̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Advocacy

Supporting conservation through policy victories.

Expertise and Credibility

̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ is a respected and influential voice on public policy issues, from town halls to the U.S. Capitol. We have the power to convene diverse stakeholders to solve even the toughest problems—like energy planning. The balanced approach to energy exploration and extraction siting we spearheaded in sagebrush country has protected 15 million acres and is expanding to protect millions more. We used the same balanced approach to advance new federal guidelines for wind energy that will keep clean energy truly green by steering development away from critical habitat. 

A Network of Influentials and Activists

̽»¨¾«Ñ¡â€™s members are four times as likely to be opinion leaders, with interest and involvement in policy issues. Thousands take action as ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Activists. We mobilize this formidable force through communications outreach and Chapter-based grassroots training. It is how we bring the full power of ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ to bear on behalf of legislation addressing issues such as bird conservation, ecosystem restoration, and clean air and water. And as we further align and strengthen our network, ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ will become an even more powerful advocate for birds and the environment. 

The Voice for Birds 

From clean air and water to support for the nation’s iconic national parks and national wildlife refuges, many of the same issues that touch people also touch birds. In addition, protections for birds conferred by such milestone legislation as the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act and the Endangered Species Act have long-term implications for people along with more immediate impact on birds. By safeguarding our great natural heritage, we protect our nation’s distinctive ways of life, from the Mississippi Delta to the high plains of Wyoming. That’s why ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡â€™s policy team works tirelessly on behalf of a healthy environment, rich in biodiversity. Now the sharper focus and clear goals in our strategic plan will amplify our voice for birds and people alike.

Policy and Advocacy
Be an Advocate for Birds

Lawmakers care about your views and opinions. As a constituent, you have the ability to convey your concerns about issues affecting birds, wildlife, and their habitats—and be heard like no lobbyist here in Washington, D.C. The only way we'll be successful in our conservation efforts is with your help.

Take action
How to Be an Effective Advocate in Less Than Five Minutes
How to Be an Effective Advocate in Less Than Five Minutes

So you’ve made a decision to do more to protect birds, other wildlife, and our shared environment—now what?  ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡â€™s Government Affairs...

Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act
Sandhill_Cranes_Alaska_Minden
Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act

Each spring, millions of birds travel thousands of miles from Latin America and the Caribbean to their breeding grounds as far north as the Arctic...

Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels
Waved_Albatross_EB_Connelly_̽»¨¾«Ñ¡_Photography_Awards
Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels

The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, or ACAP, is a legally binding international agreement promoting the conservation of...

Our Policy Leadership At Work
State Proposes Access Pass for Game Lands
February 12, 2025 — ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ encourages members, public to weigh.
A photo of a old growth forest. The focal point is a large downed tree covered in moss.
Birds, Forests, and the Telephone Gap Decision: An ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Perspective
January 14, 2025
Clockwise from top left: UNC Researchers at Pine Island. Photo: Megan Mendenhall/UNC Office of Research Communications; T. Gilbert Pearson ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ members with Senator Gladys Robinson. Photo: Caitlin O'Hara; American Oystercatcher. Photo: Brittany Salmons
Top Wins for Birds in 2024
December 16, 2024 — From mountains to coast, ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ staff and members flocked together to advance ambitious projects and policies for birds this year.
Emperor Geese over Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.
Izembek: An Incredibly Critical Migratory Bird Habitat Is at Risk
December 09, 2024 — The Department of the Interior released a draft Environmental Impact Statement recommending a multi-part land swap, spelling trouble for Izembek National Wildlife Refuge and public lands across Alaska.
A pelican takes flight.
The Next Phase of Responsible Offshore Wind Energy
November 14, 2024 — ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ and our partners are advocating for responsible offshore wind energy in BOEM’s latest planning phase for the central Atlantic Coast.
Photos: Brittany Salmons/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡;  Cape May Warbler. Photo: Mary Kay Flick/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photography Awards;  Philadelphia Vireo. Photo: Jory Teltser/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photography Awards; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Photo: Morgan Quimby/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photography Awards.
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Members Gather at NC Summit
October 10, 2024 — In the wake of Hurricane Helene, staff and chapters come together to strengthen bonds, share inspiration.
ENRTF Postcard
Minnesota’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund...
June 18, 2024 — ...IS ON THE 2024 BALLOT
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ members standing outside the Legislative Building on Advocacy Day. Photo: Caitlin O'Hara
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Members Speak Up for Birds at Advocacy Day
June 06, 2024 — More than 80 members from across the state met with their lawmakers to advocate for family land protections, wetlands, and conservation funding.
A man stands on a hill above sagebrush steppe.
Enhancing Protections for the Greater Sage-Grouse: A Pivotal Moment for Conservation
May 14, 2024 — Sage-grouse biologist Tom Christiansen's op-ed in the Casper Star Tribune.
Purple Martin flying with an insect in its beak.
New Hope Bird Alliance to Kick-off Year of the Aerial Insectivore
May 09, 2024 — A ribbon cutting is scheduled for May 11 to celebrate these high-flying, insect eating birds, and highlight the threats they face.
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Advocacy in the Arctic
The Arctic Ocean: A Future in Peril
The Arctic Ocean: A Future in Peril

As the polar ice melts, gas and oil exploration companies push drilling activities further into this critical wildlife habitat