Join us for a day of action in Phoenix - Environmental Day at the Capitol

It all started at Environmental Day at the Capitol 2018... The Sierra Club had arranged for small group meetings with each of our state legislators. Those of us from district 9 got to meet with Sen. Farley and Rep. Friese.  We were ushered into their offices where we were greeted warmly. After introductions, a few of us lobbied for upcoming bills - referring the legislators to one-sheets provided by the Sierra Club. At the end of each meeting, we thanked our hosts for their time. While shaking hands on the way out the door, I announced that I would be starting an advocacy group to support their efforts for the environment. That was the beginning of our environmental advocacy team!

To be honest, when I first heard of Environmental Day, I had no idea what it was. So I attended the Sierra Club's lobby workshop. That inspired me to organize our own Civics 101 lecture at Sustainable Tucson's monthly meeting, where we signed up the first few members of the advocacy team. We also encouraged S.T. members (and desktop activists) to sign up for the Request to Speak app online to gain input on bills in committee at the state legislature. Last year, we rallied against several bad bills that weakened regulations protecting the San Pedro from thirsty developments, among others.

A year ago, the advocacy team was just a seed of an idea. Now we are 57 strong. Recently a group of us met with US Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick for an Environmental Education meeting. Other S.T. members have formed a Zero Plastic Waste team. Two members of that team will attend Environmental Day at the Capitol on February 13th to urge our state legislators to repeal the law prohibiting towns from banning plastic bags.. 

The Sierra Club has some items that they would like us to address with our legislators. One-sheets on those bills are included in Environmental Day attendees' folders. Also included is a one-sheet that the Zero Plastic Waste team drafted on HB 2395!  Please, consider contacting your state Reps and urging them to support HB 2395 too.

If you would like to learn more about lobbying, please, attend Sustainable Tucson next meeting - Advocacy 101  at 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 12 at Ward 6 (details below.)  Check out Meetup for announcements of Sustainable Tucson meetings.

If you would like a ride on the free bus to the capitol, RSVP for a seat on the bus asap. It filled up fast last year. 

Environmental Day at the Capitol 
Organized By: Grand Canyon Chapter

Wednesday, February 13, 2019, 8:30 AM – 2 PM

1700 W Washington, Phoenix

RSVP

To reserve a seat on the free bus to the capitol, click on RSVP (link above) and then on "More Info" to sign up for the bus ride from Tucson.

Environmental Day at the Capitol 2018. Can you spot me in my teal shirt? 

Environmental Day at the Arizona Capitol is scheduled for February 13, 2019. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend for all or part of the day. We will be delivering a birthday card to legislative leaders and the governor with Five Cs for a Sustainable Future, hearing from speakers, and meeting with legislators in teams to discuss important environmental issues, bills, and more. No experience is necessary and training is provided. It is a fun, interesting, and meaningful day!

To find out more information or to RSVP, contact Sandy Bahr at (602) 253-8633 or sandy.bahr@sierraclub.org. It is important let them know you will be attending, so they can connect you with a team to meet with your own legislators. In 2018, we had a record crowd. Lets see if we can top it in 2019! 

The Arizona Legislature will begin its session on January 14, 2019. It will kick off with a state-of-the-state address by the Governor and lots of introductions, especially from new legislators. While the Legislature is still a challenging body in which to advance environmental protection, we are cautiously optimistic that we can help stop more of the environmental harm there and perhaps even advance some positive environmental change.

Also, if you would like to stay informed about legislative issues throughout the session, please sign up for the Sierra Club's weekly legislative updates. They include information on bills, committee agendas, and actions you can take.

Sign up for Legislative Updates from the Sierra Club. (Note: condensed legislative Calls to Action are e-mailed to Sustainable Tucson's advocacy team and posted on Desktop Activist Tucson.) 

For more information contact Sandy Bahr at sandy.bahr@sierraclub.org or (602) 999-5790.

Get ready for Environmental Day at the Capitol

Are you ready to make a difference? Interested in helping to protect our air, public land, wildlife, and water? Promote clean energy? Please join us at Sustainable Tucson's February Meeting about State Government.

At our next meeting, Sustainable Tucson will cover the state legislator and some items to bring up at Environmental Day.  Sustainable Tucson's February Meeting about State Government

ADVOCACY 101

Where: Ward 6 office, 3202 E 1st St, Tucson, AZ 

(behind the Speedway Walgreens by the Loft Cinema)