Why Take the Time to Contact?
Individual actions are amazing, but in order to remedy the damage done by climate change and to mitigate future damage – we need large-scale action now. Policy is the best way to do this. Your elected officials are here to serve you. Let them know why climate is important to you and how they, as someone in power to support you, need to support climate initiatives! One call or email may not seem like much, but when you reach out – your voice is heard.
Where Do I Begin?
What do I say?
As a constituent, your elected officials want to hear your opinions. It may feel overwhelming to call your elected official or write them an email. Here are some tips on how to effectively get your demand across.
- First things first: state who you are and your demands. This lets your audience know exactly what you want and why they should listen to you. If the official knows you can vote on whether or not they can keep their job, they will want to listen to and please you.
- Keep it short and specific: It’s important to be concise and direct when speaking or writing in order to get your position across! It will keep your reader or listener engaged. If you want their support on a specific bill, mention the bill and why it is important to you. You can use this website to find and track environmental bills currently in process.
- Make it personal: If you are using one of our templates, or a template you found on the internet, make sure to change it up. Often, letters that are similar are sent to spam or trash. Tell who you’re addressing why climate action is important to you and how it has impacted you. Add a short, personal anecdote to make the issue more pressing.
- Remind your audience of your relationship. If you have voted for this person or worked on their campaign, then tell them! This shows how they have a relationship with you, and they want your vote.
Who Do I Contact?
Levels of elected officials range from local city council members and mayors, to state congress members, to the President of the United States. If you are looking for contact information of the people who represent you, you can find federal, state, and local elected officials’ contact information here.
Share Your Story
One of the most important things you can do to fight climate change is also one of the simplest: talk about it! Research shows that discussing the climate crisis with family and friends reinforces that the problem is real and the science unequivocal. Yet, nearly two-thirds of Americans say they rarely or never have those conversations. Share with your friends, family, and other community members about how you have reached out to your elected officials!
Let us know how you plan to make more sustainable life choices. Tell us what changes you will be making in the name of sustainability. Use the power of social media and personal conversation to share your progress and get others involved!
Sample Social Media Posts:
- “I just pledged to start living more sustainably by building a compost using the #HEREforClimate Composting Toolkit! Check it out and learn how you can make more sustainable choices, conserve resources, and save money! [URL Link]”
- “We all have a personal responsibility to combat the global climate crisis and live more sustainably. Learn how you can take a personal action with the #HEREforClimate Composting Toolkit!”
- “The #HEREforClimate Composting Toolkit made it easy to start making more sustainable choices in my daily life. I just pledged to reduce my food waste and contact my local government about implementing a composting service. Find out what else you can do with the #HEREforClimate toolkit!”
Additional Resources
Easily show your support on H.R. 763! Citizens Climate Lobby is asking support for the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. They already have the template written. Send it here.
Make sure you vote and have your voice heard! Learn how to register here.
Looking for more? Find a full list of resources regarding climate action and sustainability here.