A Guide to Action
There are many ways to help save the endangered species of the world. These are just a few ways you can contribute:
Make a Donation
There are many organizations to make donations to. Each of the following websites has a page where you can submit a donation. Some pages, like the Wildlife Conservation Network have information on how to submit your donation by fax, phone, mail, or online. You even have the option of making monthly donations. Each organization will put a portion of or your entire donation towards the conservation of endangered species.
World Wildlife Fund
Wildlife Conservation Network
IUCN Red List
Endangered Species International
National Wildlife Federation
Adopt an Animal
Go online to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and adopt an animal. You can make donations of $25, $50, $100, or $250 and receive a different gift package depending on the amount. Each package comes with a picture and a certificate of the type of animal you have adopted. Any gift past $50 also receives a stuffed animal version of the adopted animal. Eighty-two cents of every dollar goes towards animal conservation. If you donate $500, you will receive a different stuffed animal every month. You can even adopt an animal for a friend by buying a gift adoption card. That way, your family member or friend can choose which animal they want to adopt.
Join the Cause
There are many organizations that are always looking for new members. You can contribute financially, or you can offer your time and skills. Organizations such as the IUCN have positions for people who want to work at office branches or out in the field. Go online to http://cms.iucn.org/involved/near_you/index.cfm, and enter your country name to find a list of organizations near you!
Buy to Save
Buy products from companies that donate a certain amount of their profits to conservation agencies. Endangered Species chocolate is just one example. You can enjoy a wide array of chocolate and merchandise while supporting animal conservation. Ten percent of each purchase goes to support various wildlife organizations.
Write a Letter
As with most important things, you can always write letters to your state senator or representative. Anytime is a good time to write a letter, though some times are better than others. With one fourth of all mammals being in danger of going extinct and with the current debates over the Endangered Species Act, now would be one of those times. Your congressmen are the ones who work with wildlife protection acts, like the Endangered Species Act, so it’s important that they know how much wildlife conservation is to the citizens of the country.
Senate
Richard Lugar (R)
Address: 306 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510
Telephone: 202-224-4814
Fax: 202-228-0360
B. Evan Bayh (D)
Address: 463 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510
Telephone: 202-224-5623
Fax: 202-228-1377
House of Representatives
Peter J. Visclosky (D-01)
Address: 2256 Rayburn Building, Washington DC 20515-1401
Telephone: 202-225-2461
Fax: 202-225-2493
Joe Donnelly (D-02)
Address: 1218 Longworth House Office Building, Washington DC 20515
Telephone: 202-225-3915
Fax: 202-225-6798
Mark E. Souder (R-03)
Address: 2231 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515-1403
Telephone: 202-225-4436
Fax: 202-225-3479
Steve Buyer (R-04)
Address: 2230 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington DC 20515-1404
Telephone: 202-225-5037
Fax: 202-225-2267
Dan Burton (R-05)
Address: 2308 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington DC 20515-1405
Telephone: 202-225-2276
Fax: 202-225-0016
Mike Pence (R-06)
Address: 1317 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515-1406
Telephone: 202-225-3021
Fax: 202-225-3382
Brad Ellsworth (D-08)
Address: 513 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515-1408
Telephone: 202-225-4636
Fax: 202-225-3284
Baron P. Hill (D-09)
Address: 223 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515-1409
Telephone: 202-225-5315
Fax: 202-226-6866
