I see the path of the new(ish) Advocacy Program reflected in my own journey in environmental stewardship. As an undergrad, I studied human-environment systems, exploring the complicated ways in which humans have impacted the landscape. I continued on to get a master’s degree in environmental communication, which was essentially a study in how to make people care. Most people understand that the environment is in crisis but remain on the sidelines. I am interested in creating connections between people and nature to build pathways to action. My first role at Bird Alliance of Oregon was as a youth educator, and my goal was to use awe and joy as catalysts for caring. Environmental education creates deeply personal relationships with nature, and it is these relationships that spur action. That is why education and conservation go hand in hand: our education programs open the door to wonder, and our conservation programs push people to take the next step in protecting nature. I am excited to enhance the symbiosis between the Education and Conservation departments, connecting my past with my present, and awe with action.
So let me introduce you to our revitalized Advocacy Program. The Advocacy Program is the home base for folks who are excited to speak out for nature. Bird Alliance of Oregon has always relied on collective action to win victories for nature. We helped establish the first wildlife refuges in the western United States and the first Marine Reserves in Oregon. We got two iconic Oregon birds protected under the Endangered Species Act—the Northern Spotted Owl and the Marbled Murrelet. And more recently, in coalition with many partners, we helped shepherd the Portland Clean Energy Fund from a community vision, to a ballot measure approved by 65% of voters, to a program that is distributing over a billion dollars of funding for climate justice projects in our community.
These successes over the past 122 years didn’t just magically happen. They are the result of individuals coming together to build the future they wanted to see. The Advocacy Program is our community of changemakers and will give you the tools to join this legacy of conservation victories. These are our goals:
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- Build community through hosting social meet-ups, presentations, and opportunities for collective action.
- Provide regular email alerts on critical issues and opportunities to make a difference through letter writing, public testimony, community involvement committees, and direct action.
- Educate on conservation and wildlife policies and best-practice advocacy skills through regular free trainings.
- Identify opportunities to participate in community science, wildlife monitoring, data collection, and even fun group outings to learn about and appreciate our natural world.
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We know that “activism” can be daunting. Systems of injustice and oppression are entrenched and powerful, and it can be intimidating to take action against them. We are here to support you on this journey. We’ll tell you what’s going on in the conservation world and give you the tools to make an impact. The program is also a space for community: it’s where you can go to recharge, get inspired, get riled up, and feel supported by one another on this journey of caring deeply.
Hopefully you’re now thinking, “Wow, this program sounds so cool. How do I join?” To join our Advocacy Program, all you need to do is sign up for Action Alerts. We’ll send you conservation updates, action items, and opportunities for meet-ups. And the first meet-up is right around the corner! To welcome back the Advocacy Program, we’re hosting an Advocacy 101 Meet and Greet on October 3. This event will introduce you to the advocacy landscape and current conservation issues. Come by to eat snacks, learn about our priority campaigns with advocacy opportunities, and meet like-minded people!
The Advocacy Program is a doorway to exploring the advocacy landscape and writing the future you want to see. It’s good to be back.
On the Horizon: Conservation Issues
to Be Aware of
PGE’s Harborton Reliability Project
What is it? The Harborton Reliability Project is a proposal from Portland General Electric (PGE) to update their power grid infrastructure. It would involve cutting a five-acre swath through Forest Park to expand power lines. We’re concerned about the impacts to this special part of the park, especially since it’s important upland habitat for red-legged frogs, a sensitive species in Oregon, and the precedent it could set for future development in Forest Park.
What can I do about it? The City of Portland is waiting on additional information from PGE before they can review the project proposal. Once they do, the proposal will become fair game for public input. At that point, we’ll tap into our activist network for support. Sign up for Action Alerts to stay informed.
Big Tree Protections in Portland
What is it? As Portland trends towards more extreme summer heat waves, worsening air quality, reduced wildlife habitat, and flooding from extreme weather events, urban trees provide the best tool to mitigate these environmental challenges while improving community and ecosystem health. The “Big Tree Amendment” was originally passed in 2016 after a wave of large trees were removed with limited to no mitigation. The amendment is set to sunset at the end of the year, and it is important for City Council to extend it to ensure that we protect our tree canopy.
What can I do about it? Sign up for Action Alerts to stay informed about opportunities to testify to Portland City Council this fall to extend the amendment.
Northwest Forest Plan
What is it? Established in 1994, the Northwest Forest Plan is the world’s largest ecosystem management plan, governing 24.5 million acres of federally managed land in western Oregon and Washington, and California. It has helped protect mature and old-growth forests, Northern Spotted Owls, Marbled Murrelets, and other imperiled fish and wildlife on federal lands throughout the Pacific Northwest. For the first time in 30 years, the Forest Service is amending the plan, which is a double-edged sword: this is an opportunity to either strengthen or weaken habitat protections.
What can I do about it? We expect the public comment process to open up shortly, so sign up for Action Alerts to stay up to date. We’ll need strong community support to make sure the plan stays aligned with ecological priorities.
Heceta Bank
What is it? Heceta Bank is one of the most important biological hotspots on the Oregon coast, but most people have never heard of it. It is a rocky reef complex 35 miles off central Oregon, home to a diverse array of marine and avian wildlife. Right now, we are working to build public awareness about the crucial ecological value of this habitat and what kinds of protections it needs.
What can I do about it? Sign up for Action Alerts for more information and opportunities for engagement.
What can I do about it?
There are many ways to make an impact. Regardless of your background or experience, there is a place for you in advocacy. Check out some of the different ways to speak up for nature!
- Write a letter to your representative
- Call your representative
- Testify at a hearing
- Join a community science project
- Make posters
- Cook food for community events and rallies
- Attend a rally
- Submit public comment
- Volunteer at tabling events to educate our community
- Engage your personal network on issues you care about
- Vote!
