Advocating for environmental protection and climate action is crucial, but many people hesitate to reach out to their elected representatives because they feel they need to be experts. The truth is, you don’t have to be an expert to tell your MLA, MP, City Councillor, or relevant minister that you care about an issue. Your voice matters and making a quick phone call can be surprisingly effective.
On March 6th, CPAWS Northern Alberta and Protect Our Winters (POW) Edmonton Chapter hosted an advocacy workshop to help people feel confident and prepared in contacting their representatives. By the end of the evening, every attendee had made a call. Their biggest takeaways?
- Having a script written out made the process much easier.
- Leaving a voicemail was way less intimidating than they expected.
Below, we’ll walk you through the importance of advocating for the environment, and how to structure a one-minute phone script so you can confidently make a call.
The Power of Political Leverage and Public Policy Advocacy
Elected officials make decisions based on public interest and political will. While petitions and emails are great tools, direct engagement—like phone calls and in-person meetings—can have an even bigger impact. Why? Because phone calls show a level of effort and urgency that many other forms of advocacy lack.
Environmental advocacy means influencing decision-makers to create, modify, or enforce policies that align with conservation and climate action goals. Your voice, alongside others, builds momentum and pressure for action.
Building a One-Minute Phone Script
The key to an effective advocacy call is keeping it brief and clear. Your call will likely go to voicemail, so plan for a one-minute message using these four main sections:
1. Introduction
- State your name.
- Mention your ward/riding/area so they know you’re a constituent.
- If you’re part of any advocacy groups, mention them.
- State the topic you’re calling about.
Example: “Hello, my name is Alex Smith, and I live in Edmonton-Strathcona. I’m calling as a concerned resident and a member of CPAWS Northern Alberta to talk about the need for better protection of Alberta’s Eastern Slopes.”
2. Topic of the Call
- Explain why you care about this topic.
- Share a brief personal story related to the issue.
- If relevant, include a key statistic to support your point.
Example: “I love skiing and spending time in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, but I’m deeply concerned about the impacts coal mining. Coal mines damage water sources, destroy habitat and prevent access to public lands, threatening ecosystems and outdoor recreation.”
3. Specific Ask
- Clearly state the action you want taken.
- This could be supporting a policy, raising a question in government, or advocating for a solution.
Example: “I urge you to support the protection of Alberta’s eastern slopes from harmful industrial development like coal mining. Specifically, I’d like you to advocate for a new coal policy that prohibits new coal mining in Alberta’s headwaters to protect Alberta’s landscapes, water and access to outdoor recreation.”
4. Closing
- Request a response.
- Ask for a meeting if you’re interested.
- Restate your name and provide your contact information.
- Thank them for their time.
Example: “I would appreciate a call back to hear how you plan to address this issue. If possible, I’d love to set up a meeting to discuss this further. You can reach me at (your phone number). Thank you for your time and for your commitment to taking action to protect our Eastern Slopes.”
Now It’s Your Turn – Make a Call!
Your voice matters, and phone calls make a difference. Unlike emails or social media comments (though these are still important in starting important conversations and raising awareness), calls stand out to elected representatives and their staff. They show that you are engaged and willing to take action, which spurs them on to meet you at that same level of engagement. This script works for any issue!
Take a few minutes today to write out your script, pick up the phone, and leave a message for your MLA, MP, city councilor or a relevant minister. It’s easier than you think—and it can have a real impact!
Need help finding your representative’s contact information? Check out:
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Together, let’s keep advocating for policies that protect Alberta’s landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor spaces for future generations!
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Over the past five years, Albertans have been loud and clear that they oppose ANY new coal exploration or mining in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains and Eastern Slopes. Tens of thousands came together for a collective, concerted push against the Government of Alberta's recission of the 1976 Coal Policy and the subsequent mine exploration, which was successful in forcing the province to implement a moratorium in 2022.
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