe it is wrong.
- Ask the agency questions that they must then address in their analysis.
- Pay attention to deadlines and submit comments per the instructions provided.
Federal Agency Contacts
Building friendly contacts with your local land managers, whether the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, National Park Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, or state agencies, can be a real boost to any Broad effort. Doing service projects helps meet agency goals and ensures Broads are “heard” and respected when we submit comments or share criticisms of agency actions.