USFWS Photo by Kim Betton

Many people are finding it very difficult and heart wrenching to watch the effects of the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Anger, frustration, sadness and the need to take action are many of the responses being heard regularly. The following are some suggestions for actions to direct these feelings and concerns to positive actions.

Step I: Stop and Take a Moment to:

• Send your condolences to those families that lost loved ones.
  • http://www.deepwaterhorizoncondolences.com/;
  • Local and national newspapers opinions and point of view columns; etc.
• Send encouragement to the communities directly affected by this tragedy.
  • Local and national newspapers opinions and point of view columns; radio, social networking, etc.
• Send encouragement and appreciation to those responding to this disaster.
  • Local and national newspapers opinions and point of view columns; radio, social networking, etc.
• Take time to recognize and talk about the impact it is having on you, your family and friends, the nation and the environment.

Step II: Take Action:

• Take positive actions on a daily basis by using less oil.
• Support environmental organizations with missions you feel will best address your concerns.
• Volunteer at or donate to your local wildlife rehabilitation organizations.
• Help fund a wildlife organization’s participation in the oil spill response planning efforts in your community or other sensitive areas.
• Help fund the development of necessary wildlife response facilities in your area, and in areas at risk from oil spills.
• Write to or meet with government representatives and industry to improve spill prevention and response planning and regulation.
• Write to or meet with government representatives for support of energy conservation and renewable energy.
  • Directory for all U.S. Senators: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cf
• Hold a press conference and rally in your state and urge the U.S. Senate to pass comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation this year.  
• Write letters to the editor and opinion pieces urging the U.S. Senate to pass comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation this year.
• Register to volunteer at the Gulf (realizing that thousands have already registered and that there is not a need for volunteers at this time).
  • http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/page/2931/46359/
  • 1-866-448-5816.

Step III: On the Ground Action in the Spill Region: