The ability to advocate related causes and concerns are a central function of TWF because they provide our membership with an effective voice.
In this day and age, words such as "politics" and "advocacy" tend to leave a bitter taste in the mouths of many. Whether a result of a relentless media barrage, or simply a knee-jerk response of a collective dissatisfaction with our local, state and federal governments - they've become terms much maligned. There's no question that super-funded special interest groups can have far-ranging negative effect on our legislative processes. But after spending the last several years working with government, I must counter that it is a system of our own making and that it's not all bad. Further - without the ability for organizations like the Tennessee Wildlife Federation to present their cases to government representatives, our purpose would be severely compromised.
Let me dispel some myths about lobbying and government.
The ability to advocate related causes and concerns are a central function of TWF because they provide our membership with an effective voice. It is the very means whereby we reach out to governments, their agencies, and also the public to help create and guide policies to serve our interest in wildlife and natural resources. It has been a mainstay for our organization throughout our 60-year history, and we have a formidable track record that proves, beyond question, that our efforts have had a dramatic impact on Tennessee's "outdoor" landscape. Without our voice, we would be both hollow and toothless. Effective advocacy has empowered us, and has resulted in many successes for our state's wildlife and our natural resources.
Our local, state and federal governments - as unwieldy as the can appear to us - are also genuinely receptive to TWF's efforts. I can only encourage you to spend one day at the Tennessee Legislature, or a day on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. to see for yourself how government works. These are bustling places with halls, offices and committee rooms filled daily with countless constituents espousing their respective causes. When you meet with legislators, the first thing you realize is that they're human - not just figureheads - and that they realize their job is to listen. They may not always agree - but they do listen to their constituents. They get precious little credit or understanding for being "pecked like bread on a duck pond," but they generally do live up to their obligation of representation. It is not easy, and it's a fundamental part of their job that we all tend to take for granted. And though I may not always agree with legislators, I have gained a great deal of respect for them on this score.
This year alone at the recent TWF Sportsman's Day on the Hill, at the Annual Conservation Achievement Awards, and also at last month's Teaming With Wildlife lobby event in Washington - I have actively participated in bringing our interests to government. I must report that its extremely encouraging that TWF's reputation for being "the voice of reason" advocate for Tennessee's wildlife and their habitats is as strong as ever. At the State Legislature, we have many supporters as witnessed by the strong turnout to our legislative reception and awards event. The establishment of the new Tennessee Legislative Sportsman's Caucus, led by Sen. Doug Jackson of Dickson, and Rep. Joe McCord of Maryville, reflects our state government's interest in our cause. In the nation's capitol - though we are holding our ground when other budgets are being cut, the only thing keeping the State Wildlife Grant program from making further progress is the hot debate on the federal spending. And in both Nashville and Washington, an especially encouraging fact is that support for wildlife and natural resources is broadly bi-partisan.
So I have learned that, despite "political correctness" and contrary to the common theme of "politics-bashing," that political process can and does accomplish many good things. Advocacy, when done by grass-roots groups who are committed to the betterment of our natural amenities, is both effective and positive.
It is our job to remain an engaged and active participant in the political process. It is government's job to listen, weigh the facts, respond to their constituents, and perform to the betterment of our state and nation. Together, we provide a formula for great successes, and we have already left our mark for Tennessee's wildlife and natural resources. Making advocacy our business has paid big dividends, and will continue to do so in the years ahead. |
Advocacy is Our Business
