By Marilyn Parks, certified VMN
Getting people to care about nature often comes naturally. Turning that care into meaningful action is where real change happens.
Nonprofits play a vital role in protecting our planet, but success depends on inspiring people to step forward—whether that means volunteering, donating, advocating, or simply changing daily habits. A strong call to action connects people’s love for nature with practical steps that make a real difference.
How Do You Encourage Participation?
Nature lovers act when their values are reflected back to them. Speak to their sense of responsibility, wonder, and connection to the natural world.
Remind them that protecting ecosystems, wildlife, and future generations is not just an obligation—it’s a shared mission. Be specific. The tree at the HOAs entrance is trapped in vines. Can you join me Tuesday when I cut it? I could use your help collecting the vines and bagging it.
Make the Challenge Real (But Hopeful)
Climate change, habitat loss, and pollution can feel overwhelming. Use clear examples and stories to show what’s at risk, but always pair urgency with hope.
Highlight how collective action restores habitats, protects species, and creates healthier communities. I’m shopping for American Beautyberry today and I see you’re looking at this Nandina. The berries on Nandina can be toxic to some birds, that’s why I chose the American Beautyberry. Plus, I love the purple berries it has!
Be Clear About How They Can Help
People want to help, but they need guidance. Be specific and simple.
Instead of broad messages like “Get involved,” offer clear steps such as “Join our weekend tree-planting event” or “Donate $25 to protect one acre of habitat.” I’m sorry to hear you hurt your back, but we could still use your help Sunday. Could you staff the table and sign volunteers in if I bring a chair for you? Or, maybe you could bake some brownies for the volunteers to enjoy after our invasive pull?
Reduce Barriers to Participation
Respect people’s time and resources.
Explain that small actions matter, commitments can be flexible, and no special expertise is required. Sharing testimonials from volunteers and supporters helps build trust and confidence. It’s a lot more fun working on this project with you than by myself, can you swing by for an hour or so?
Appeal to Emotion, Supported by Facts
Stories of rescued wildlife, restored forests, or cleaner waterways inspire emotional connection. Support those stories with facts that show lasting impact.
Emotion motivates action; information reinforces commitment. Welcome to the HOAs annual meeting. Here are photos of the meadow at the beginning of invasive removal in 2023. And here, are photos of the meadow restoration progress to date. Pretty amazing, huh?
Create Honest Urgency
Nature doesn’t wait—and neither should we.
Use real timelines such as seasonal conservation windows, funding deadlines, or urgent threats to ecosystems. Honest urgency encourages immediate action without pressure or guilt. English ivy damages trees. It causes structural instability, promotes fatal fungal rot, and restricts light, all of which can kill a tree. Did you know that in northern VA tree removal runs $1500-$4000? Tree removal is a high risk, labor intensive job. It’s cheaper to cut the vine and try saving the tree, than allowing the ivy to pull the tree down. What if the tree hits a building or person on its way down? Let’s cut the vines.
Reinforce Identity and Collective Impact
Nature lovers see themselves as caretakers of the Earth.
Frame action as a reflection of that identity and show how individual contributions combine into powerful collective impact. Since the stewards started pulling invasive from our front entrance, we’ve spent $500 less per year on landscaping. Planting that area with natives has meant less mulch and fewer weeds. And, the compliments we’ve received on how nice the entrance is now is priceless.
End With a Clear Invitation
Close with one confident and hopeful call to action:
“Volunteer with us this month.”
“Donate today to protect local wildlife.”
“Stand with us for a healthier planet.”
When people feel connected, capable, and inspired, they don’t just support the mission—they become part of it. When someone is asked to help or given a specific assignment, they’re more likely to opt-in to participate.