CONSERVATION AFFAIRS NETWORK
Launched in 2014, The Conservation Affairs Network enhances the effectiveness of our entire Society by increasing communication, collaboration, and coordination between our Chapters, Sections, and TWS headquarters. Establishing better connections among the individual units of TWS is part of a larger strategic effort that will propel our entire Society into the future as a stronger organization and make each of us more effective at achieving our mission. Wildlife professionals now have an effective method for bringing their valuable and crucial perspectives into the policy process, to the betterment of wildlife conservation.
WORKING TOGETHER ACROSS BOUNDARIES
The Conservation Affairs Network has created a Policy Toolkit that provides TWS members with guidance and knowledge regarding policy advocacy. This toolkit was made to provide members with a basic knowledge of the policy process and advocacy techniques to ensure you are ready to effectively engage and make the voice of wildlife professionals heard and do your part to advance the mission of The Wildlife Society.
©Jennifer Merems
COORDINATING EFFORT
TWS units are made aware of policy activities occurring in other units, thereby allowing for collaboration and coordination of activities, rather than separately pursuing similar policy issues.
SHARING RESOURCES AND KNOWLEDGE
The Network allows for units to connect with topical experts around the globe to inform advocacy actions. Units can also share letters, position statements, other documentation, and experiences to assist other units in their policy pursuits.
©Rich Guenzel
©Chloe Fowler
ENGAGING TWS MEMBERSHIP
Members of TWS want to be engaged in policy actions. This Network provides clear direction to our members to help them become effectively engaged in policy issues and positively impact the outcome.
UNIFYING THE MESSAGES OF TWS ACROSS LOCAL, REGIONAL, AND NATIONAL POLICY
By communicating regularly, we can strengthen our message at all levels of government by remaining consistent and clear in our approach.
©Arin Underwood
NEWSLETTER
The Conservation Affairs Network communicates, in part, through a newsletter distributed to all Section and Chapter Conservation Affairs Committees. The newsletter provides a structured venue for Conservation Affairs Committees (CAC) and interested TWS members to learn about various policy issues occurring at local, regional, and national levels and what they can do to help address those issues.
The newsletter contents come from the Network itself – TWS Section and Chapter CACs send in information regarding their policy activities and requests for assistance to be included in the newsletter
LEARN
VIEW HISTORICAL NEWSLETTERS
To view historical newsletters TWS members may login to Your Membership then navigate to Resources > TWS Policy Library and search for “Document Type > CAN newsletter.”