Local advocacy

You will often see or hear about the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection and our advocacy work with local jurisdictions. This work is open to all! You can join us, or act on your own or with others.

To help as one of our Desert Advocate volunteers, contact us at volunteer@sonorandesert.org.

SPEAK UP

Write to your representatives, write letters to the editor, and respond to public comment periods.

Much of this work can be done from home, and we can help! It also helps to spread the word to friends, family and colleagues.

SHOW UP

Attend public meetings or speak during the calls to the audience.

Even just turning up at events is a huge help — a show of support goes a long way! ♡︎

SPEAKING at PUBLIC MEETINGS: A QUICK GUIDE
A member of the public speaks at a hearing on the Interstate 11. Photo: Frank Staub.

Check the agenda for any meeting you want to attend, which will outline the specific meeting rules. Typically, though:

  • You have 3 minutes to speak
  • You should start with your full name and address, as well the organization you are representing (if any)
  • Focus on a key issue, why it matters to you and how you want them to respond to it
  • It can help to share a comment letter in advance of the meeting, and to follow up with public officials after the meeting to reinforce your points

Bonus points: bring a crowd, start a petition and gather signatures, or write a letter to the editor!

QUICK LINKS: PUBLIC MEETINGS and AGENDAS

Pima County

We follow along with the Board of Supervisors and their work. This includes their main meeting, as well as their newsletters.

The County also maintains a number of Committees, and you can follow along with and input into their work too. Below are two that we regularly attend.

Town of Marana

Town of Oro Valley

Town of Sahuarita

Pima Association of Governments

J. Stensrud speaks out against Interstate 11 at a public meeting.