As part of our efforts to promote legislation to protect the Okefenokee Swamp, the Georgia Water Coalition is planning a social media campaign that we’ll launch during the 2026 Legislative Session.
The campaign is called “40 Days For The Okefenokee” or, in hashtag terms, #40days4oke. Here’s the premise: Every day that the legislature is in session (40 days total), we want to send a letter to the governor and other legislative leaders asking them to pass legislation to protect the swamp. We are recruiting volunteers to write these letters, and more than that, to record themselves reading their letters out loud so we can post the videos on social media.
The caption under each video will say something like “We encourage Gov. Kemp and his allies in the legislature to take action to protect the Okefenokee, so we’re sending him a letter every day. This is day X of #40days4oke.”
If you’re interested in participating, here are some guidelines.
GUIDELINES:
- Write out what you want to say first! Why is protecting the Okefenokee is important to you and why are you getting involved in this fight? It could be because you want to protect the endangered and threatened species that call the Swamp home, because you’re worried about climate change and want to preserve one of the most impactful carbon sinks in Georgia, because you’ve spent time at the Swamp and want to make sure future generations get to experience it. Speak from the heart!
- If you want any help at all in writing your message, let us know! We can give you statistics and sources, and we’re also happy to help you brainstorm ideas! At some point, please say your name and where you are from (we don’t need an address, just something like “I’m John, and I live in Blue Ridge, Georgia.”). Your letter should be 150-300 words, otherwise your video will be too long. The video should be about 1-3 minutes.
- Please: No profanity or name calling. It’s ok to take “a tone” in your letter, as my mother would say, but we want to be civil. And remember, you’ll be recording yourself reading your letter. If you’d be uncomfortable saying it to the governor’s face, probably best to leave it out.
- No need to reference the campaign or the 40 days for Okefenokee stuff. Just introduce yourself and talk about why the Okefenokee is important. But you should start your letter (and your video) with “Dear Governor Kemp” then proceed with your letter.
- Once your letter is written, if you want, you can send it our way and we’ll give you some feedback before you record yourself. We can help make sure all our facts are correct and the message is clear. We’ll also use the text of your letter to caption the video and include it in the post itself.
- Find a quiet and well-lit spot. Natural light works great, so try standing near a window or filming outside. Avoid noisy backgrounds so your voice comes through clearly.
- When recording yourself, hold your phone in vertical/portrait mode. This format works better for social media. Make sure your camera is as steady as possible. Hold it yourself at arm’s length if you have a steady hand, prop it up on a table or something similar, or ask someone to hold it for you.
- Once the video is done, send it to Emma Alligood at Georgia Wildlife Federation at emma@gwf.org or if the video file is too big, you can text it to her at (706) 474-5730 and we’ll do the rest! We’ll get the post ready to go and let you know what day your letter/video will be posted.
GWC’S PLATFORM TO PROTECT THE OKEFENOKEE SWAMP:
Here are some options that the Georgia Water Coalition views as progress in protecting the Okefenokee Swamp and Trail Ridge. Take these into account when creating the script for your video.
- Pass HB 561 – The Okefenokee Protection Act
This bill would prohibit surface mining on Trail Ridge, the eastern rim of the Okefenokee Swamp. Experts say that Trail Ridge plays a critical role in the flow of water out of the swamp, and small changes there can have outsized impacts. - Pass HB 644 – “Bad Actor” legislation
This bill makes it easier for the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to deny permits to applicants who have a history of violating environmental laws or regulations, including violations in other states. - Use state budget surplus or GOSA funds to purchase land near the Okefenokee for permanent conservation
The “Georgia Outdoors Stewardship Act,” or GOSA, uses tax revenue from the sale of outdoor equipment to fund the protection and conservation of land in our state. In 2025, more than $24 million in grants were given to conservation projects through the GOSA fund.
Thanks for your help with this campaign!