GUIDE TO TAKING ACTION
ADVOCATING FOR WILD ANIMALS
Renowned anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Individuals have certainly made a world of difference for wildlife. The vision, courage, and tenacity of those devoted to ending cruelty toward wild animals have led to dramatic changes in the way society views wildlife. True, we have a long way to go to halt the relentless persecution wildlife has, and continues, to face. But the gains wildlife advocates have made are by no means inconsequential. Many states have banned barbaric hunting methods, such as hounding and baiting, and inhumane wildlife “management” practices. Communities are moving away from lethal controls of species like cougars and bears to cope with conflicts and instead employing preventative, humane measures to avoid encounters with wildlife. Some species, such as wolves and grizzly bears, have been afforded federal and state protections, ultimately rescuing them from extinction. And society in general is developing a better understanding of the importance wildlife such as top and mid-level carnivores play in maintaining ecosystem health. These momentous changes in public policy and attitudes would not have been possible without the efforts of thoughtful, committed activists.
Whether you write letters to lawmakers to express your concern about wildlife, alert your community about wildlife suffering, or protest a government action that targets wildlife, know that your voice makes a difference.
Both seasoned and novice activists ask Big Wildlife how they can get more involved in protecting wildlife. To help strengthen our collective efforts, Big Wildlife offers our “Guide to Taking Action” below. Our guide gives you and others the tools to become more effective at lobbying decision makers, writing a letter to your local newspaper, working with media, broadening your base of support, and mobilizing others. We hope these tools will empower and inspire your work for wildlife.
How to lobby lawmakers
How to engage media (writing letters to the editor)
How to engage media (influencing the editorial page)
How to organize and do outreach (phone trees)
How to organize and do outreach (electronic communication)
How to organize and do outreach (broadening your base)