Activist Toolkit

Advocacy for your favorite old-growth forest, recreation spot, or bird species is linked to a functioning government – of which YOU are a vital part. In order to be effective in protecting wild nature, you need to know where to plug in and who to contact.

Do you know who represents you in Oregon? Enter your address into the Legislator Lookup tool and find out.

Review the Oregon Legislature’s guide to citizen engagement. And this overview of how a bill becomes a law.

As much as we wish we had the last word in protecting wild places and setting policies that impact wildlife and forest management, this is usually the job of elected leaders – from the Governor of Oregon, to your State Representative, to Congressional Representatives and Senators. Our democracy works best when we participate, and we want YOU to feel confident in advocating for what you care about in your government, and to apply your passion where it is most effective.

Many print publications leave room for public opinion in the form of letters to the editor. This can be a great way to briefly express your position on an issue, and let a decision maker know why you support or oppose a piece of legislation or position they have taken. The letter can also inform all the other readers!

Calling or writing an email is a great way to send a quick message to your state or federal representative about an issue. The staff member who answers the phone (or voicemail) and opens the email will make a note about your position, and relay it to your legislator. You can find email forms and phone numbers on your elected official’s website.

Legislators hold town hall meetings to see what is on their constituents’ minds, often making a point of getting to every community they represent each year. Showing up with a prepared question (or signing up to ask a question at virtual town hall meetings) is a great way to get your legislator on the record about your issue and is generally a less intimidating environment than testifying in the Capitol.

Public hearings or forums are often planned for bills or major policies before a vote is held, and submitting your own testimony – whether written or oral – sends an important message to agencies, legislators, and the public about your commitment and attention to the issue. Public testimony works differently depending on the governing body, so it’s good to learn the specifics from Oregon Wild staff. 

The idea of a lobby meeting with an elected official can be intimidating, but remember, your legislators work for you! Meetings can be in-person or by video, and are often with a staff person who is a great liaison between you and your representative.

Your voice matters when it comes to defending public forestlands and wildlife habitat from damaging logging projects and bad public policy. You can help by writing public comments and field checking to help inform Oregon Wild’s team and federal agencies.

Spreading the word about issues can go a long way towards making a difference for wildlife and wild places. And sharing what you know and care about with friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues can be as easy as sharing on social media, inviting a friend on a hike, or hosting a film screening.

Elevate our messages on social media platforms. Tag us and share our posts with your networks:

Contact one of our staff for specific ideas and support!