I agree-small-scale and large-scale activism are definitely critical in promoting change.

I was wondering how you (all) felt about the work of specific environmental advocacy organizations-in particular, fund raising organizations. I spent several years working in the non-profit sector and left with mixed opinions. Many people valued the public education and policy work done by many of the non-profit organizations. They also understood the importance of fund raising and believed that their money/membership was being put to good use.

On the other side, many people support environmental issues but feel that their money/membership is wasted in the hands of these organizations. They believe that such organizations are not effective-and many people have chosen to discontinue their support.

It saddens me to see people so disenfranchised and remove themselves from the environmental movement altogether. Essentially, we are all working for the same goals, right?

It is unfortunate to see discord between various environmental groups and non-profits. I think that everyone is ultimately working towards the same goal (in most cases) but, like you pointed out, the methods can vary drastically.

I do know that in my experience friends of mine or even just strangers that I have had conversations with, have been turned off by groups that canvas for money on street corners. They feel that this is pushy and that, also like you pointed out, the money may not be going to the most effective use. I feel torn about this issue. On one hand, what better way to talk to a large group of people and spread awareness about environmental issues as well as raise money. On the other hand, many people will be turned off or offended and perhaps associate these groups with the entire environmental movement.

I think that many people already have an idea of what the environmental movement is like in their heads, and if it is negative they are more likely to apply that opinion to all environmental advocates, which is unfortunate.

I wonder how groups can make more of an effort to work together and to combat the negative image that many people have. I think that the more groups focus on how environmental problems affect the lives of children, families, and the general population, the more people will be able to relate environmental care with their own best interest. Once this becomes a widespread understanding, hopefully environmental policies and environmental action will become more popular.

I totally agree with you. It is definitely unfortunate to see the problems within the environmental community. It seems a little counter-productive....

But I think if we all keep in mind that we are all working towards the same objective, while continuing to do what we can where we can, the movement can continue to move forward.

I think every step in necessary (change from the individual, corporations, the government, etc) to make an impact.

I definitely think environmental issues should be the mandate of any politician... in order to introduce these crucial issues into the fabric of our society, we need to see a figurehead introduce policies which may not be too popular at first, but are necessary in order to maintain some kind of eco friendliness.