Working Together for Change
By Paula W, Pittsburgh Phone Organizer
Working as a political canvasser can be frustrating. Especially when certain politicians seem more intent on digging in, maintaining the status quo, and working for a very small set of special interests. But we can change that - when we partner together.
Most of us who work to protect our environment care deeply about the issues we are working on. It's certainly not the money that is the payoff - it's the people. Working at Clean Water affirms the importance of a shared belief or vision: creating a better environment for all of us. I may never get to meet some of our members in places like Rhode Island, but knowing that, with their support, we can impact millions is huge. It is so motivational for my co-workers and myself.
I recently returned from a vacation to hear that Governor Wolf reinstated the moratorium on fracking in our state forests in Pennsylvania. I couldn't have asked for a kinder welcome home gift! This was one of the campaigns I worked on. Hearing of the victory was so exciting and a pat on the back not just for me, but for Clean Water and especially, our members.
It is a marvelous reminder that we are in this together with our wonderful and caring members, such as yourself. By allowing us to contact elected officials and others on your behalf, you are taking on the important role of stewardship for our planet.
The other night was a perfect example of the importance of our members: while talking to a member in Philadelphia about one of our vital campaigns (oil trains carrying unsafe and unstable loads through heavily populated cities such as Philadelphia), her first question was 'how can I help?' That made me so happy. For our members to realize the gravity of the situation and care enough to get more involved is an incredible gift. Another wonderful member I spoke to last night reinforced my notion that we have a great community of like-minded citizens that care about the world in general. This particular member is retired, and told me she spends time hugging and caring for babies born addicted. I know this is not directly related to Clean Water Action, but it IS another example of the type of member we have - a person who cares deeply about others and is willing to do what it takes to ensure that we have a healthy planet, in every regard.
Most of our members are like that.They are people who care enough about our planet to get involved. People who extend themselves beyond their personal borders to help people they may never meet.
As the commercial says, that is priceless! For that, I thank our wonderful members. Together we make up our planet, and by combining forces, we can help heal this wonderful place that we all call earth. Our members are the bedrock upon which we are able to lay a strong foundation of clean water and sustainable policies. You are our glue that helps keep fighting for our planet.
Thank you!