Environmental Leadership Program: ELP News: Summer/Fall 2003-Focus On Environmental Politics by Courtney Cuff

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newsletter Summer/Fall 2003

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Focus On: Environmental Politics, by Courtney Cuff
Perspectives on Environmental Politics: Joshua Feldmark, Renee Hoyos, Susannah Lindberg, John Taylor
Politics of Socio-Economic Class & the Environment, by Robin Claremont and Angela Park
Fellow Profiles: Ruben Aronin, David Kirkpatrick, Danielle Solomon, Pablo Padilla, Ritu Primlani

ELP News:

Focus On: Environmental Politics by Courtney Cuff

Those of us doing environmental political work know that this is an especially difficult time for achieving progress. With the opposition that we currently face in our nation's capitol, it's time for us to take a hard look at the movement to identify what we can do to improve our political clout. The savvy, effective ELP Fellows in this forum offer a variety of strategies for impacting politics and public opinion. Joshua Feldmark is an elected official serving on the city council of Columbia, Maryland. Renп Hoyos works with a coalition of state agencies to restore watersheds and natural resources. John Taylor serves as a full-service community liaison on everything from environmental justice to after school programs. Susannah Lindberg uses strategic advocacy to push for legislation that will help save manatees. After a decade of lobbying in Washington, D.C., followed by three years of advocacy work in the field, I've gained some insight into how the environmental field might be more effective in the world of politics. It is time we redefine what it means to be an environmentalist. Here are some ideas to consider:

Rhetoric is important We may have objected to Republican consultant Frank Luntz's memo on how to position Republican environmental policies, but frankly I think it's paying off as anti-environmentalists make progress with their crafty "wolf in sheep's clothing" approach. President Bush has found a way to paint environmentalists as uncompromising radicals, and we may have helped. Our political opponents have embraced the language of compromise and cooperation, appearing to "balance" economic growth and environmental protection. Conversely, the environmentalist message continues to be one of doom and gloom. In order to reach more folks and influence more decision makers, we must develop strategic, solution-oriented messages that discuss not simply what we are against but what we are for as well. The environment is inextricably linked to economic, health and national security issues, so let's not forget to keep making those connections. We need to re-appropriate the terms "compromise" and "cooperation" and get savvy about reaching more folks with messages and messengers that truly resonate.

Take pages from other playbooks There are other successful social movements that the environmental field could learn from, including our opposition. Take a look at the influential movements led by the Christian Coalition and National Rifle Association, for example. Study the strategies for success deployed by anti-death penalty or gay and lesbian rights organizations. These movements have experienced significant growth and increased political clout through strategic organizing and effective messaging.

Invest in local community organizing While the bark of professional environmental lobbyists in Washington D.C. is important, that bark means little without the bite of organized support locally. Frankly, a call from a local mayor, town councilman, rotary member or business owner can sometimes be more effective than a call from a D.C.-based environmental group.

Expand and reconsider our relationships Too often, we discount politicians, companies or organizations based on stereotypes, instead of forming our own opinions about individuals and taking the time to understand what may be genuine competing concerns. I'm not suggesting we be naive, but I am suggesting we reach out and listen. In order to achieve environmental victories, the tent must be bigger rather than smaller. We will almost always need votes from both sides of the aisle regardless of who is in power. While it is much easier to find areas of disagreement, there are often more rewards in finding areas of agreement. Reach out to unexpected partners, and remember that building relationships means we don't just ask folks to do things for us, but that we give back and offer help in ways that may not be directly linked to our issue. For national organizations, this means asking not only what your grassroots can do for you, but what you can do for your grassroots (apologies to JFK).

Think ten years down the road not just two. We may not unseat or change the thinking of an anti-environmental politician overnight, but time does take its toll. I suggest we identify places where demographic shifts are underway and begin local conversations about conservation, environmental protection or community development. Ten years later, investments in cultivating environmental appreciation and awareness may very well pay off in a larger pro-environment constituency or less hostile actions from those in power.

Facilitate local or state initiatives This is an important way to gain clear victories and cultivate champions who could very well be our next U.S. Representatives or Senators. These victories also provide models for federal-level actions down the road.

Spend time working on political races, or run yourself! There is an old saying that politicians care about two things: money and votes. The environmental community may never be able to compete with corporate donations, but we can help register and mobilize voters. Working on specific electoral races can be incredible learning opportunities, and allows you time to build relationships with candidates who may get elected. It is also a good way to thank decision makers who have stuck their necks out for your cause.

I truly believe that virtually everyone cares about a clean, healthy environment. Here's to a future where our success has put us out of business.

Courtney Cuff Cuff is Pacific regional director for the National Parks Conservation Association, where she designs programs to protect National Parks in California and Hawaii from development, pollution and budget cuts. Previously, Courtney was director of government affairs and of the Green Scissors Campaign at Friends of the Earth in Washington, D.C. Courtney also worked on a number of U.S. House and Senate political races, sat on the League of Conservation Voters Political Advisory Committee, and was a board member of the Safe Energy Communications Council.

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