Conservation Council helps coordinate political effectiveness

by Denice Dade

The Committee has always found that collaboration with other environmental organizations and stakeholders has strengthened our open space campaigns. As an advocacy organization, the Committee knows first-hand that real change requires close communication and coordination - change happens when groups and individuals come together and speak with a unified voice.

To help promote cross-pollination and effective advocacy, CGF initiated creation of the Conservation Council. The council includes leading environmental advocacy organizations active in Santa Clara County (Acterra, Greenbelt Alliance, Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter, and Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition) and meets quarterly to discuss current campaigns and effective environmental action in Santa Clara County.

The political breakfasts the Council hosts with elected officials are proving to be one of the most fruitful projects so far - featuring lively, detailed discussion focused on current topics, issues, and policies. The breakfasts and other activities of the Conservation Council, make our work to protect the environment more effective, efficient, and powerful.