Talking takes at least two important ingredients – (1) you have to have something to say, and (2) you need someone to say it to. That’s usually how talking works best. Ideally someone is listening to you, too.

• Something to say. Try CEP Fact Sheets. 
  
  Pretty much every page on our website works as a fact sheet. See the Print/ Email/ Share bar at the top of every section of content? You can use that to share the information with friends, or print out for your own use. 
  
  We also offer additional fact sheets. 
  
  
• Someone to say it to. Finding other people who care.
  
  Your book club could read a book on climate change. Your church group or veterans’ association could invite a speaker on the topic. Dinner groups, online communities, library series, 4-H, FFA, quilting groups – there are many ways to connect. 
  
  

  Are you a student? Check out Energy Action Coalition, a group that helps young people connect with climate issues. 
  
  Interested in creation care? There are many groups you can check out – check out CEP’s Tips for Congregations. 

• How to say it. Just a few tips for connecting in the digital world. 
  
  If you send out mass emails (ten people or more) make sure the recipients have your address entered in their address book. Otherwise, you will get caught in their spam filter. 
  

  Practice email courtesy – don’t send emails to people who haven’t requested them, take them off your list if they ask you to, and send the list through the bcc function, not the cc, to respect your recipients’ online privacy.

• Public Forums. Broadening your scope. 
  
  City, county, state administrative offices, and legislators all hold public meetings, and most publicize them on their websites in advance. Keep track and try to attend at least a few. 
  
  Do you know how to use online calendars, like those offered by Google or Yahoo? Set up a public calendar for your local area, and track as many of these public meetings as you can. Invite local groups to view the calendar. Allow them to sign up for email notifications. 
  
• Speaking Out. Tips for public meetings. 
  
  If you have a chance at the microphone, keep your questions or statements short and specific. Introduce yourself and BRIEFLY state why you care about the issue. 
  
  Even if others become contentious, remain civil. Others will remember your example. 
  
  Afterwards, go up and introduce yourself to policymakers and their staff. Get their contact information. Follow up with email or a letter. Stay in touch. 
  
  Make sure to understand their position, clearly state your own, and if possible, reach a hand over the divide. For example:
  
  “I understand you support X. I support Y. However, I understand Z part of your reasoning. I think we share some similar concerns, and I know we both want the best for the people of this city/county/state/country. I’d like to set up a meeting to discuss our potential common ground. What’s your availability next week?”
  
  Always follow up. 
  
• Public comment. Getting your opinions into the public record. 
  
  State agencies and other government bodies often accept public comment on certain issues before they make their decisions or recommendations. You can submit a letter to go into the public record. 
  
  If the letter is short enough, you may also want to send a copy to the editor of your local paper. Check your paper’s website for submission instructions. 
  
  You can also attend the subsequent hearings on the issue. It’s your right as a citizen of the United States. 
  
  Follow up (follow up, follow up, follow up!)