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In June, 1969, National Affairs and Legislation was established as a separate entity from the Conservation Committee to "bring to the attention of the membership important legislative proposals in Washington which fall within the fields of our endeavor."
Over fifty years later, its the GCA’s legacy of a voice that “speaks for the plants” continued as over 300 GCA members descended onto Capitol Hill in late February to attend three days of intensive workshops and discussions with chief policy experts and legislators.
This included learning about the GCA’s legislative priorities for 2020 which include:
- Land and Water Conservation Fund
- Restore our Parks and Public Lands Save our Seas 2.0
- American Transportation and Infrastructure Act (ATIA) and the “Moving Forward Framework”
- Monarch and Pollinator Highway Act
- The Native Plant Species Pilot Program
Almost 90 years ago, GCA members organized and rallied to “Save the Redwoods.” This involved a formal fundraising campaign, multiple trips out West and formal discussions with in-person legislators.
In today’s digital age, we recognize that while having one-on-one discussions with lawmakers is extremely effective, it involves a lot of time and planning. Recognizing that especially now, everyone is feeling taxed and perhaps disheartened by what you are hearing, reading and seeing on the news and unfolding before you in your own home, this is where we, the Conservation Committee, can offer a momentary distraction or even a smile with a few simple actions:
Do Now:
- Update your profile to receive the GCA Call to Actions Once a Month (5-10 minutes):
- Nature Conservancy Action Center: Bookmark this link, create a monthly reminder, click on 1+ of their actions, and fill out the form. This will be delivered to your Congressional leaders.
As Requested:
When a GCA Call to Action is received, follow the Call to Action steps which is usually a copy/paste email.
When asked by your Zone or Club rep, please email local, State and National representatives on important issues.
Lifelong:
- Plant in and outside. Plants make you smile. Share your seeds, cuttings and divided with others. Many of whom will become lifelong friends.
- When a child digs up a favorite plant, breathe, smile and then teach the art of transplanting.
- Grow your own vegetables when you can; they will taste better.
- And if you can’t, support a local farm. Take pictures and share.
- For the “now”, create instant happiness. And for 20 years from now, create instant happiness from great memories.
- Tell your story - My grandmother lived to be almost 103 years old. She was a dedicated gardener to the end and she loved African violets. She shared her stories orally and via her journals which spanned over 80 years. It is such a gift to have these. Share your story whether it by mouth, written in a journal, creatively using photographs on Instagram, etc.
