From time to time we ask members to write or speak at a hearing on a particular issue. We do this because decision-makers, be they local, state or federal, pay attention to comments from the public and often base their positions on the number of public comments received either at hearings or by receiving letters. Large numbers of comments for or against a certain position are very persuasive to an elected official.
Letters or public comment need not be long or complicated. A letter could simply state that you oppose or support a position and may give one or two supporting reasons. We are sometimes told that legislators' staffs spend little time reading content, they just count yes or no, so there is no need to have complicated discussions.
The same rule applies for public hearings. There is no need to have a complicated presentation. A simple statement about what you support or do not support, or even saying you agree with another person or group that spoke earlier, is all that is needed. Just a simple statement could make the difference in the way a vote goes.
But it is important to speak. Decision-makers do not know what side you are on if you do not speak. If you are silent, they can assume you take the opposite position. It may seem that lots of other people are addressing your position, but it may make a big difference if there are five or ten more voices in the audience that could have registered views but they are believed to have opposing views. We have seen the tide of a meeting completely change by a number of simple statements from people in the audience.
Do not be intimidated by lots of people voicing positions different than your own. You are entitled to speak and you may find a number of people following you with the same position.
So we thank you for responding to our requests for letters and attending meetings. And we urge everyone to speak up. We would significantly increase our power if everyone wrote just a short note and attended meetings, and made just a simple statement on behalf of wildlife and the environment.