I have been a WELC supporter for many years and a board member for going on three years. As such, I have been privy to and witnessed the growth of WELC, from both a program and a positive impact perspective. Much of the credit for this growth is attributable to very good leadership on the part of the Executive Director, Greg Costello, and the talented and dedicated staff attorneys. WELC is invested in providing its constituents with exemplary litigation and non-litigation support in a number of critical areas within the environmental law arena. The consistently positive results obtained by WELC in pursuing its goals and those of its clients speaks volumes with respect to its expertise in this area. I strongly suggest that anyone who is interested in supporting an on-the-ground environmental law organization that consistently achieves sought after results should seriously consider supporting WELC. If you are interested in seeing/hearing more about WELC, check out its website - www.westernlaw.org.
I was a volunteer here for one summer in Eugene, OR. I loved the people that worked there and their causes. It is an excellent organization.
I'll admit it, I'm biased. The Western Environmental Law Center works to protect things I care a lot about: old growth forests, wildlife habitat, clean air, drinking water for local communities...the list goes on. They provide policy guidance, scientific advice, and legal representation to conservation groups, state and local governments, individuals and small businesses across the West who want to protect their communities and quality of life. And WELC doesn't charge for their services. Instead, they rely on donations and grants from individuals and foundations. Over the past 35 years - first as the University of Oregon's Environmental Law Clinic and now (since 1993) as an independent non-profit organization - the Western Environmental Law Center has worked with hundreds of partner groups, individuals and businesses. In that time, it has become an incredibly effective advocate for protecting and defending the things that make the American West so special: its breathaking landscapes; its wild, free-flowing rivers, its crystal-clear air; its majestic old growth forests; its spectacular wildlife; and - most importantly - the quality of life for the people who live and visit there.