TEN COWANDMENTS LISTED FOR CONSERVATIONISTS 



Everybody's talking about environment 

 problems, but how do you get something 

 done about them? 



Ten commandments for citizens who want 

 to see their dissatisfactions translated 

 into meaningful action have been listed 

 by a group of legislative experts meeting 

 in Los Angeles recently. 



In a nutshell their advice was for con- 

 cerned citizens to organize rather than 

 operate as individuals to establish solid 

 contacts with legislators, learn legislative 

 processes, "keep the pressure on" and not 

 to waste energy on toothless measures 

 that merely express pious sentiments or 

 call for "studies." 



According to one of the panelists, "For 

 many years politicians looks on conserva- 

 tion organizations as kooks . . now the 

 tide has turned." 



The panel's 10 cardinal points for legis- 

 lative success were these: 



- Remember that environmental problems 

 are a new thing for legislators. They 

 need information. 



- Retnember that a legislator's prime 



concern is getting re-elected. Associate 

 your cause with his. 



- Establish a relationship of mutual 

 respect. Don't challenge a legislator's 

 good faith. 



- Communicate as a member of an identi- 

 fied organization rather than as an indi- 

 vidual . 



- Pool campaign contributions in an 

 organization which can channel them amoog 

 candidates. 



-Maintain "high visibility" for environ- 

 mental causes. . "Conservationists talk 

 to each other too much I" 



- Frame proposals that call for affirm- 

 ative governmental action, even if it 



has to be preceded by a "study." 



- Don't wait for formal hearings be- 

 fore familiarizing legislators with your 

 facts and arguments. 



- Keep the spotlight on legislator's 

 actions as a measure proceeds. 



- Be militant, but remember that suc- 

 cess requires a "unique combination of 

 patience and impatience." 



(Cascade SWCD Newsletter) 



MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF SOIL & WATER 



CONSERVATION DISTRICTS 

 224 Mitchell Building - Helena , Montana 



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Non-profit Org. 

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