This document, written by former Sandy Breslin Conservation Fellow Katharine Lange, explains how a bill becomes a law in the Connecticut General Assembly, using the legislative journey of HB 5434, “An Act Adopting the Interstate Compact to Elect the President of the United States by National Popular Vote,” as a central example. It outlines the multi-step process, emphasizing the crucial role that public hearings can have in the general assembly.
This resource provides an overview of the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) for the current session. It details the number of Democrats and Republicans in the Senate, and lists key leadership. The document outlines the schedule for the session, identifies relevant joint committees for land conservation like Appropriations, Energy and Technology, Environment, and Planning & Development, and briefly explains how a bill becomes law.
The CLCC Testimony Archive is your one-stop shop to find all of the testimony that CLCC has provided on a range of critical conservation issues. CLCC annually contributes testimony and comments related to land conservation laws, policies, programs, and funding, as well as other priorities central to the health and wellbeing of Connecticut’s communities, environment, economy, and quality of life.
CLCC annually contributes testimony and comments related to land conservation laws, policies, programs, and funding, as well as other priorities central to the health and wellbeing of Connecticut’s communities, environment, economy, and quality of life.
Becoming an advocate is one of the most important steps you can take toward protecting Connecticut’s lands and waters for future generations. The Connecticut Land Conservation Council has put together this toolkit of valuable resources to equip your land trust with the knowledge and skills needed for impactful advocacy. You’ll find clear guidance on how to craft powerful messages, engage policymakers, host successful site visits, deliver compelling public testimony, and navigate IRS lobbying regulations. Use this toolkit to amplify your voice, strategically communicate your mission, and confidently influence decisions that protect and enhance our communities and natural lands.
Public hearings offer crucial opportunities for land trusts to influence decisions that affect our lands and communities. This resource provides clear, actionable tips on how to effectively prepare, craft compelling testimony, and confidently present your case to decision-makers. Learn strategies to clearly connect your testimony to your organization’s mission, address policymakers’ key concerns, and engage the public in supporting your conservation goals. Equip your land trust to advocate successfully and ensure that your perspective shapes conservation outcomes.
Inviting policymakers to visit your conserved lands is one of the most powerful tools for advocacy. This practical guide outlines step-by-step strategies for organizing impactful site visits that showcase your land trust’s work, highlight community benefits, and deepen relationships with decision-makers. Learn how to plan and structure your visit, craft compelling stories, and clearly communicate the importance of conservation efforts to officials. Equip your land trust with the knowledge to host engaging and memorable visits that build lasting support for your conservation mission.
Land trusts can make a significant impact through advocacy, but lobbying can seem intimidating. This step-by-step guide demystifies the lobbying process, providing clear guidance on how to effectively advocate for conservation priorities. It includes practical tips on engaging elected officials, navigating advocacy laws, and crafting persuasive messages. Essential for land trusts seeking to amplify their voices in policy decisions and secure stronger support for land conservation efforts.
Advocacy is key to effective land conservation—but many land trusts hesitate, unsure of what’s allowed. This clear, concise guide demystifies the legal boundaries around lobbying, providing land trusts with essential insights on how to confidently and legally advocate for policies that align with their mission. Learn the difference between lobbying and advocacy, understand IRS regulations for nonprofits, and discover practical tips for engaging in policy work without jeopardizing your nonprofit status. Empower your land trust to speak up strategically and safely for the land you protect.
Letters to the Editor and Op-Eds are powerful platforms to publicly advocate for land conservation, influence public opinion, and engage your community. These resources guide land trusts through the essentials of crafting persuasive, concise, and impactful opinion pieces. Learn how to choose timely topics, structure your arguments clearly, and effectively communicate your organization’s perspective to resonate with diverse audiences. By following this guidance, your land trust can elevate its voice, strengthen public awareness, and inspire greater support for conservation initiatives.
Handy when meeting with elected officials and other decision makers, this one-page handout is packed with Connecticut-specific land conservation information including statistics on the state’s progress in meeting its conservation goals, a glossary of commonly used words and phrases, descriptions of priority land conservation funding programs, and citations to relevant sections of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Navigating political engagement as a land trust can be complex, but understanding the rules helps you advocate effectively without risk. This resource clarifies how your 501(c)(3) organization can safely and legally interact with political candidates and engage in advocacy without crossing into partisan activities. It provides practical tips on informing candidates about your mission, sharing community conservation successes, and personally participating in political campaigns responsibly. Use this guide to ensure your land trust’s voice remains impactful and compliant during election season.