Applications Open May 15 for Wild Virginia’s Clean Water Advocates Program

Clean water is a human right, but the decisions that shape what ends up in our rivers and what flows through our communities are often complex, and not everyone who wants to advocate has the knowledge or skills to influence the outcome.

Wild Virginia’s Clean Water Advocates program makes that process more transparent and accessible, bringing together changemakers from across the Commonwealth to learn how decisions move through agencies, how regulations are developed and applied, and where public input can make a difference.
Over the nine-week course, participants apply what they learn in real time, tracking decisions, reviewing documents, engaging with officials, participating in meetings, and learning how to speak up on issues that affect water quality in their own communities.

“I just loved this program,” said Alisha Reeves, Wild Virginia Clean Water Advocate 2025 Graduate. “It gives an overview of the Clean Water Act at the federal level, but also narrows down to how it works in Virginia. My favorite part was learning about FOIA, and the rights we have to access government proceedings. This program really shows how you can participate and contribute to clean water for everyone.”

Protecting water quality is core to Wild Virginia’s mission, and it relies on a network of informed advocates across the state. Wild Virginia intentionally builds a cohort that reflects the diversity of communities across Virginia’s major watersheds. The program welcomes individuals with different levels of experience and backgrounds and integrates environmental justice throughout the curriculum.

Students, professionals, and lifelong advocates are encouraged to apply for this FREE, virtual training course May 15 through June 29 at WildVirginia.org.