Advocacy Guidelines
Why FOTY engages in advocacy:
American West, the Yampa River remains largely unaltered, allowing it to sustain vibrant aquatic and riparian ecosystems, a myriad of recreational opportunities, and thriving communities. Friends of the Yampa (FOTY) has a responsibility to support the healthy, free-flowing qualities of the river – and to act as “the Lorax” by speaking for the species and ecosystems who cannot speak for themselves – as this upholds our mission “to protect the environmental and recreational integrity of the Yampa River and its tributaries.” FOTY therefore is concerned about projects or policies that may jeopardize the biology, hydrology, geomorphology and structural complexity, connectivity, water quality, equitable access, and recreational safety of the Yampa and its tributaries, such as mainstem dams, trans-mountain diversions, excessive riparian development or land use conversion, reduced river access, and other potential threats.
How and when FOTY engages in advocacy:
• FOTY conducts thoughtful and detailed reviews on individual proposed projects and policies to develop specific ways to eliminate or reduce impacts. We use these reviews to help direct policies and projects. Additionally, because the community depends on FOTY as a trusted source for these detailed analyses, we also disseminate vetted information to educate the community on issues, encourage their engagement, and empower them to make their voice heard
• We take anticipated effects on valued relationships into account when preparing to engage and work to mitigate those effects, as we recognize that compromise and collaboration are often key to achieving long-term goals
• Our positions are always based on the best available science
• We continually monitor potential projects and policies so we can take a proactive approach to advocacy, but recognize that reactivity in times of crises is sometimes necessary
• We take pride in being an active and responsible advocate by being an active participant in planning processes and always going straight to the source for information on a potential project or policy rather than relying on second-hand information
• We attack the issues at hand, never the people behind the issues
• We uphold the fundamental principle of equal access to the river in all advocacy endeavors
• We examine issues from a holistic, systems-based view
Advocacy decision-making power
Staff has the ability to use their discretion and best judgement to sign letters of support or make recommendations during planning processes without board approval except when the action:
• May reasonably be viewed as controversial
• May be significantly damaging to relationships with partners or funders
• May reasonably be viewed as not fully aligned with FOTY’s mission
For all letters of support or actions above, the letter/action must be summarized and brought to the attention of the board at the next board meeting.