Oregonian Action Guide
Oregon Environmental Council was founded in 1968 by Oregonians who wanted a strong environmental voice in decision-making.
Today, increasingly complex environmental challenges require active, informed Oregonians more than ever.
Here are some tips for exercising your responsibilities:
Stay informed:
Who is making decisions about the environment in Oregon?
More than a dozen state agencies work with The Governor’s Natural Resource Office to advance the state’s environmental programs (see 10 year plan). The state legislature shapes agency work with legislative measures and budget decisions. Agencies also carry out federal law delegated by the US EPA.
It can be challenging to track all the decisions across so many agencies! Here are a few ways to stay informed:
- Environmental Justice Task Force: Oregonians are invited to raise concerns about environmental issues at this quarterly meeting.
- Legislator’s environmental scorecards: See how advocates rate the environmental records of elected officials
- Oregon Conservation Network and Central Oregon Conservation Network: Dozens of groups are doing the work to stay informed about state decisions and weigh in on behalf of the environment.
- Oregon Environmental Council Action Alerts: Know when it’s time to weigh in on key decisions in our state.
- News: Sustainable Business Oregon and OPB’s EcoTrope regularly cover environmental issues.
Speak up:
As an Oregonian and a consumer
Public opinion makes a significant difference for our elected officials, but also for the businesses that have an impact on our environment. Your duty as an Oregonian and a consumer is to send clear messages about what you value. Here are a few resources to get started:
- Sign a petition at change.org
- Contact your elected officials: See our Oregonian Lobby Guide
- Write a letter to the editor (see our guide)
- Get involved with the consumer action campaign to get toxics out of consumer products: Mind The Store
- Recruit your local Oregon businesses to sign the Climate Declaration
Spread the word:
Be a catalyst for action and advocacy
Experts have shown that in addition to personal values, people are moved to action by the influence of their social circles. You can move your friends and neighbors to action by making your own actions visible and inviting others to act.
- Make your actions visible: Look for bumper stickers, yard signs, t-shirts and other ways to express your commitment.
- Try a fundraiser! Check out these 50 creative fundraising ideas.
- Help raise the profile of environmental issues: like, share and comment on OEC’s Facebook page. Also check us out on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Oregon Climate Action Plan gives the good news we all need
0
Climate action: We need your voice on the record!
0
Ways and Means members adopt HB 2020, moves forward historic climate action
0
Oregon’s landmark climate bill moves toward Ways and Means, historic action
0
April’s Action Advances Awareness As All Await Amendments: 5 Things 2 Know – Climate Work
0
luba eisenhart
April 13, 2016 (5:42 am)
Valuable commentary – I Appreciate the information – Does someone know where my business might be able to get a blank a form form to edit ?
Oregon Environmental Council | Top Green Resolutions for 2016
March 20, 2018 (7:46 pm)
[…] Speak up: Your personal experience and independent opinion can be a powerful change-maker. If you’ve never written a letter to the editor or visited your state lawmaker, make 2016 your year. Don’t worry, we can help you out with these tips. […]