Engage Your Social Networks

One of the easiest ways to spread awareness on conservation issues is to use your networks. But keep in mind that every social media platform has a special set of strengths.

Facebook is great for sharing information with friends, such as rally invitations, phone campaigns and online petitions. But your audience is often limited to friends and family. If you're big on sharing news stories, you might want to expand beyond your Facebook network.

Twitter is more news oriented and allows for greater reach to diverse audiences you wouldn't normally find in your Facebook feed. On that note, if you do tweet, be sure to develop relationships with like-minded conservationists who can amplify your message. But avoid tweeting in a "bubble." It's always a good idea to follow friendly people from other interest circles who may not otherwise be exposed to your ideas, or you to theirs. 

When tweeting, be sure to include your Congress members' @tag on tweets about rallies, protests or issues you want them to advocate for.  When you mention Congress members on social media, ask influential people and friends to do the same. Often, a large number of tweets, or one from an influential member of the public, can grab your Congress members' attention.

Finally, when sharing opportunities for engagement on social media, be sure to add popular hashtags so that the message goes beyond your own followers.

National monuments defense

• #MonumentsForAll
• #StandWithBearsEars
• #SaveGrandStaircase
• #ProtectOurCoasts

Climate change/pollution

• #ActOnClimate
• #CleanAir
• #ClimateHope
• #ClimateChangeIsReal
• #Climate
• #Renewables

Oil and gas drilling

• #TooWildToDrill
• #Methane
• #Pollution

Public land takeover movement

• #OurWild
• #KeepItPublic 

Arctic Refuge threats

• #ArcticRefuge
• #ProtectTheArctic