I had a basketball coach growing up who told me there are three feelings in sports: 

1. To be in the game and win
2. To be in the game and lose
3. To be the spectator in the stands wishing they could play

I think about that a lot during election season. Deciding to run for office is a major undertaking that asks a lot of your family and puts your life story on full display for your neighbors to judge. It’s not easy. But to be “in the game” and to run for office is to give people someone or something to believe in, to inspire your neighbors, to shed light on issues you care deeply about, and to help mobilize your community. It’s a big deal, and one we should all appreciate. 

 

To the winners of this year’s local elections, congratulations! We look forward to working with you to advance conservation goals across our region. (Reach out if you have ideas you would like support for!). 

 

To those who didn’t win, thank you! Don’t give up. We need you to keep speaking up and being a voice for change. 

 

(Whether you won or lost, don’t forget to pick up your yard signs!) 

 

To those in the stands, it’s your turn to be a part of the game. Candidate filing for the 2026 election, including Congressional, state legislative, county commission or council, and other local races, begins December 1. The work doesn’t end with the 2025 elections. There are plenty of ways to stay involved, and whether you support or oppose the status quo, we need you. Step up and speak out for the protection and stewardship of our environment and natural resources. Show up at candidate events where policy staff can’t go. Elevate conservation priorities at candidate forums, town halls, fundraisers, networking events, neighborhood meetings, social clubs, dinner tables, and anywhere conversations are happening. 

 

In the weeks ahead, we will be sharing tools and content to help you become a champion for conservation. We need your help. By sharing your time, talent, and treasure, we can make a difference. We already have, and we are just getting started. Together, we can and will accomplish great things.