Dear Sean,

I’ve been invited to testify before Congress tomorrow morning (Thursday) on the charitable deduction and what it means for land conservation. View my prepared testimony, instructions for submitting your own, and a link to live video.

The charitable deduction remains vulnerable as Congress heads into negotiations over the sequester, debt ceiling and budget. The Alliance, with your help, is doing all we can to preserve and even make permanent the enhanced incentive for conservation easements, as well as supporting tax deductions for other donations to your organization.

In these uncertain times, the most effective tool we have to ensure that Congress supports land conservation and the billions of public and private dollars spent so far is strong relationships with your elected officials.

It takes some time, but not a lot of money, to be an advocate for conservation. And it doesn’t matter how big your organization is or how small. What matters is your voice telling your representatives that your work is critical to building vibrant communities that are healthy places to live, work and play.

Elected officials care about their constituents and want to know what is important. You can tell them land conservation is important for everyone!

Visit the Advocacy Tips webpage for advice, tips, templates and other information that make it easy for you to begin, or to strengthen, relationships with your elected officials.

Thank you for advocating for land conservation.