Each of these campaigns aims for concrete steps that will move us closer to a world where there’s more open space, more wild places and more wildlife. But they share a common approach. Each campaign strives to:
Put the environment first. The value of nature is immeasurable, derived not only from the resources it provides but from its inherent beauty. “In wildness,” as Thoreau put it, “is the preservation of the world.” Through our research and public education, we’re working to shift more hearts and minds over to this point of view.
Take a strategic approach. We must think big and act boldly, but we recognize that progress comes one step at a time. Our focus is on making a difference in public policy and in our lives and our environment, not just making a statement.
Build on what works. Our national network has won policies that have resulted in more protections for open spaces, wild places and wildlife at every level. From winning bans on disposable plastic bags to reaching 670,000 people with our call to ban bee-killing pesticides, from putting nearly 60 million acres of national forest off-limits to logging and new roads to a 20-year moratorium on new mining around the Grand Canyon.
Work together. Our national network works to unite people from all across the political spectrum around protecting and preserving nature, whether it’s hikers and campers in Oregon who want wild places to explore, or religious leaders in Pennsylvania who want all of us to be good stewards of the Earth. Our advocates in Washington, D.C., lobby members of Congress from both parties. Our advocates in the states build coalitions that include hunters and whitewater rafters, serious climbers and casual hikers, business owners and educators, and people from all walks of life. Our organizers and canvassers engage literally hundreds of thousands of people.