West Virginia politicians are at it again. The 2018 State Legislative Session has just begun, and already they’re pushing new versions of Forced Pooling legislation, with attacks expected on public forests, environmental standards, and anything else their corporate backers think they can make a buck off of.

Would you like to be a Citizen Lobbyist?

Decisions are being made in Charleston this year that will affect your public lands, your water, your community, and your families for years to come. Governor Jim Justice just introduced legislation to start logging our state parks and it’s more important than ever that the representatives making those decisions hear from you, their constituents.

With that in mind, the West Virginia Chapter of Sierra Club is going to be ramping up its Citizen Lobbying program this year, helping members across the state learn how to get their needs and concerns across to the legislators who represent them. During the session, the WV Chapter will be organizing in-district meetings with legislators, as well as working to get people to the Capitol to participate in the West Virginia Environmental Council’s E-Day lobbying, and for hearings on key bills.

To learn more about this program and how you can become part of the conversation about the future of West Virginia, please email WV Chapter Chair Justin Raines at justinraineswv@gmail.com.

Additionally, we are co-sponsoring Citizen Lobbyist trainings with WV FREE and other organizations in different areas of the state. The first two trainings are:

Morgantown, Thursday, January 18th, 6-8 PM at WVU
1 Stadium Dr, Morgantown, WV 26505

Parkersburg, Monday, February 5th, 6-8 PM
317 Market St, Parkersburg, WV 26101

Let us know if you’d like to learn how to influence your elected officials.

Thank you for taking action and for all you do for our environment!

Justin Raines, WV Sierra Club, Chapter Chair

Prep For Your Visit to the Capitol

Your Voice WV: Citizen Lobbyist Training

January 18 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University 1 Stadium Drive

https://www.facebook.com/events/1623371511084990/

Join a coalition of state and local organizations and student groups to learn how to effectively talk with your elected officials about progressive issues that matter to you! The training will take place in Ming Hsieh, Room 122.

This training will provide information and resources on how to speak with your elected officials, focusing on your state representatives (but transferable to local and federal level officials, as well). We’ll also dive into some messaging tips on a variety of issues and how to connect these issues in a strategic and effective manner. Networking time will be included in the training to learn more from policy/issue experts and get involved in organizations or groups you’re most interested in.

This event is FREE, and all are welcome! Refreshments will be provided.

WV Environmental Council