Conservation Funding Campaign Strategies Andy Tuck Senior Campaign Advisor The Nature Conservancy Twitter: AndrewTuck2 Vote4Nature
WY ND SD NE KS OK AR LA IA KY WV AK HI MD DE NJ CT RI MA VT NH CO IL MN WI MS MT ID OR NV NM TX MO AL GA SC TN IN PA VA ME CO WA CA AZ MN WI IL OH NY NC UT MI SD TNC Conservation Funding Wins Legislative Appropriations Campaigns Ballot Measure Campaigns
Legislative Lobbying Campaigns
Opposition Strategy Avoid certain funding/policy mechanisms Identify opposition, outreach to them Use coalition building to neutralize Anticipate their messages Frame the debate early Don’t rise to their bait
1. Start where the public starts on an issue, not where you want them to be. 2. People want to know: What’s In It For Me? (WIIFM) Messaging Strategy
For the public, frame messages in terms of: People’s HEALTH (water & air) People’s QUALITY OF LIFE and FUTURE GENERATIONS Messaging Strategy For legislators, frame messages in terms of: JOBS and ECONOMIC BENEFITS in their district COST SAVINGS for business and government VOTES in their district “Nature’s Value”
Bad Words to Avoid Environment Ecosystems Biodiversity Watershed Sprawl Environmentalism Good Words to Use Land, air and water Natural areas Fish and wildlife Water/Land around water Poorly planned growth Conservation The “New” Language of Conservation
Strong Supporters Undecided Strong Opposed Voter Opinion Targeting Strong Supporters Undecided Strong Opposed
Strong Supporters Undecided Strong Opposed Voter Opinion Targeting Strong Supporters Undecided Strong Opposed
Smart Phone Apps New and Emerging Tools & Tactics Geo-Targeted Web Ads Phones Social Media
Case Study: Minnesota 2008 Ballot Measure 3/8 % Sales Tax Increase = $5.5 Billion MINNESOTA
Case Study: Iowa 2010 Ballot Measure 3/8 of one percent from future sales tax increase = $150 million per year IOWA
Case Study: Alabama 2012 Ballot Measure 10% offshore oil gas fee for 20 years = $15 million per year ALABAMA
Case Study: West Virginia Voluntary Rural and Outdoor Heritage Conservation Act $9 Deed Recording Fee = $2 million per year WEST VIRGINIA
Conservation Funding Campaign Strategies Andy Tuck Senior Campaign Advisor The Nature Conservancy Twitter: AndrewTuck2 Vote4Nature