Dear All,

                As we approach election day in the U.S., there are at our disposal more research tools than ever before.  The websites below present just a few of the very useful research tools to help you determine how to cast your votes at the national and state level on November 4th.

As you know, SCB does not endorse candidates for office.  We do endorse citizenship.* 

                No part of our civic duty is more important in a democracy, or even in a country that is working toward democracy, than to cast our votes responsibly and to help others do the same.

                Virtually by definition, our members are opinion leaders in their communities and organizations.  Our members are also among the best at researching issues that are important to them.  Therefore people look to them for advice, guidance and support, particularly on issues affecting the conservation of biological diversity.

                I think you will enjoy this bit of research.

JF

John M. Fitzgerald, J.D.
Policy Director

The first website is a portal to ratings of all kinds at the state and federal levels by an organization that strives to be  non-partisan and politically-balanced and is devoted to helping voters inform themselves:

                http://www.vote-smart.org/

The second website is that of Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund, which provides ratings based on votes chosen for their impact on wildlife and habitat.

                http://www.defendersactionfund.org/

The third is that of the League of Conservation Voters, which uses a environmental votes generally, including pollution, energy, and other issues.

                http://lcv.org/scorecard/

The fourth is that of Nature Magazine's special election issue.

                http://www.nature.com/news/specials/uselection2008/index.html

The fifth is that of a coalition led by the AAAS fostering a debate among candidates on the role of science in public policy.

                http://www.sciencedebate2008.com/www/index.php

* Citizenship is a constant and multifaceted process so SCB is working toward this vision by greening itself and by addressing five major issues as well as many others through its Executive Office, publications, sections, chapters and working groups. 

The acronym "C.I.V.I.C.$." helps us remember several elements of citizenship:

Contemplate the world you want;
Investigate what it will take to bring it about;
Vote with ballots, and every other action you take;
Invest your money and time accordingly;
Coordinate your research and action throughout your personal and professional networks;
$hare your resources -- money, time, and knowledge.

Society for Conservation Biology
1017 O Street NW    
Washington, DC 20001-4229 US  

voice: 1-202-234-4133 x 107
jfitzgerald@conbio.org

www.conbio.org/resources/policy