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This summer Environment Colorado canvassers will fan out across the state, knocking on doors or approaching people on street corners to protect our environment. Most of our summer canvassers are college students home for the summer break. While idealistic, they are pragmatic when is comes to making change happen.
Two summers ago, these canvassers collected signatures and raised funds to help win Amendment 37—the Renewable Energy Initiative. When the opposition created a multi-million dollar TV campaign to deceive Coloradans and sink the initiative, it was their dedication that gave us the resources to overcome.
Last summer, our canvassers built support for protecting 4.4 million acres of pristine forests. The Bush Administration opened up this land for development, but allowed each governor to petition for local protection.
As a result of Environment Colorado’s advocacy, Gov. Owens agreed to set up a task force to protect these places. Our canvassers identified groups to help support roadless areas and also spoke to 25,000 people asking them to contact the governor.
This summer, the effort is in the final stretch. The task force, and ultimately Gov. Owens, will make the final decision in a few months. This is our last opportunity to make sure the areas that make Colorado special are protected for future generations. Our canvassers will be talking to Coloradans across the state to build the momentum necessary to save these areas.
Building a movement one conversation at a time is what Environment Colorado is all about. In this newsletter you will mostly read about the work of our full-time staff. Will Coyne, Matt Garrington, Pam Kiely, Elena Nunez, Jake Meffley and Isaac Silverman all do an excellent job protecting Colorado’s environment, but without the work of our canvassers it would be impossible. It’s they who go out every day and talk to people, raise funds, identify volunteers and build grassroots support for the policies that make Colorado a better place.
I started out as a canvasser and it was some of the hardest work I have ever done. It was also the most rewarding. My hat is off to the people who pound the pavement to protect the environment.
Sincerely,
Matt Baker
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