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- Resources and Tools There is an abundance of excellentin formation avail¬able on forest issues. You can start by reading America's Forests in Crisis, a brief overview of the state of our forests on the two following pages. Books, articles, videos, slide shows, speakers, and much more are easily available to you from the Resource List in the Resources section of this I n the contentious debate over the fate of our forests, Guide. Using it, you can learn about the biocentric both sides are using all means available to pay, per- perspective of Deep Ecology,- the economics of New suade, or pressure decision-makers to fight for their inter- Incentives, or line up Lou Gold to speak to your group. _ ests. Unfortunately, the timber industry has vast financial Take advantage of it. You'll have to get most of the items resources at its disposal to influence policy with false and directly from the publisher or distributor. You can get misleading information. We have only the power of voters, some items directly from Save America's Forests. For science, and common sense. The situation is so urgent that these items, use the Forest Activist Tools Order Form in we must all act now on what we already know and the Resources section. understand. Yet aggressive self-education is critical to One of the best ways to become more familiar and grasping the complexities of the issue and creating solu- fluent with the issues is to discuss them with fellow forest tions. This knowledge must be soughtout, because itis still activists. By listening to the way they construct their not commonly taught in our schools and universities, arguments, you'11 learn how to best present your own case. which often rely on curriculum that is designed by the It is also useful to incorporate knowledge you have devel-timber and chemical· industries. Oped in other pursuits. Try making your own presentations Education will help you articulate your position and to a friendly and forgiving audience, someone who will fend of the false information of the timber industry andthe correct your mistakes and help round out your knowledge. Forest Service. The more you read, write, talk. and hear Question and learn from everyone, and share your knowl-about the ecol- .... --. edge freely, too. ogy of the for- The value of ests and the eco- discussion cannot nomics in- be overstated. vol ved, the Talk to the oilier greater your activists in your own skill at ex- area, get together plaining and ar- for a group dis-guing the issue cussion, have a to others will dinner party. You become. You can find other ac-should not only tivists by calling know the back- the groups on the groundfacts and Contact List in concepts, but the Resources you should try section, and talk-to keep up with ing to the leaders current events, of these groups di-and be knowl- rectly. edgeable about Self-edl4ca-pendinglegisla- tionis an ongoing tion and its potential impacts. Itis also critical to learn the process. Don't feel like you can't begin your activism issue from the industry's and logger's points of view. before you know everything. You are a citizen, and have the rightto express your opinion regardless ofyour knowl¬edge. When someone confronts you with a question you can't answer, simply say, "I don't know, but I will find out for you." Then get back with the answer! Finally, persua¬sion with facts is important, but ultimately our strength lies in the pressure we'll create through the combined voices of many citizens. SO GETOUT THEREANDDO SOME¬THING TODAY, FOR THE FORESTS SAKE!! EDUCATING YOURSELF Page 5
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