Welcome to the Teaming with Wildlife Communications Initiative
The International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and The Nature Conservancy have joined together to bring you this State Wildlife Action Plan Message Kit. We believe that using a common language when discussing the State Wildlife Action Plans will strengthen the voice of the conservation community in conveying the importance of the Wildlife Action Plans to the public and to decision-makers. This is a critical first component in fully implementing these strategic, pro-active plans.
Beginning in fall of 2005, in conjunction with many other conservation groups, we will lead a national communications effort timed to dovetail with the completion of the State Wildlife Action Plans. Capitalizing on the momentum created by the launch of these strategies, we will work to build, strengthen, and mobilize a core network of key individuals, organizations, and both federal and state agencies on behalf of securing full implementation of and necessary funding for the State Wildlife Action Plans.
As part of our partnership, we have developed this message kit to give you the tools to help us achieve our common objective- to educate the public about the need for more resources to support wildlife conservation and the crucial role that State Wildlife Action Plans will play in this effort. This toolkit uses data from polling, focus groups, and other public-opinion research to provide you with universal messages and a customized strategic communications plan. The goal of this product is to provide you with the tools and research to:
- Inform, inspire, and motivate the public to support increased public funding for implementation of the State Wildlife Action Plans
- Build the public awareness and support needed to reenergize, strengthen, and expand state and national Teaming with Wildlife coalitions
The State Wildlife Action Plans offer us all an unprecedented opportunity to raise awareness of the problems and the solutions affecting wildlife in each state and in the nation as a whole. Working together, we can convey a strong, unified message to the public and decision-makers about the importance of investing in the State Wildlife Action Plans to conserve wildlife and vital natural areas for future generations. We hope that you will join us in this historic effort.
Naomi Edelson
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Carol Baudler
The Nature Conservancy