Get involved

Action: Stay informed on the issues

Specific environmental concerns are changing day to day. Here are the projects we’re working on right now that can use your help:

• Protect our Oceans


• Demand that Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia enact strong endangered species legislation


• Tell Federal Environment Minister John Baird to protect Canada's threatened and endangered wildlife.

Action: Contact the media

• Write a letter to the editor. These are usually in response to an already-published item, but can be related to any business, social or political development – or anything else that might be on your mind. Here are some tips for writing effectively. You'll also find on that page direct links to newspapers across Canada.


• Have more to say? Write an op-ed (opinion-editorial). These are short, persuasive essays on a timely or topical issue. They’re harder to get published than a simple letter, but can pack a whallop. Check your newspaper for contact info and writing guidelines. Here are some writing tips.


• Phone a call-in show. Sometimes you might be listening or watching and the opportunity to be heard is right there – so take it! Sometimes you can recast the question put out for audience response in your favour.


• Contact radio and television producers with your ideas for topics and potential guests. Suggest story angles, provide background information, encourage them to make connections to climate change and commend them for good coverage. If you are holding a special event, let your local media know you are available for interviews.


• Don't underestimate other media in your area: community papers, arts and entertainment weeklies, magazines, professional or trade papers, faith group and union newsletters, club and organizational bulletins, student radio and newspapers, cultural papers, community cable and alternative media.

Action: Let political representatives know where you stand

• Political leaders earn their positions from votes. They care about public opinion and keep close tabs on issues constituents raise in letters, meetings, phone calls and editorial pages of local papers. Here’s how to contact your Federal, Provincial and Municipal representatives.


• You don’t have to be an expert. Your opinion matters. Here are some tips on letting your political representatives know what you think.

Action: Create change in your community

• Invite neighbours and friends to help you effect the changes you want to see. Here is our community action toolkit to tell you how, step by step.


• Tell everyone you know to get involved by taking David Suzuki’s Nature Challenge.


• Success breeds success. Tell us when community action worked for you and inspire others.

Additional Resources:
Elizabeth May's How to be an Activist
The Sierra Club's Endangered Species Toolkit
Natural Resources Canada's Guide to combating vehicle idling

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