Advocacy in the Age of COVID

Advocate Letters to EPA in 2009 - cr Tom Pelton-CBF Staff - 1171x593

While a handwritten letter is an incredibly strong advocacy tool, the pandemic has reduced the timeliness and effectiveness of this tool because of changes in how offices are operating.

Tom Pelton/CBF Staff

While the pandemic has changed every part of our lives, there are still ways to safely advocate for the Bay

In this new world of social distancing, we have had to change some of the ways that we advocate for the Bay and its rivers and streams. Here are just a few tried-and-true ways you can still speak up for our local waters in these unusual times: 

Join Our Action Network 

As simple as it might be, joining our Action Network is a great way to begin advocating for the Bay digitally. You’ll receive all the latest news and updates about our advocacy efforts and decide which clean water issues are most important to you and how you can get involved. 

Spread the Word 

It’s human nature to trust the words of your friends and family more than anyone else. So whether you’re sharing an informative blog post on social media or a petition with your friends and family via email, one of the easiest, most effective ways to advocate is to spread the word to the people you know the best. 

Take Action 

Our Action Center is regularly updated with advocacy actions on the local, state, and federal levels. From sending a message to your representative to calling your county council member to signing a petition standing up for clean water, check out all the ways you can take action for the Bay!

Write a Letter to the Editor  

Writing a letter to the editor helps to frame the debate around an issue, stimulate discussion, and inform the public. Equally important, your elected officials read the paper, too. Whether you're jeering or cheering, you're leveraging the media to get attention.

Contact Your Elected Officials 

One of the most powerful things that you can do as an advocate for clean water is to communicate directly with your local, state, and federal leaders. Start by finding who represents you at the local, state and federal levels. Once you know who your elected officials are and how to contact them, you can reach out in a few ways:

  • Reach out to them on social media. Many decisionmakers have a social media presence, and their accounts are checked regularly by staff. A tweet or Facebook post tagging them to ask them their stance on an issue or urge them to vote a particular way is a quick and effective way to reach out.
  • Email them. While a handwritten letter is an incredibly strong advocacy tool, the pandemic has reduced the timeliness and effectiveness of this tool because of changes in how offices are operating. Writing an email is almost as effective and is pandemic-proof.  Not sure where to start? We have a few tips to help you write a compelling email.  
  • Call them. Calling your elected officials is even more effective than writing an email: You can organize your thoughts much like you would in a letter but by speaking to your legislator’s staff, you can add additional weight to the issues you care about. Making the call can be intimidating, but we have a few tools to help you prepare.  
  • Schedule a meeting. Elected officials meet regularly with their constituents. Meetings are perhaps the most effective way to advocate. While social distancing guidelines have restricted our ability to meet face-to-face, many legislators and their staff have started meeting with their constituents over Zoom or other web conferencing tools. Learn more about how to schedule and prepare for a meeting with your legislator here.

Vote for the Bay 

Participating in our democracy is critical to saving the Bay. Across the watershed, communities are working hard to reduce pollution from runoff, sewage, and agriculture. But while gains have been made, the recovery is fragile. The Bay and its rivers and streams still have a long way to go to be healthy—and they need you to speak up for them with your vote

With Election Day right around the corner, make sure to have a plan on how to safely cast your vote. The pandemic has changed the way many states will be voting. Head to vote411.org to find resources for all the logistics surrounding voting—including voter registration, election rules, and finding your polling place. The link will open in a new window.

There are only four years left before the 2025 Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint deadline and it’s more important than ever for Bay advocates to speak up. While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we operate, we can still advocate for clean water from the safety of our homes.

Kirsten-Hower-Headshot_90x110

Kirsten Hower

Digital Advocacy and Outreach Manager, CBF


Issues in this Post

Advocacy  




Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in the media or articles on this site are those of the speakers or authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions held by CBF and the inclusion of such information does not imply endorsement by CBF. CBF is not responsible for the contents of any linked Website, or any link contained in a linked Website, or any changes or updates to such Websites. The inclusion of any link is provided only for information purposes.


The Bay Needs You

The State of the Bay Report makes it clear that the Bay needs our support now more than ever. Your donation helps the Chesapeake Bay Foundation maintain our momentum toward a restored Bay, rivers, and streams for today and generations to come.

Donate Today

Save the Bay

Founded in 1967, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest independent conservation organization dedicated solely to saving the Bay.

Save the Bay
x
This website uses cookies to tailor and enhance your online experience. By continuing, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. For more information, including details on how to disable cookies, please visit our Privacy Policy. Close