CLI participants partnered with local organizations to successfully advocate for conservation SPET measures
Two solar panels, a lightbulb, and a rainbow walk into the Virginian Saloon. It sounds like a joke, but a few weeks ago CLI participants Olive Graykowski, Mattea Goetz, Toby Smith, and Max Moran took the karaoke stage in handmade, coordinated, renewable-energy-themed costumes. The TV screens identified them as only “VOTE SPET #11.” Like a bolt of lightning, they burst into a self-choreographed rendition of Eddy Grant’s 1982 hit, Electric Avenue, leaving the crowd shocked, electrified, and, ultimately, energized to VOTE for conservation on the 2022 SPET ballot.
An impromptu karaoke flash mob is just one of many tactics that CLI participants used to the get out the vote for SPET this fall. The Alliance supported a YES vote on all 15 SPET measures (which all passed!), and CLI groups specifically advocated for #3 Transportation Alternatives and Safe Routes to School, #9 Teton County Land Conservation Opportunities, #11 Energy Conservation Works Projects, #12 Community Housing, and #15 Teton County Water Quality Projects. CLI’ers knocked doors, tabled at community events, passed out fliers, attended candidate forums, collaborated with local partners, got friends involved, and shared communications on social media. Friends of Pathways, JH Conservation Friends, Energy Conservation Works, Shelter JH, and Protect Our Water JH were invaluable partners, mentors, and collaborators to make both CLI and SPET a huge success this fall!
In our final CLI class this week, we brainstormed what comes next – how will we use the skills, experiences, and relationships we’ve gained throughout this course to continue to advocate for the community issues that matter most for us? In the coming weeks, months, and years, how will we stay informed, build relationships, make our voices heard, and take action? Expect to see these conservation leaders attending public meetings, giving public comment, organizing campaigns, leading rallies, running for office, and more!
CLI has never been about one campaign (although participants have been influential in winning many important ones over the years!); rather, we lay the foundation for what is to be a lifelong practice of civic engagement. Please come celebrate the graduation of this 13th CLI cohort at the Alliance Winter Party! Join us on December 14th at the Silver Dollar to celebrate their accomplishment, live music and dancing! More details here.
