Interview: Evan Renshaw Discusses Collaboration in Conservation
This month, we got to dive deep into Evan Renshaw’s work at CVSC as the Partnerships and Engagement Manager. His mission is to foster collaboration within the conservation community to drive change through the power of coalitions and advocate engagement–read more to learn all about Evan’s work!
Q: Hey Evan! As you know, CVSC has a unique approach to conservation that combines partnerships, politics, and policy. As a member of the partnerships team, can you tell us about how partnerships help advance conservation goals?
A: At CVSC, we strongly believe that collaboration and unity are essential to advancing bold conservation priorities. Investing in partnerships enables us to amplify the voices of all South Carolina communities, ensure their needs shape our policies and programs, and build unified support to drive these priorities forward at the Statehouse. This collective effort fosters inclusivity, innovation, and transformative progress to protect and strengthen the South Carolina we all love. We know that together, our organizations can achieve far greater impact than we ever could alone.
Q: In South Carolina, the conservation community is robust and complex. So how exactly do partners work together to make progress?
A: The conservation community works together through several coalitions designed to facilitate coordination and collaboration among partners. The South Carolina Conservation Coalition convenes the unique perspectives and areas of expertise of over 40 organizations with a shared vision for our environment and communities. Members actively participate in issue-focused working groups, participate in collaborative and informative events, and vote annually on a Common Agenda that guides conservation priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Beyond the Conservation Coalition, groups such as the SC Energy Justice Coalition, SC Electric Transportation Network, and Rural Resource Coalition provide additional opportunities for conservation partners to align efforts around shared goals, exchange knowledge, and leverage resources to drive meaningful change. These coalitions always welcome new members and perspectives, and anyone looking to get connected can contact me for additional information.
Q: Given the vast scope of environmental protection, it’s essential for various organizations to tackle different aspects of the challenge. How does CVSC contribute to this collective effort?
A: CVSC has established itself as a powerful force within our state’s environmental movement, playing a critical role in developing and driving policies that safeguard all South Carolinians’ right to clean air, land, and water. Our organization is in a unique position to uphold transparency and accountability among elected leaders through legislative scorecards and political endorsements while championing equitable, intersectional, and people-centric approaches to conservation. Between CVSC’s commanding presence in the Statehouse, active role in coalitions, and dedicated support for community leaders, we will continue to lead the charge toward a future for South Carolina that everyone can get behind.
Q: With the new legislative session on the horizon, can you shed some light on how the conservation movement will ensure environmental progress in 2025 and how CVSC advocates can help?
A: Absolutely! CVSC and our allies have been working diligently over the past year to strengthen relationships with stakeholders and proactively shape policies ahead of the 2025 legislative session. Over the next few months, we’ll build on this foundation to secure bipartisan support for critical conservation priorities such as responsible energy legislation, clean water safeguards, protections for wetlands and Carolina Bays, and adequate funding for land preservation. However, lawmakers’ ultimate job is to serve their constituents. This means your voice is the most powerful in the room, and CVSC is committed to connecting you with opportunities to be heard and supporting you every step of the way.
That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce the Conservation Advocates Alliance— a community of folks like you, dedicated to speaking up for the needs of South Carolina’s environment and people. As a part of the Alliance, you’ll be notified of exclusive opportunities to advocate for the issues that matter most to you and receive the tools and resources you need to make a difference. Take this survey today to join this community of like-minded South Carolinians, and I’ll be in touch!
I’m incredibly grateful to have you with us on this journey—together, we can protect the South Carolina we love for generations to come!