September 14, 2026

CLEB Builds Local Power Through Policy Training and Hands-On Lawmaker Engagement  

This spring, the Central Lake Erie Basin Collaborative (CLEB) participated in a four‑part policy and storytelling training series to help local organizations feel more confident navigating the world of water policy, funding, and communication. Led by Emily Arthur of the Ohio Environmental Council, the series was designed to take participants from “I’m not sure where to start” to “I know exactly how to engage.” 

The first session, Money, Money, Money, broke down the maze of federal, state, and local funding sources from H2Ohio to stormwater utilities and federal restoration programs. Participants learned how budget cycles work, when to talk to legislators, and how to match real projects to the right funding lanes. 

Next came Advocacy 101, which cleared up the confusion around what different types of organizations can and can’t do. The session walked through the difference between advocacy and lobbying, the legal boundaries for nonprofits, and how watershed groups can confidently participate in state and federal policy processes without crossing any lines. 

The final two combined sessions, Effective Communication & Taking Action, focused on storytelling and relationship‑building. Participants practiced translating technical work into compelling narratives and explored strategies for preparing for meetings, building trust with policymakers, and identifying the right moments to engage. 

All of these trainings set the stage for CLEB’s June 26 Lawmaker Field Day at the Gerber Stream and Wetland Restoration Project in Lorain County. Co‑hosted with the Lorain County Stormwater District, OEC, Chagrin River Watershed Partners, and Old Woman Creek NERR, the event brought federal, state, and local leaders out to the water’s edge to see restoration work firsthand. Attendees toured the site, tried stream quality monitoring, and spent time in conversation about current water issues and priorities. 

The impact of pairing training with real‑world practice was clear. CLEB members walked away with stronger relationships with lawmakers, more confidence in talking about funding and policy, and a shared sense of how local restoration work connects to statewide and federal decisions, especially at a time when rollbacks and shifting rules make local voices even more important. The field day helped turn skills into action, stories into influence, and individual organizations into a more coordinated force for protecting water across the Central Lake Erie Basin. 

Now it is time to hear from you, readers! We are collecting your stories about water. Is it a place where you recreate or connect with nature? Do you depend upon it as your water source or does it support your local ecosystem? We want to share your stories with lawmakers to advocate for better protection and funding to keep our bodies of water safe for all.