Interest Group or Issue
Interest groups exist all around the world, as a "natural outgrowth" of the communities of interest in every society. Interest groups are defined as "a formally organized association that seeks to influence public policy". The goals of special interest groups are to affect government policy as a way to benefit the group or their specific cause. Each interest group's goal varies greatly, allowing their lobbying strategies to range across political systems.
List of National Interest Groups- USA Political Database
- Abortion & Reproductive
- Agriculture & Food Processing
- Animals and Wildlife
- Arts, Entertainment, and History
- Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
- Conservative
- Drugs
- Education
- Energy, Oil, and Natural Resources
- Environment
Interest groups provide resources and advocate to make a change in the world through their organization. Interest groups will send representatives to state capitals and Washington D.C. to engage in lobbying, putting pressure on policymakers and members of Congress to fight for change.
But why would policymakers listen to interest groups?
Interest groups are actively involved in political campaigns, as a way to help candidates who support their endeavors and defeat those who oppose their ideals. Political Action Committees (PACs) usually serve as "special political arms for the interest groups", in an attempt to influence legislative action or gain the favor of a member of the Legislature.
Special interest groups work hard to promote change in the government and society as a whole. The National Parks Conservation Association is a century-old special interest group that works tirelessly to protect America's National Parks for generations to come.
The National Parks Conservation Association
For the past 100 years, the NPCA's mission has been to protect and enhance America's National Park System for present and future generations.
With 27 locations across America and over 1.6 million members, the NPCA is committed to its passion to "to inform and inspire the public and to influence decision makers to ensure that our national parks are well protected."
The NPCA celebrates the diversity of America and believes in establishing a National Park System rooted in pride and inspiration for all people.
In an effort to correct the wrongs of the past, the NPCA focuses on inclusion and justice for all people visiting National Parks.
"We strive to acknowledge past injustices, listen to underrepresented and marginalized voices, and work toward reconciliation."
The National Parks Conservation Association is focused on "Protecting America's Legacy", to ensure the national parks will be around for the next hundred years.
How will they do this?
- Connecting and protecting ecosystems
- Enhancing park storytelling- tell the stories of all Americans
- Building communities within the parks
Taking Action: NPCAs Impact & Preservation Efforts
America holds over 400 national parks, and the NPCA is dedicated to preserving each one. With issues (such as air pollution, climate change, energy, funding, and wildlife) surrounding national parks, the NPCA is dedicated to educating and advocating for change.
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| Photo from NPCA's Oil and Gas Report |
The NPCA encourages its members (and non-members) to take action to preserve the national parks. On their website, they have listed several opportunities (remote and in-person) to donate or voice concerns about the issues affecting national parks.
The NPCA website serves to educate and advocate about the challenges facing national parks and encourages people to use their voices to create change.
Tell Congress: Continue Supporting Needed Park Repairs
On NPCA's website, submit a letter to Congress telling them to continue the Great American Outdoors Act within the National Parks.
Send an email through the NPCA website to state senators "to establish a federal program that could create as many as 120,000 jobs and ensure that the nation’s transition to cleaner energy sources benefits all communities", as well as hold oil and gas companies accountable.
NPCA is giving people a voice and a way to communicate with government leaders who can embody and promote the change needed within national parks.
Social Media Outreach
Most 103-year-olds are not active on social media, but NPCA is changing that narrative.
NPCA has several social media accounts dedicated to sharing information and educating people on the preservation of national parks.
44.8k followers
The NPCA Instagram features breathtaking photos from national parks, updates about preservation, and stories to encourage followers to take action.
229.3k followers
The NPCA Twitter gives daily updates about government involvement/help within the parks and research concerning the environment and conservation efforts.
1.34k subscribers
Video: What Makes a Park a Park
Conclusion
The National Parks Conservation Association advocates for the national parks and everything they represent. The NPCA has fought for the preservation of the national parks for over 100 years, and they aren't stopping now.
The protection of national parks would not be possible without the NPCA. With their help, educating members of Congress and the public is achievable and effective. The NPCA works to convince members of Congress and decision-makers to "uphold the laws that protect the parks" as well as create and support new laws that address threats to the parks.
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