Forest Resources Association: Be Active!

MAXIMIZING YOUR INFLUENCE
WITH A COALITION

It is one thing to have individual citizens involved in the political process; it is quite another when they organize and coordinate their efforts. Forming a local coalition of pro-forestry allies is an excellent way to maximize your activities.

For example, the National Endangered Species Act Reform Coalition, www.nesarc.org, was formed as a common forum to enact legislative change. For tips on coalition building, see http://www.ifas.org/activist/how-to/coalition.html.

The primary goal for local coalitions should be to organize a large number of allies to carry out grassroots political activities supporting scientific forest management. Your local coalition can undertake a variety of activities designed to communicate the views of the pro-forestry allies to lawmakers including:

Direct mail campaigns. The best time for grassroots coalitions to write lawmakers on a forestry-related bill is when it is still being considered by a subcommittee or committee. The coalition should alert its members to communicate immediately with their lawmakers.
Send allies to attend legislative or regulatory hearings. While there, they should try to talk with the public officials during breaks in the hearing.
Organize rallies or demonstrations outside federal or state capitals when forestry-related issues are up for a vote.
Develop a speakers bureau of coalition members. Publicize the bureau with local organizations and clubs, offering to provide speakers for their programs to talk about forestry.
Participate in local radio and television talk shows about the future of public and private forests. Let the media know that the coalition has experts to talk on the subject.
Stage special events in the community to draw attention to forestry issues. Invite the media to cover the event.
Write letters to the editors of local newspapers on forestry issues that effect your livelihoods.

Remember, there is no better way to cement a good relationship with a lawmaker than to participate in his or her election or re-election campaign.