Advocating for the Environment

Environmental Advocacy and Political Engagement October 10
“A Citizen’s Guide to Affecting Policy and Legislation” will be the focus of speaker Teresa Kpachavi at the next CEWAC meeting. Citizens Environmental Watch and Action Coalition invites the public to Brooks Township Hall, 490 Quarterline Street, Newaygo on Thursday, October 10 at 6pm.
Attendees will learn how to ask questions and voice concerns to representatives through a variety of e-tools and apps. Discussion will also include emailing legislators, phone calls, texting and letter writing. 
“I got involved in advocacy because I wanted to broaden my impact on environmental issues,” states Ms. Kpachavi, a former Environmental Educator. “Teaching individuals and community members how to change daily habits that help the environment is important, but we need government policy to influence business and industry.”
Living on the West Coast for 15 years, Teresa saw how influential state and local legislation can be. “Recycling on the West Coast is mandated: several types of single-use plastics are banned, and auto emission standards are stringent. There is no reason that Michigan can’t be a model for environmental stewardship,” added Teresa.
 “There are many resources on the internet to help citizens track upcoming legislation, how their elected officials voted, and where their campaign donations are coming from. If digital engagement isn’t appealing, there are plenty of face to face and offline ways to advocate.”
“Having Teresa Kpachavi provide this practical information on tools to use is very timely,” states Sally Wagoner, CEWAC Co-coordinator. “Our environmental issues are reaching a crisis point for one thing, and the 2020 elections are fast approaching. Now is the time for community members to reach out to our current representatives to know their stance on environmental issues both local and global. And now is the time to engage with candidates on issues that we are most passionate about.”
CEWAC is an initiative of 3R Environmental Education, a non-profit organization that promotes “Green Mindfulness through Practice and Policy” in the Newaygo County region. For more information contact 3R at 231.924.5822 or [email protected]