This summer, Rob Cochran, Columbia Riverkeeper’s Citizen Outreach Director and our team of five canvassers spent three days canvassing in Astoria to oppose the LNG export terminal being proposed by Oregon LNG. They sparked renewed energy in the community for the fight against LNG and build our membership in the area.
The team was welcomed into town by a group of local activists from Columbia Pacific Common Sense at a gathering at a local restaurant, where locals shared their stories and provided valuable insight to our canvassers about why they have been fighting OLNG for so long.
Canvassers spent evenings camping at the KOA campground just outside of town and spent three days knocking on doors in Astoria to talk to people about our work to oppose the LNG terminal and ask for the community get involved to support us.
Support from Astorian was overwhelming with 71 percent of Columbia Riverkeeper members renewing. Many of the new supporters were aware of Oregon LNG’s efforts but were generally unaware that the fight was still going on.
During the Canvass, Columbia Pacific Common Sense held a meeting to discuss the latest developments in the fight against LNG and plan their next steps to continue moving forward. The canvassers distributed flyers and invitations to the group, which generated a significant amount of new faces at the meeting.
Feedback from Local Activists:
“Even with all of OLNG's stalls and lies, it's heartening that people are still keeping on with us.”
“It was a pleasure and inspiration to meet this crew of smart, informed, skilled, and young people.”
“Thank you Rob, for all of your efforts on behalf of the Columbia River, and those who love it. Blessings to you and your crew.”
The Citizen Outreach Team broke fundraising records all three days in Astoria! A typical “Yes Rate” for donations would be between 15-20 percent in order to show strong support; however, Astorians performed a 40 percent “Yes Rate” which is an extraordinarily powerful demonstration of support from the local community.
Columbia Riverkeeper looks forward to returning to Astoria in the future to continue our work with local activists and keep the momentum going!
