For too many years, charities have steered clear of advocacy for fear of losing their 501c3 tax status—even though tax laws clearly allow it, up to a point. It is also true that many nonprofits have little or no time to dedicate to advocacy since their primary mission consumes all their time, energy and budget. But times are changing, and our climate is changing with alarming consequences at an alarming rate. We must act NOW to protect the natural environment from destruction or pollution and pursue more protective policies.
This is where YOUR participation can make all the difference.
Types of Advocacy
“Express advocacy” communications include a message that unmistakably urges election or defeat of one or more clearly identified candidate(s). This is the kind of advocacy that Avalonia cannot and will not do.
“Issue advocacy” communications foment member support for or in opposition to a cause or policy to bring awareness to a problem. HERE is an example of a January 2019 Voice of Avalonia communication to raise awareness about a problem—single-use plastic bags—with an ask for action.
What Can You Do?
Advocacy at the local and state levels is necessary to ensure that land conservation policy and funding needs are being heard and addressed. There are many ways you can act:
- Contact your local and/or state representative by phone or email.
- Attend and provide testimony at local town council/selectman and/or board and commission (Zoning, Conservation, Planning, Econ Dev…) meetings.
- Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.
Join Our Advocacy Team
We are forming Avalonia’s first official advocacy team now. If you would like to become part of this team, sign-up here and/or contact Avalonia’s program director with questions. The team will be comprised of volunteers from each of the eight towns Avalonia operates in in southeastern Connecticut: Griswold, Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington, Preston, Stonington, Voluntown and Jewett City.
Avalonia counts on you to respond to a call to action. You can count on us, too. We’ll keep you informed about issues through our advocacy e-newsletter alerts and provide talking points and information on whom to contact and when, so you’ll have all the tools you need to act.