For over twenty years the Endangered Species Coalition and our member groups have successfully defended the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We defended it after 911, when President Bush and members of Congress falsely claimed it interfered with military readiness. We defended it from members of Congress determined to undermine it and weaken it on behalf of corporate donors. We have defended it from unscrupulous government employees at the federal and state level that act as though their priorities are to protect the most imperiled wildlife, when they are actually elsewhere, like with game species. Working together, we have saved the ESA from literally hundreds of bills, provisions and amendments that would weaken or destroy it.
Too often, the conservation community works myopically, focused only on their organization goals and do not plan or implement strategy as a movement. This can make us less effective. This can make us hyper-focused on the burning tree and not see the forest fire. ESC provides a forum to bring organizations together to protect the ESA and the wildlife that depends upon it.
We are strong and successful when we work together.
As Brock Evans, founder and president of ESC, summed up our successful strategy to defend the ESA – “Endless Pressure Endlessly Applied.”
Our member groups our energized on the work we do together. Here is how they describe our collaborative efforts:
Strength in Numbers – Save the Manatees Club
Monitoring and activating groups on national legislative and regulatory threats to endangered species – Gulf Restoration Network
Rallying national, regional and local groups to advocate on behalf of endangered species and protect the Endangered Species Act – Florida Conservation Voters Education Fund
Endangered Species Day outreach – National Association of Biology Teachers
Sharing information about hot button issues we should be following and organizing trips to DC to talk with legislators – Maine Audubon
Unify key activist groups or persons with tools necessary to successfully defend and implement our premier law – focused towards wild indigenous species – Western Nebraska Resources Council
Membership Services
The Endangered Species Coalition staff provides these tools and services to our member organizations:
- News and information on endangered species issues in Washington, DC and across the country
- Coordination of national, regional and local campaigns to protect endangered species and habitat
- Assistance from the ESC’s regional field staff in coordinating endangered species events and activities on the ground
- Support of our Washington, DC office to advocate for endangered species issues in Congress
- Timely analyses of Endangered Species Act bills, policies and funding
- Assistance for local groups to bring your issues and concerns to the national level with access to national decision makers and conservation organizations and by highlighting in our publications
- Suggested text for electronic email alerts on urgent endangered species issues, with suggested actions to take, sample letters, talking points, etc.
- Member-only trainings on endangered species issues and important skills to engage in endangered species campaigns
- Citizen guides, factsheets and other materials to inform you and your members about important endangered species issues
We have twice monthly grassroots calls at 2 pm ET on Wednesday. The calls consist of speakers and experts from our member groups and reports on all the ESA action in Washington DC, from Capitol Hill and the Administration. We follow the details so you do not have to!
ESC also hosts twice monthly Wolf calls, Tues, at 3 pm ET, and discuss the latest from the states and DC on all things wolves.
Through the listserve and on the grassroots calls, you will also receive information regarding the the annual Top Ten report, Get Out The Wild Vote (GOTV) activities, Endangered Species Day events, and so many other great opportunities! THESE OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY TO ESC MEMBER GROUPS!
To become an ESC member group, simply be nominated by two other member groups and sign the MEMBER GROUP CHARTER below! It is that easy to join the family – pack, clowder, pod, aggregation, school…
Once you become a member group, ask Corry ([email protected]) or Tara ([email protected]) to get you, and your staff, on the ESA Working Group List serve so you get all the meeting agendas, sign -on letters, event notifications, etc. Your organization can share information with the other member groups as well. We are stronger together!
Thank you for being an Endangered Species Coalition Member Group!