By collectively advocating for the caring of our environment we can help people, businesses and government make decisions that support good stewardship of the environment. Here are some the actions you could do to advocate for sustainability and the caring of creation:

• Local councillors - Regional, district and city councillors represent their communities and decide the funding priorities for their council. Research which councillors have an interest in the environment and sustainability issues. Make an appointment to meet with them to discuss issues that are important to you, your church and your community. Write a letter to them to capture some of these important issues.

• Submissions to local councils - Local councils frequently ask for submissions on specific issues or projects, as well as on their planning documents such as long-term plans, annual plans and sector strategies – anyone can provide feedback. Make a submission together as a church or a group of churches, or lead your local community in making a submission.

• Letters to MPs - Electorate MPs are keen to engage with the people in their electorate. They will usually have a local office and staff to help them with their duties. Contact your MP at their electorate office and liaise with their staff to arrange a meeting to share your concerns.

  • https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/have-your-say/contact-an-mp/

  • https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/write-your-mp

• Submissions to Select Committees - Select committees are small working groups, made up of MPs. They deal with specific issues and report their conclusions. Select committees can call for public submissions, particularly for a specific inquiry or before a parliamentary bill proceeds into law. Find out more here.

  • Did you know that many of the select committee meetings are open to the public to observe? You can go to Parliament to watch a select committee meeting or watch some committee meetings live on the select committee Facebook page.

  • https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/how-to-make-a-submission/

• Media - If you have a compelling and engaging story to tell, you can use media to help communicate your story. Research and find out which journalists cover news on sustainability issues and the environment. Don’t underestimate the value of local newspapers and radio. While smaller, they reflect local issues and reach the community.

  • https://communitycomms.org.nz/resources/media-relations/

  • How to write a media release (Ministry of Youth Development)

• Businesses - Write to businesses to urge them to be more sustainable for example in their packaging. Applaud them when they make a change for the environment.

  • Some tips from The Rubbish Trip on how to get businesses to reduce their waste.

Other Advocacy Resources

Global Catholic Climate Movement - Advocacy resources

The Rubbish Trip - Be A Tirading Kiwi: An Everyday New Zealander’s Toolkit for Advocating on Waste Minimisation Issues

JR McKenzie Trust - Advocacy and Lobbying Toolkit