Email and tweet elected representatives

So, you’re taking action for nature, and you need to spread your message far and wide? It can be tricky to know where to begin. Luckily, we’ve got a few tips for promoting your action for nature.

Nature is in crisis, and time’s running out for politicians to protect and restore it. 

Tell our politicians to act now. #NatureCantWait

Writing a letter may seem a bit old fashioned, but a well-written letter (especially a hand-written one) can speak volumes. We know it can be hard to know where to start when writing a letter or email from scratch so here are our top tips:

• Make it clear you’re a constituent by including your address
• Be polite and be succinct
• Tell them why the issue matters to you – make it personal
• Tell them why the current situation isn’t good enough
• Tell them what you want to see done about it
• Ask them to help make this happen

Social media can be a tricky territory. But we’ve got a few tips that will help you avoid common pitfalls and help your message cut through the noise. When you talk about this campaign remember to focus on the issues and solutions for nature. The campaign you are supporting is charitable, and therefore not party political. Also, remember that you have sole responsibility for what you post online - please don't claim to speak on behalf of the RSPB.

• When using social media be open, honest, responsive, personal and transparent. Be human!  
• Actively engage with charities, businesses, politicians and anyone else you like. Following hashtags is a good way to keep up to date. Ask questions, share your experience and concerns, and get involved in conversation.   
• Respect others and be polite (but that’s always a good idea).   
• Remember that you are personally accountable. Be aware that what you publish will become public information. 
• Respect privacy. Do not provide another's confidential or other proprietary information. Ask permission before publishing or reporting conversations, and never report those intended to be private. 
• Don't pick fights. If you feel that you are being misrepresented by others on social media, think about pointing it out. Be respectful and stick to the facts.  

Talking to your audiences online, through things like social media posts and emails, is a great way to get people involved in your event. But make sure that these communications are open, accessible, and inclusive, so that everyone is included and can get involved. It’s simple, more people seeing and hearing your message, means more like-minded people taking action for nature. 

If you’re part of an RSPB Local Group and you’re planning an event, you can get in touch with your Local Group Development Officer for extra support promoting your action, as a representative of the RSPB.