Know your representatives beyond superficial media portrayals; research their environmental support and financial ties. Use online resources to stay informed, influence policy, and hold representatives accountable.

Get to know your representatives at all scales — from local city council to national. Go beyond the simple info they provide through the media, internet, and television ads. Instead, critically research how often your representatives support environmental bills, who they take money from, and how much they are a part of real solutions.

It generally does not take that long, actually. You will get to know who they are, and it might surprise you what they support. It makes you a more informed voter and helps when discussing candidates with friends and family. Check out the official website of your representatives and search for trusted independent sources about their records and positions on critical issues.

Even if your representatives do not support all or any that you hoped for, finding out what does matter to them can help you link climate change and the environment to their concerns. Creating positive change often means bringing people with related concerns together to make things happen.