You will often see or hear about the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection and our advocacy work with local jurisdictions. This work is open to all! You can join us, or act on your own or with others.
To help as one of our Desert Advocate volunteers, contact us at volunteer@sonorandesert.org.
SPEAK UP
Write to your representatives, write letters to the editor, and respond to public comment periods.
Much of this work can be done from home, and we can help! It also helps to spread the word to friends, family and colleagues.
SHOW UP
Attend public meetings or speak during the calls to the audience.
Even just turning up at events is a huge help — a show of support goes a long way! ♡︎
SPEAKING AT PUBLIC MEETINGS: A QUICK GUIDE
Check the agenda for any meeting you want to attend, which will outline the specific meeting rules. Typically, though:
- You have 3 minutes to speak
- You should start with your full name and address, as well the organization you are representing (if any)
- Focus on a key issue, why it matters to you and how you want them to respond to it
- It can help to share a comment letter in advance of the meeting, and to follow up with public officials after the meeting to reinforce your points
Bonus points: bring a crowd (but leave room for other voices), start a petition and gather signatures, or write a letter to the editor!
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: A GUIDE
The best letters to the editor are interesting to read and draw on personal experience. Anyone can submit one, and here in Tucson your chances of being published are high.
The AZ Daily Star will publish letters from individuals after a minimum of 30 days has passed since their last letter was printed.
Check out this longer guide here.
Explorer/Marana News – online submission form
Green Valley News – online submission form
Inside Tucson Business – online submission form
Arizona Republic – online submission form
SUBMITTING A PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments are accepted during set periods after a Proposed Rule or Notice is published in the Federal Register, typically lasting 30–60 days.
Key Tips for Effective Comments:
- Be specific: Reference the exact section or page of the proposed rule you are addressing.
- Explain impact: Describe how the rule affects you or your community.
- Use evidence: Back up your points with facts, data, or research.
- Suggest solutions: If you disagree, propose clear alternatives or revisions.
- Keep it clear: Use plain language and stay concise.
- Match the mission: Connect your comments to the agency’s goals and authority.
- Be original: Write unique comments rather than using form letters.
QUICK LINKS: PUBLIC MEETINGS and CONTACTS
Your US and State representatives
Federal. Use the link below to find which congressional district you are in, as well as your representative and their contact details.
AZ State Senators and Representatives. Use the link below to enter your address and zip code and find information on your senator and representatives.
Pima County
We follow along with the Board of Supervisors and their work. This includes their main meeting, as well as their District newsletters.
The County also maintains a number of Committees, and you can follow along with and input into their work too. Below are two that we regularly attend.
City of Tucson
We follow along with the Mayor and Council and their work. This includes their main meeting, their study sessions, and their Ward newsletters.
The City maintains a number of Committees, and you can follow along with and input into their work too. We regularly engage with the Outdoor Lighting Code Committee, and you can see a full list of other Committees below too.
Town of Marana
Town of Oro Valley
Town of Sahuarita
Pima Association of Governments
