The City of Cleveland's ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE DIRECTORY provides links and contact information for many useful community, conservation, environmental and governmental organizations.

To identify your state and federal elected officials visit www.congress.org and enter your zip code.

To reach U.S. Senators and Representatives
U.S. Capitol Switchboard:
202-224-3121

U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510
www.senate.gov

U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
www.house.gov

To reach the White House
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 20500
202-456-1414
president@whitehouse.gov

To reach State Senators
Ohio Statehouse
Columbus, OH 43215

To reach State Representatives
Ohio House of Representatives
77 South High Street
Columbus, OH 43266-0603

To reach the Governor
Gov. Ted Strickland
77 South High Street
30th Floor, Riffe Center
Columbus, OH 43266-0601
(614) 466-3555

Do you know of a local environmental issue in need of attention? Do you have inside information on what's going on in your city or township? With over 5,000 members in Northeast Ohio we count on you to be the Club's eyes and ears of the region. While the Federal government and large corporations continue to wreak havoc on our environment, it is more important than ever before to act as watchdogs in our own backyards.

If you know of a local environmental issue in need of observation or action, please contact the Conservation Committee - Dennis Plank (216) 939-8229, or the Sierra Club phone message line at 440-843-7272.

Remember, no obstacle too great when passionate communities unite.

For those new to calling state or federal representatives, it's easier and less confrontational than it sounds. You will never speak directly with your rep or senator - an aide will answer the phone, take brief notes plus your name and city (sometimes), and that's it.

When calling either state or federal government offices, you will not need to go into detail or defend your position. No one will ever argue with you. They may ask questions to clarify what issue you support or don't support. But it's usually as simple as saying: "Please let my rep know that I want him/ her to support Bill number XX" (if there is a number), or "green building standards in schools", or "more renewable energy"; or "I do not want the US to drill for oil in ANWR!" The staff taking the calls are there to receive your information and forward it on or to provide information you request. They will not question what you support or your beliefs. You will never know if they personally do not agree with you.

One phone call is a lot more important than you may think! A long-time aide in Washington explained that, if a congress person receives many calls at their office, the aide will actually call the congress person on their cell phone, even if they're on the floor of the Capitol, debating. When asked, "How many is a lot?" her response was, "About 20." Your one call can make a difference.

For updates on Sierra Club legislative priorities call 202-675-2394 or log on to www.sierraclub.org