A SQUEAKY WHEEL GUIDE 15

TO LOCAL ADVOCACY

“Pick your battles. It will have a higher impact,” says Bonnie Lewkowicz, the manager of Access Northern California, a nonprofit that advocates for access to nature and outdoor recreation.

She recommends a cool-headed, focused approach.

“I could write 20 letters a day, but I’m not going to. 

I’m going to focus on parks and outdoor entities and do trainings and awareness so staff can better serve their patrons with disabilities.”

Lewkowicz says her style is to be direct and not overly confrontational, even when a progressive city is building projects that are negatively impacting access.