Every election year, my inbox overflows with polls on everything from the economy to environmental protection. I read them diligently. Public opinion on water has remained steady for years, with people expressing sky high support for solutions from water bill assistance to natural flood defenses and increased federal spending. But the research this year has been extra interesting. Pollsters have focused on big picture issues like the state of our democracy, asking what values people want our government to stand for, and who it should serve.
The news is heartening: we have so much more in common than current politics would have you believe. People share a deep conviction that everyone in this country should have equal opportunity to health and happiness, a real voice in decisions, and practice care for others. There is also widespread frustration with our current system of government, which many perceive as “broken” because of infighting, outsized corporate influence, and the failure to meet people’s basic needs.Â
The Water Hub recently reviewed 40+ polls, focus groups, and message tests to understand more about the worries and aspirations that bridge divides. We distilled key themes in this Water Research Synthesis. Then we designed a Water Communications Playbook with input from a number of partners to help advocates speak to shared concerns, paint a picture of the future we’re fighting for, and inspire hope and action. It includes messaging on topics from pollution prevention to working lands and extreme weather. We hope you find it useful!
Strategies for engaging midterm voters on water
How can our movement engage the millions of people who say they care about water, but mostly sit on the sidelines? This feels especially timely a month from the midterms, when cynicism has many opting out of politics. We have five ideas for water groups that want to inspire action now and create the conditions for long-term progress.
Current-ly
For NY Climate Week, we hosted a dinner for 14 creators to inspire them to use their platforms to build power for water and climate solutions. It’s already sparked a new story series on clean water! Â
Water we reading
Reaching beyond the environmental base will require us to slow down, listen, and lean into relationships. Resource Rural reminds us that you don’t have to be from a small town to practice rural values.
Making waves
Parks and clean water are issues where people across the political spectrum agree: The public good must be put above corporate profit. Communities across the country are rising up, writes Crystal Davis.
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What’s next?
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