Simon Croker, a freelance filmmaker and actor, didn't have the time to volunteer with ACF, so he found other ways to fight for nature and “feel heard" online. Read more community stories.
I’ve known about the climate crisis my whole life.
Seeing constant inaction and delay tactics over such an important issue can be really defeating. I was so sure Labor was going to win the 2019 election with their ambitious climate change agenda that I became super depressed after the result.
I couldn't sleep at night because I was so anxious about the climate crisis, and other human rights issues.
Together we are finding a collective voice. Hopefully that voice will become so powerful it will be impossible to ignore.
It took me a while to get out of that rut and think, what can I do? I was able to make small adjustments that have a big impact, things like changing who I bank with, my superannuation and electricity provider. I was signing petitions but wanted to do more.
I follow a lot of activists on social media, and I’ve been learning from them over the years about the power of our voices. Signing petitions is important, but the most effective way of getting our MPs and business leaders onside is to contact them directly, to tell them your story and the reasons you’re concerned.
I find writing letters to be really helpful in turning my frustration into something productive and positive that helps me feel heard.
It takes more time than signing a petition, but it really works for me and is something I want to prioritise in my busy life.
Photo: Will Edgar
Simon is an ACF supporter based in Sydney. Want to join him and thousands of others advocating to decision makers for stronger nature laws and climate action? Join our email list to receive opportunities to speak out as a collective and "be heard". Together, we are powerful.
When the bushfires were happening, I was trying to write an email every day. I’d type a little paragraph and then move on to my job and then come back to it. I noticed colleagues online shopping and thought, ‘Why not use my time to type an email to an MP?’
I volunteer with the Human Rights Watch Australia Sydney Outreach Committee and I'm currently chairing a new Pride committee within my union, the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, to better represent LGBTQIA+ performers.
I find writing letters to be really helpful in turning my frustration into something productive and positive that helps me feel heard.
I write letters to all sorts of organisations, but what I appreciate most about ACF is they send you links to reports with suggestions of who to write to and what to say. It is a great system and makes the letter-writing process accessible and less intimidating. They make it easier for people to give their time and I really appreciate that kind of guidance.
We all have our own communities. I’m very lucky to be part of the beautiful queer community. Capitalism breeds individualism and focus-locked busyness, but I think the bushfires and COVID have really reinforced the value of community.
Together we are finding a collective voice. Hopefully, that voice will become so powerful it will be impossible to ignore.
Read more stories about the people who make ACF Community powerful.
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Header photo: Will Edgar
