Grassroots Grantees Share Insights

In their own words, Grassroots grantees offer advice for other grassroots activists:

•  “Research the laws and policies and find out what officials CAN do; make requests that are in keeping with their official responsibilities. ” Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center
• “Create allies at the local government agency . . . These are public servants, not the enemy.” No Wetlands Landfill Expansion
• “People often judge you by not only what you say, but by countenance, body language, and courtesies such as expressing humbleness, acknowledgement of their views, and appreciation for their time.” Parents for a Safer Environment
• “Seek out tech-savvy members with time to spare who will join your core working group.” Tulare County Citizens for Responsible Growth
• “Try to learn from others who have similar problems, even if they are from a different region of the state, or of the country.”  Committee For a Better Alpaugh
• Focus on the positive (“we want clean air!”) versus the negative (“air pollution sucks!”). Save the Air in Nevada County
• If working in the rural [areas] downplay the “ecological” and “environmental” language and focus on “community development,” “preserving rural lifestyle” or “clean air and water for all.” Wildplaces Ecological Restoration and Education
• Have a strong chair of your meeting. Set-up telephone trees and email lists to get your minutes and information out to the public. Have your meeting dates, time and location placed in the local paper. Friends of Garrity Creek
• Diversify funding sources. Bay Area Coalition For Headwaters
  
• “If environmental groups do not get caught up in need to be the one who gets the credit, much more organizing with the community is possible.”  Klamath Forest Alliance
• “We try to start from where things are at instead of pointing fingers at the past.” Mattole Restoration Council
• “The place where policies are truly decided, is at the staff level. By the time a permit or policy gets to a hearing… the likelihood of influencing it are slim. Thus, it is imperative to work with the staff of an agency to let them know well in advance of any key meeting or hearing what your concerns are and work collaboratively to identify ways to achieve your goals.”  AGUA-La Asociacion de Gente Unida por el Agua
• “Fundraising, membership drives, and volunteer recruitment are all skills that one must invest in if the organization is to grow and gain capacity to continue to pursue the mission.”  Green Wheels
• “Fundraising is a shared responsibility.  Get your staff, board or steering committee members, volunteers, and partner organizations involved in the fundraising process.”  SPAWNERS