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 Sustainable Tucson’s 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 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 49 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 that is looking into repealing Arizona Senate Bill 1241 that prohibits towns from banning plastic bags.

If you would like to learn more about lobbying, please, sign up for the Tucson Lobby workshop on January 15th (details below.) We will also have more information available at the next two Sustainable Tucson meetings.

Environmental Day at the Capitol
Organized By: Grand Canyon Chapter
Wednesday, February 13, 2019, 8:30 AM – 2 PM
1700 W Washington, Phoenix
RSVP

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. 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 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.

Below, you will find information on the volunteer lobby workshop. Please consider participating. It’s fun! Also, if you would like to stay informed about legislative issues throughout the session, please sign up for our weekly legislative updates. They include information on bills, committee agendas, and actions you can take.

Sign up for Legislative Updates from the Sierra Club.

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

Tucson Lobby Workshop
Tuesday, January 15, 2019, 6 PM – 8 PM
738 N 5th Ave, Tucson
RSVP

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 this fun workshop and Environmental Day at the Capitol in February.

The workshop covers the basics on the Arizona Legislature and executive branch of government, and Dos and Don’ts of Advocacy at the Legislature. We will also briefly cover some of the expectations for the 2019 legislative session.

Join us for a day of fun and action!