Campaign techniques

At some point in most of our lives, we will feel disgruntled about something happening in our world. This section of the Green Guide is devoted to how we may go about getting our views across to those in power: the politicians and the large corporations. Different methods may be utilised, varying in their effectiveness, depending upon your time, resources, and commitment to the issue. They include individually written letters; form letters; emailing; petitions; lobbying; telephone conversations; meetings with relevant people; demonstrations; and nonviolent direct action (such as blockading).

The web sites mentioned in the guide are only some of the most relevant. There are many, many more! It is often a case of using the links provided on the web sites, and keeping your ears open for the latest actions to get involved in. Good luck with your campaigning! Some suggestions on methods follow.

Individually written letters: for your first letter on an issue, stick to only one or two pages of writing, so that it does not appear to take too much energy to read. People to whom you are writing who require more information may contact you. Begin your letter with a brief statement of the issue and of your position. A concise summary should then follow, and give reasons why representatives should adopt the policies you recommend. Provide reference to evidence and sources of further information, but avoid including lengthy and detailed documentation, more relevant to Senate Committee and Environmental Impact Study submissions.

Form letters: these are prepared letters provided by environmental groups. Generally, they are less effective than a personally written letter, and are better used as a guide as to the content of your own letter.

Petitions: Groups use petitions as a way of collecting signatures of those holding a certain viewpoint regarding an issue. Each page of a petition should be headed with a statement on the issue and what views or actions the signatures represent. Most petitions, however, are rarely noticed by politicians unless they are very large, and their reading is merely a formality.

Groups: environmental groups and organisations form to put a case on either a single issue, (as the Save OíConnor Ridge group does), or a range of issues, (as the Australian Conservation Foundation does). In terms of campaigning, there is strength in numbers - having a group of people focused and coordinated to tackle an issue, is a much better way of lobbying than doing it by yourself. Contact your local environmental groups (see Local Issues and Contacts) and ask them if they campaign around an issue that you are interested in, and what you may do to help.
 
 
 

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