Your voice matters!
Together, we can protect the ecological integrity and wild character of the Adirondack Park

What Is Advocacy?

Advocacy is the support or push for a cause. It’s about using your voice—and your actions—to create positive change.

Why Adirondack Advocacy Matters

Laws and policies shaped by state and federal lawmakers impact our everyday lives and the future of the ecological integrity and wild character of the Adirondack Park. The Adirondack Council, together with its partners and members, helps ensure that these decisions reflect the values and needs of the people and places they affect.

When we work with decision-makers, we build a stronger, more responsive democracy.

What is the Difference Between Lobbying and Advocacy?

Lobbying typically involves direct interactions with legislators and their staff. For example, the Adirondack Council’s Government Relations staff meets with policymakers to push for specific legislation, programs, policies, and funding that benefit the Adirondack Park. Advocacy, more broadly, refers to activities that raise awareness and educate people about a particular cause.

Tools for Effective Advocacy

Email and Letter Writing

Yes, emails and letters to policymakers matter. Effective letter writing is one of the most compelling ways to influence policymakers. Constituent emails and letters are taken very seriously by local, state, and federal lawmakers.

Tips: Clearly identify the issue or bill number you are writing about. Keep it brief and emphasize only one or two points. Explain why the issue is important to the Adirondack Park and to you as a resident or visitor. Be positive and suggest solutions.

Use the Media

Use your social media platforms to help spread the word about Park protection. If possible, use a photo to illustrate the topic.  Or if you prefer, a well-written letter to the editor of your local newspaper can also convey that message.  These methods can amplify the issue through the media to the public and back to policymakers.

Educate Your Network

Invite friends, family, and colleagues to your place and host an “Adirondack Night.” Convey to them the unique and special qualities of the Adirondacks. The more people know about the Park, the more they will understand why it needs to be protected.

Meet with Elected Officials

Direct meetings with your representatives about protecting the Adirondack Park leave a lasting impression and are an important advocacy tool. You can meet with your representative on your own or join us at our  Adirondack Park Lobby Day, or why not do both?

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Tips:

• Be polite but persistent
• Use facts and personal stories together

Sign up to receive our Action Alerts

Click here

Tips:

• Be polite but persistent
• Use facts and personal stories together
• Build coalitions—there’s strength in numbers
• Celebrate small wins and keep the momentum going