Giving Compass' Take:

· Writing for the Mission Continues Blog, David Riera shares his story of how he became an advocate for the environment and the work he is doing now. 

· How do advocates influence policy in DC? What is being done to help preserve the environment now? 

· Read more about starting your environmental activism journey. 

Capitol Hill is like a Roman Colosseum, complete with all the ornate statues, marble surfaces and fountains. Both attract the affluent and impoverished alike, the streets filled with merchants, guards, and citizens waiting to attend the “games.” Who would have ever thought I would find myself participating in these great political games?

I traveled to Washington D.C. with the National Parks Conservation Association to ask Congress to protect our public lands. I visited their home office, a two floor hub filled with everything an environmentalist and champion for the parks could ever hope to have in order to prepare for the lengthy battles ahead.

These appointments were intense and nerve rattling, but we remained extremely confident and focused, even after seeing the President’s proposed budget. We went the distance on the Hill that day, everyone gave it their all, and some even got Florida orange juice out of it.

Read the full article about becoming an advocate for the environment by David Riera at the Mission Continues Blog.