Interview: Exploring the Conservation Advocates Alliance with Evan Renshaw and Emily Childress
This month, we’re highlighting a program that helps South Carolinians make a difference on the issues they care about—the Conservation Advocates Alliance (CAA). This program was brought to life by Evan Renshaw, Partnerships & Engagement Manager, and Emily Childress, Digital Engagement Manager, who are now working with advocates to prepare them for critical action at the Statehouse, at the ballot box, and within their communities. Keep reading to learn how the CAA is building a new generation of conservation champions, and how you can join them to create lasting change for South Carolina.
Q: Hey Evan and Emily! Before we dig into exactly what the Conservation Advocates Alliance is, can you explain the program’s origin?
A (Emily): Sure! CVSC’s ultimate goal is to pass bold, equitable, and lasting conservation policy. Community voices play a central role in achieving this, helping shape solutions that truly work for South Carolinians and our environment. CVSC has always provided ways for our supporters to engage in this process, such as emailing legislators or submitting a public comment. But now more than ever, we see that real progress depends on a deeper level of involvement from informed, dedicated advocates ready to jump in when urgent or high-impact opportunities arise. That’s where the Conservation Advocates Alliance comes in!
Q: Thanks for the background information. So without further ado, can you tell us more about the program?
A (Evan): I’d be glad to. The CAA is a growing community of South Carolinians committed to channeling their love for our state’s people and places into action. CAA members are the leaders and changemakers on the frontlines of environmental advocacy—testifying at hearings, organizing in-district meetings with public officials, and serving as trusted messengers for conservation in their communities.
To support these incredible advocates, CVSC provides the tools, training, and connections needed to further elevate their voices and their impact. Through the CAA, members gain access to exclusive resources, expert-led workshops, and insider updates that prepare them to take meaningful action and lead the charge in protecting South Carolina’s environment and communities.
So far this year, CAA members have participated in online advocacy trainings on opinion writing for impact, speaking out for South Carolina’s energy future, and electing conservation champions, to name a few. Our hope is that every advocate leaves these sessions feeling equipped, informed, and inspired to speak out on issues they care about and make a lasting difference in our state, with the support of CVSC every step of the way.
Q: What a wonderful opportunity for supporters of CVSC who want to take their advocacy a step further. In your opinion, who would be a good fit for the program, and what else should they know before joining?
A (Emily): The CAA is perfect for any South Carolinian who cares deeply about their environment and wants to play a more active role in protecting it. You don’t need to be an expert on an issue or trained in legislative strategy—that’s what we’re here for. All it takes is a little time and a willingness to share your unique perspective and experiences, because those real-life stories are what move decision-makers to act. If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “I really want to make a difference in South Carolina, but I’m not sure where to begin,” the CAA is your starting point. From there, we’ll guide you with the information, tools, and proven strategies to make your advocacy effective and impactful.
To get the most out of the CAA, it’s important for members to dedicate a couple of hours each month to attending virtual sessions and participating in advocacy opportunities. CVSC offers plenty of opportunities to support our work with the click of a button, but the CAA is intended for those who want to take a bit more ownership over when and how they take action, whether that’s writing a letter to the editor, phonebanking for a conservation candidate, meeting with your legislator in-district or at the Statehouse, attending a candidate debate or town hall, or even stepping into a leadership position yourself.
Q: With 2026 just over the horizon, what opportunities to engage do you foresee for the CAA?
A (Evan): 2026 will be a defining year for conservation advocacy in South Carolina. The CVSC team is leading efforts to advance SC Prosper & Preserve, an initiative that ensures South Carolina can grow sustainably while preserving the landscapes and way of life that make our state special. We’re also tackling one of the biggest challenges facing South Carolinians today—skyrocketing electricity bills—by fighting for desperately needed energy affordability and efficiency measures to protect both residents and our environment. Next year, state regulators like the South Carolina Public Service Commission will also consider multi-billion-dollar proposals for utility megaprojects, such as the Canadys and Anderson methane gas plants. These decisions will shape our state’s energy future for generations, which is why strong community voices are absolutely essential throughout the process.
This is why the CAA is so important. As we build out plans for the year ahead, we know our advocates will play a central role in this work, whether by speaking at public hearings and at the Statehouse, informing and amplifying community voices, or by helping develop and elect the next generation of conservation champions to lead our state into the future. CVSC will continue offering the expert training, exclusive opportunities, and monthly office hours with the policy team to ensure CAA members feel confident and equipped to lead the charge.
To kick things off, we’re hosting CAA: Experience the Statehouse + 2026 Preview, an exciting in-person event exclusively for CAA members, held on December 4th, 2025. We’ll start the day with a guided tour of the Statehouse to help advocates become familiar with where and how policy decisions are made, followed by lunch and a first look at our 2026 conservation priorities. It’s a perfect opportunity for CAA members to connect with fellow advocates and CVSC staff, get an in-depth look at upcoming legislative battles, and ask their burning questions before session is in full swing.
Advocates like our CAA members are the heartbeat of conservation progress in South Carolina. When you speak up, show up, and inspire others to do the same, you influence decisions and move policies forward. If you’re interested in joining us on the frontlines of conservation advocacy, with dedicated support from CVSC and your peers, we’d love to have you.
To join the Conservation Advocates Alliance, all you have to do is complete this form. If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] and [email protected]. Together, we will ensure that the voices of South Carolinians drive the bold, lasting change our state deserves.