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Advocacy in Action: Audubon California Relaunches Advocacy Day
Speaking up for the birds and communities of the desert, coasts, and urban centers
From the Salton Sea to California's coast, from deserts to urban communities, protecting birds means protecting the habitats, ecosystems, and communities that sustain us all. Bringing these voices and perspectives together gives us the opportunity not only to advocate for these places, but to learn from the people working to protect them.
On a hot, sunny day in Sacramento, our California network returned to the halls of the State Capitol in style for Audubon California's Advocacy Day on August 11th. Our fabulously diverse group showed up from across California, representing staff, chapter members, Audubon on Campus chapters, Coastal Leadership Program alumni, and Salton Sea Leadership Program alumni, for a full day of meetings with staff from State Senate and Assembly offices. Together, we brought a broad range of experiences, perspectives, and stories, united by a common goal: protecting the places birds and people need today and tomorrow.
Throughout the day, our groups met with legislative staff to advocate for birds, our communities, and the places we all love. For some participants, this was familiar territory; they had years of experience speaking up for their communities and the issues they care about. For others, it was their first time stepping into a meeting and sharing their story with policymakers.
That mix of experience was one of the most meaningful parts of the day. Participants learned from one another, asked questions, shared advice, and encouraged each other along the way. As the day progressed, it was incredible to watch people become more comfortable speaking up and sharing the personal connections that brought them to the Capitol in the first place. Whether someone was a seasoned advocate or getting their feet wet for the first time, every voice added something meaningful to the conversation.
Advocacy Day demonstrated the incredible breadth of Audubon's community across California. Our participants came from different programs, chapters, campuses, and communities, but the conversations in Sacramento showed just how connected our work is.
The day was action-packed, with groups moving from meeting to meeting and putting their advocacy skills into practice. By the end of the day, participants had gained firsthand experience in how community voices can help shape policy, and, more importantly, how their own stories can be powerful tools for creating change.
We closed out the day with a happy hour reception, giving everyone a chance to slow down, celebrate a full day of advocacy, and make new connections. Conversations continued long after the meetings ended, with participants sharing stories from the day and getting to know fellow Audubon champions from across California.
After seven years, returning to the State Capitol for Advocacy Day felt especially meaningful. The day reminded us that advocacy is not only about what happens in meetings with policymakers, but also about building relationships, learning from one another, finding confidence in our collective voice, and creating a community of people willing to speak up for the places we love.
We are grateful to everyone who showed up, shared their stories, and helped make our relaunch of Advocacy Day so special. We can't wait to see everyone, and hopefully even more of you, back in Sacramento next year!