What Motivates Citizen Activists?

There’s plenty on the plates of citizen activists in Wisconsin these days. What keeps them going?

Whether it’s iron ore mining, frac sand mining, so-called factory farms, or some other environmental controversy, citizen activists are busy holding meetings, quizzing government officials or passing the hat to raise funds. It can be tiring and time-consuming.

Patricia Popple is a retired school district administrator who has spent a few years battling frac sand mines in Chippewa County. She says she remains motivated by her love for the environment and of families, “who I see being violated as a result of these huge mining companies, gas and oil companies – coming in, taking over, [and] taking away our rights – our civil rights, really – to water, to air, to a whole bunch of other things”

Popple also says it’s fulfilling to connect with other people: “I certainly could have chosen a lot of other things to do in my retired years, but the responsibility keeps drawing me into it.”

Popple joined other citizen activists at a weekend panel at the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair. Another activist says, don’t forget to add an element of fun, when appropriate, to keep people engaged and coming to events.