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.
Check out this longer guide here.
QUICK LINKS: PUBLIC MEETINGS and AGENDAS
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
