Over the last two weeks, we navigated how to discuss climate with doomers and how to open up the conversation with kids of all ages. If you want to up the ante, talk climate with the people in power. While political advocacy may seem intimidating, in reality, there are a number of opportunities to do this effectively. You don’t need a lot of experience, either. Here's how you can begin to harness your voice for change.

Take a stand at a local town hall or public meeting.

Sure, it can look very Parks and Rec, but don’t be afraid to speak up at public meetings. It’s a great way to directly influence local decisions that advance climate action, whether you’re advocating for community composting or for an investment in equitable access to public transit.

• Research a meeting’s structure, topic, and rules for signing up as a speaker.
• When you get to the podium (or unmute on Zoom), state your name and where you live. Comments by locals tend to hold more weight.
• Mention any affiliations that inform your perspective—like your profession or organizations you’re active with—and lay out a concise description of the problem and its impacts on your community.
• End with an actionable request directed to your elected officials.

Lobby your legislators 1:1.

You can also reach out to elected officials directly. Your best bet is to pin your correspondence (whether over email, phone, or in person) to a specific legislative priority, such as an upcoming bill.

• Plan to do this well before a bill moves to the floor for a vote.
• Craft your talking points: Start with a quick introduction (including where you’re based to show you’re a voter they can count on for reelection), then get straight to the point. Be specific and emphasize personal impact​.
• Conclude your request on the position you’d like your elected official to take or how you hope they’ll vote on upcoming legislation.

Submit public comments.

By law, whenever a government agency proposes a new or modified rule—like changing how we list wildlife under the Endangered Species Act—it must let constituents weigh in via public comments. If commenters come out in droves, the agency may decide to incorporate that feedback. In other words, this is your moment! Agencies tend to advertise open public comment windows on their respective websites; advocacy organizations like NRDC also keep close track—so becoming a member is another way to stay in the loop.

• When writing in, be sure to have a good grasp on the rule in question.
• Base your support or opposition on sound reasoning and scientific evidence.
• Include a personal note of how you will be impacted.
• Hook your comment on specific actionable requests, like what you hope to see included or left out of a proposed rule change.

Write a compelling letter to the editor.

Consider arguing your case for climate action in your local newspaper. Anyone living in the area of a local publication can submit one, and your letter can be either in response to something already published or a proactive statement on a particular climate issue.

• Remember to keep it brief (less than 300 words is best).
• Fold in the personal. It'll show that you're someone with firsthand knowledge of the issue and also help grab your reader’s attention.
• State both the facts and your authority on a subject when applicable.
• It’s good etiquette to only submit your letter to your top pick and wait to hear back before sending elsewhere.

Like what you’re reading? Share Top of Mind with a friend.

NRDC Top of Mind is delivered to your inbox Tuesday mornings. View our newsletter archive.

Received this from a friend and want to subscribe? Sign up here.

Have an idea to share with us or a topic you want to read more about? Reach out at topofmind@nrdc.org.