Leverage your Local Impact

It is essential for climate-concerned Vermonters to ensure that your voice and your communities clean energy goals shape the public policy making arena in Vermont. Here are some important ways to heighten your impact:

• Get active in state policy. Connect with your House members and Senators. Meet with them. Ask for specific policy action. Meet with them again. There is real value in developing a relationship with your legislators. Ensure you respectfully try to understand where they are coming from and let them know you hope they will lead on energy and climate. Check our our tips here.

• Show up. Shaping policy-making conversations means going where the action is. When you can, spend a day at the State House (another great place to meet with your legislator). Attend important events and lend your thoughts, such as events on the Vermont Climate Council or your Regional Planning Commission. Add your voice to these and other venues. Find more municipal energy resources, including RPC contact information, here.

• Spread the word. Write a letter to the editor or op-ed. Share compelling stories and action opportunities on Facebook or Twitter. Talk to your family, friends, neighbors, and others about the issues.

• Connect and collaborate with Vermont Natural Resources Council and Vermont Conservation Voters. Both of these education and advocacy organizations are closely tracking the legislative landscape and higher-impact engagement opportunities. Their emails will keep you informed about issues you care about and ways to deepen your engagement. VCV also works to help get climate and clean energy champions elected. They can help support your community’s candidate — or you — in a run for office.