Ann Maria Bell, WISPIRG Member

Ann Maria started working with the WISPIRG Activist Network in March 2005. She lives in Madison and is currently writing full time. She and her husband like to bike, hike, kayak and hang out with friends.

What kinds of activities have you done with the WISPIRG Activist Network?

I’ve mainly worked on the issue of clean, sustainable energy. I’ve hosted events at my house, talked to people at the farmers’ market, and gone door-to-door.

What are the issues you are most concerned about?

Hard to say because it’s all interconnected! I think we should focus on creating a positive alternative to our current shortsighted, haphazard use of natural resources and abuse of the environment. We need to integrate all our issues into a coherent vision for the future.

Why did you join the Activist Network?

Like many other people I felt like crawling into a hole after the elections in November. Instead I decided to build on the positive experiences I had working with activist organizations during the campaign. I think reaching out, going door-to-door and talking to people about the things that really matter in their lives, is the key to building a strong progressive environmental movement.

What has your experience in the Activist Network been like?

Approaching people on the street and in their homes was scary at first, but I was amazed at all the positive responses I got. As soon as people found out what was at stake they went out of their way to sign on in support of clean energy and in defense of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The vast majority of Americans understand how important developing sustainable energy is to both national security and to protecting the environment and they’re happy to do what they can to help.

Why would you encourage other WISPIRG members to get involved?

It’s time for the silent majority to speak up. Now more than ever we need to organize at the grassroots level. We need a network of activists that can provide a positive vision of a world where the health and well-being of future generations is more important than short-term profits for a few, and we need a network of activists that can move into action whenever and wherever our birthright to a clean, healthy, thriving environment is threatened.

WISPIRG Citizen Activist Network
WISPIRG is building a network of members and other citizens who monitor lawmakers on key public interest votes. As citizen activists, members have taken actions from making official public comments on important legislation to getting fellow community members together for a meeting with a legislator in their district. If you are interested in finding out more, please send an e-mail to or to sign up on our Web site click here.

Activist Network Successes
WISPIRG is able to make a difference on issues important to Wisconsinites due to the work of our members. Just in the last few months:

• 141 activists hosted “Caribou Baby Showers” to help friends and family write and call members of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation, asking them to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil and gas drilling. Over 900 requests were sent to our senators.

• Over 500 activists submitted personalized comments to the Department of Natural Resources asking for stronger protections for our lakes as part of the official comment period.