For more than 15 years we’ve been working to protect and restore the Great Lakes
Who We Are
Since its inception in 2004, the Coalition has successfully secured a strong Great Lakes restoration plan and more than $3.5 billion in federal funds to clean up toxic pollution that poses a threat to people and wildlife, reduce polluted runoff that causes harmful algal blooms that poison drinking water, stop invasive species that harm fish and wildlife and outdoor recreation, and reverse habitat destruction that harms the environment and hurts the economy. Federal investments are producing results in communities across the eight-state region of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. But serious threats remain, and the Coalition will continue to advocate for manageable solutions that protect our drinking water, jobs, and way of life. Because cutting funding now will only make projects harder and more expensive the longer we wait.
Our Values
Collective Impact: We are a Coalition with shared vision that is committed to working strategically, efficiently, collaboratively, and compassionately for Great Lakes and its residents.
Equity and Justice: Water is a basic human need, and we work to ensure everyone has access to clean, safe, and affordable water. We believe that actions to protect and restore clean water and healthy ecosystems must reverse environmental injustices and prevent future ones.
Informed Solutions: We put forward multi-faceted solutions based on the scientific, cultural, social and traditional ecological knowledge of our members, partners and allies to address the most urgent threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem and all who rely on them.
Inclusion: While we recognize the strength of a shared vision and collective agenda, we also value the importance of having diversity among our membership with respect to cultural, gender identities, race, politics, life experiences, and knowledge.
Democracy and Public Engagement: Clean water for all depends on a strong and healthy democracy, and we believe that environmental policies, practices, and enforcement are stronger, more effective, and more equitable when the American public participates in decision-making. Further, we believe that governments at all levels are responsible for maintaining, protecting, and restoring the nation’s water resources for the benefit of all people.
Staff
Staff from the National Parks Conservation Association and the National Wildlife Federation run the coalition from offices in Washington, D.C., and Ann Arbor, Mich.
Governance Board
The Governance Board provides strategic guidance to the Coalition. Additionally, the board approves the Coalition’s annual budget and campaign plan.
Equity, Advisory and Action Committee
The Equity, Advisory and Action Committee provides support to the Governance Board on implementing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) in Great Lakes work, and advocates for the concerns of communities harmed by pollution. Members of the committee guide outreach to community organizations for submitting content to the annual Great Lakes Conference, and partner with state leads to uplift and elevate the voices of frontline communities with Members of Congress.
Our Members
Our members and partners form the backbone of our work and have been key to our success. The strength of our coalition draws from the many groups across the region dedicated to local, regional, and national water issues. Becoming a member provides your group access to the resources and partnerships built by the coalition. Our listserv, website, and strong membership network in each state would allow your group to plug into the advocacy efforts of the Coalition on issues pertinent to the Great Lakes. Those issues include protecting drinking water, restoring habitat, fighting invasive species, cleaning up toxic pollution, and reducing runoff.
How to Join
Joining is easy! An authorized member of your organization should contact our field director, Celia Haven at HavenC@nwf.org to request an application to join. Our board approves new member applications quarterly. All members will be added to the Coalition’s email listserv, which is main form of communicating with our members. There is no membership fee associated with joining the Coalition.
