News Subscribe  to Our Newsletter Sign  up for Email Updates CGF  In the News Press  Inquiries Past  Articles Calendar			Conservation Council  helps coordinate political effectiveness by Denice Dade  The Committee has always found that collaboration  with other environmental organizations and stakeholders has strengthened  our open space campaigns. As an advocacy organization, the Committee knows  first-hand that real change requires close communication and coordination  - change happens when groups and individuals come together and speak with  a unified voice. To help promote cross-pollination and effective advocacy, CGF initiated  creation of the Conservation Council. The council includes leading environmental  advocacy organizations active in Santa Clara County ( Acterra, Greenbelt Alliance, Santa Clara Valley Audubon  Society, Sierra  Club Loma Prieta Chapter, and Silicon  Valley Toxics Coalition) and meets quarterly to discuss current campaigns  and effective environmental action in Santa Clara County. The political breakfasts the Council hosts with elected officials are  proving to be one of the most fruitful projects so far - featuring lively,  detailed discussion focused on current topics, issues, and policies. The  breakfasts and other activities of the Conservation Council, make our  work to protect the environment more effective, efficient, and powerful. Published October 2002 in Green Footnotes. Page last updated October 28, 2002 .