Friend, I’m still walking on air from EnviroVoters’ Green California Advocacy Day!

Advocacy Day is an opportunity for the environmental community to advocate with one voice on our priorities and voice the environmental concerns of millions of supporters.

I had never lobbied before. Neither had many of our staff members and activists through our Green California network (which includes more than 100 partner organizations) who traveled to Sacramento a few weeks ago.

Our incredible legislative team had meetings scheduled for us with our representatives in the State Senate and Assembly to encourage and urge them to support our priority climate bills, including our sponsored bill SB 260.

And friend, it was so fun!

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was an exhilarating day that made me feel so hopeful about our climate movement – and about this environmental community. Government is so much more responsive and transparent than you might think.

Read some of the reaction from other first-time lobbiers on staff below:

“Lobbying felt like a bad word to me before, but it was such a good experience. I was surprised how heard I felt talking to my legislators.” – Jason Smith, Digital Content Producer

“I absolutely loved it! It was so empowering. I realized that I can really make a difference. It made me wish I had gotten more involved politically when I was younger. I was so amazed.” – Ainslie Faust, Administrative Assistant

“It was so cool to discuss our bills face to face with legislators and have an opportunity to address questions directly. And getting to do this with our team felt so empowering and encouraging for our work!” – Tammy Chan, Finance Director

“Seeing 120 environmental justice organizations come together in person to make changes for our own health and the health of the environment was powerful. It’s important for us to see each other – and it’s a reminder of the fierce momentum that the environmental justice movement has. We feel it, and so do the legislators.” – Mattea Pechter, Campaigns and Organizing Manager

“I never realized how easy it was to get involved and put pressure on government officials by talking to them about climate issues my community faces. I think it’s a great opportunity for everyone to mobilize and make a difference.” – Oliver Ignacio, Social Media Manager

Nothing in politics can compare with direct dialogue with leaders. Our legislators listened as we explained the nuances of critical legislation that will take on corporate polluters and accelerate our transition to clean energy. After all, our representatives work for us – they want to hear what we have to say.

Even if you can’t make it out to the Capitol, I highly encourage you to attend local town halls or schedule meetings with your representatives in your district. (And there’s always phone calls, like for SB 260!)

We put on a state and federal Advocacy Day each year. In fact, our federal Advocacy Day earlier this year helped pave the way for the massive climate package in the Inflation Reduction Act that President Biden just signed.

Our advocacy efforts are turning into historic results, friend. Can you spare a few dollars to allow us to continue hosting Advocacy Days and pushing our leaders to act boldly and swiftly on climate?

I can’t wait to see you at the next Advocacy Day!

Veda Banerjee
Communications Director
California Environmental Voters
(formerly California League of Conservation Voters)

EnviroVoters is hiring! Join us to work on critical climate legislation work.

California Environmental Voters (EnviroVoters), formerly California League of Conservation Voters, exists to build the political power to solve the climate crisis, advance justice, and create a roadmap for global action. To protect our air, land, water, and future, we organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change. Our vision is to solve the climate crisis, build resilient, connected, healthy communities, and create a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all.