The MWEA brings together a diverse group of individuals whose careers involve the water environment and who have similar objectives from a variety of backgrounds. MWEA provides a forum for all water environment topics. Through this forum a variety of objectives, strategies, and goals have been developed that will enhance the mission of the Association, expand the services provided to members, and result in the continued growth of the Association and its members. THE MICHIGAN WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION ( MWEA ) established in 1925 is one of Michigan's oldest organizations. MWEA represents more than 1, 700 water quality professionals statewide who are dedicated to preserving, restoring and enhancing Michigan's water resources. MWEA is a member association of the Water Environment Federation ( WEF ) an international organization with more than 100, 000 members worldwide. Wherever one travels in the United State or even the world ; Michigan is primarily recognized for one of two things, the home of the American auto industry and the Great Lakes. Well Michigan is not just the home of the Great Lakes but to over 11, 000 lakes and more than 36, 000 miles of rivers and streams. These lakes and streams enliven every community in the state and enrich the lives of every person residing here. As a member of the MWEA you are in a unique position of stewardship as a professional environmentalist. In this role we bring a balanced, scientifically based perspective to the natural resource needs of Michigan. We need to get that perspective heard. I believe that can best be accomplished through public education and political action. In this article, I will focus on combining these activities to obtain public education through political action. Political action is imperative for two reasons: it elects friends of Michigan's natural resources and it helps to pass or defeat proposed legislation that affects the environment and our members. We can be the voice of technical expertise informing and education legislators, assisting them to make informed decisions regarding environmental legislation. With the ever increasing cost of campaigns, politicians are relying more and more on volunteers, and less on paid staff to put together their campaigns. Politicians are turning to civic organizations, issue-oriented groups, students, senior citizens and anyone else they can find to help them get elected and to serve as content experts on complex issues. Many groups, such as ours have responded and are assisting candidates, knowing that if "their" candidate wins, they will have someone in office who is well informed and supportive of their issues. If you're not registered to vote, register NOW! Vote! Exercise your right to vote in every election, millage and proposal possible. When voting, consider the impact on Michigan's natural resources.