MAS Environmental Fast Action Alert

Three Ways
to Be Involved

Environmental Activism as Easy as 1, 2, 3

by Mike Boyce, acting chairperson, MAS Environmental Action Committee

Are you concerned about the protection of Michigan’s air, water and land, but don’t have much time to take action? Do you feel your efforts could be more effective as part of a strategic plan? Do you want your voice to be heard? Do you want to make a difference?

MAS Environmental Action Committee seeks your help

Politics in America is changing rapidly. We no longer have weeks or months to review environmental legislation before action is required in support of MAS policies and resolutions. Legislators push pet bills through at break-neck speed -- witness the recent falconry bill. Are organizations like MAS now politically crippled? Not if we work hard and act fast. We must face today’s political challenges with new tools and improved strategies.

Here are three quick, easy, simple, and effective ways Audubon members with active E-mail can help. MAS by-laws, mission, and/or resolutions will always support any action you are requested to participate in.

1: UFAP -- Ultra Fast Action Project

Up to six times per year, your MAS Environmental Action Committee will E-mail you action alerts and background information on specific critical environmental issues. You will be asked to electronically respond in a timely manner. You may choose to phone, FAX, and/or E-mail targeted policy leaders or your local newspaper. Typically, a sample letter will be included in the material you receive. Simply personalize the enclosed sample letter and send it on its way via FAX or E-mail, or pick up the phone and call. On average you will receive only one action request every other month. It’s simple. It’s painless. It’s effective!

2: MAP -- Michigan Action Project

The Michigan Environmental Council (MEC), National Wildlife Federation, Environmental Defense Fund, League of Conservation Voters, and others have initiated the Michigan Action Project (MAP), an electronic rapid response system, to enhance communication with key state and federal officials and business leaders. All you need is an E-mail address!

MAP will E-mail you occasional notices of critical environmental issues -- about ten or twelve times a year. If, after reading the short description of the environmental issue, you determine it’s worthy of your action, you can personalize the preaddressed sample letter and hit "send." MAP will then convert your E-mail into a facsimile and fax your letter to the appropriate policy maker or opinion leader. Feedback will be provided with results of your efforts. It’s that easy!

3: AEL -- Activist E-mail List

For those of you who want to do even more we offer our new activist E-mail list. At least once a week, you will receive E-mail forwarded from a wide variety of individuals and organizations concerned with the environment. Some will be strictly informational, others will request you take immediate action. If you choose this third level of activism, you will be automatically enrolled in the UFAP and MAP initiatives outlined above.

Sign up today

use the convenient online enrollment form below to indicate which program or programs (1-UFAP; 2-MAP; 3-AEL) you will join. Include your name, complete mailing address, phone number and E-mail address. Also include any other pertinent information such as an area of expertise, special resources available to you, or second addresses.

No matter which level of environmental activism you choose, your personal information will be secure. Neither MAS nor MAP will provide this information to any individual, organization or mailing list.

Help protect our environmental heritage! Get involved!

Michigan Environmental Council

Since 1980, Michigan Environmental Council (MEC) has acted as the collective voice of a coalition of leading environmental groups on protection of our natural resources and quality of life issues. Representing more than 100,000 Michigan citizens through its 50+ member group coalition, MEC seeks to ensure that decisionmakers protect the health and prosperity of Michigan through principled action. MAS is proud to be a charter member of this exemplary environmental organization.

For more information about MEC:

Tel: 517-487-9539
http://www.mienv.org

Three Ways to Be Involved

Three Ways
to Be Involved