How to Become a Preservationist

There is confusion between conservationists and preservationists--with good reason. The verbs, "to conserve" and "to preserve," have similar meanings, but the political and cultural movements derived from these verbs have not only been at odds with each other, but have acquired diverse meanings over time. Originally, preservationists favored preserving natural environments for the appreciation of people while conservationists favored conserving natural environments for the economic benefit of people. Now, preservationists may be those concerned with saving culture, languages, and historical structures.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Learn about the original preservationist movement. Understand that John Muir, who founded of the Sierra Club in 1892, was a preservationist and felt that the environment should be saved for itself.
2. Familiarize yourself with the efforts of those who now identify themselves as preservationists. Sometimes these efforts are aimed at saving a building--other times they may be aimed at saving a cultural construct.
3. Know the non-profit organizations that focus on preservation. Explore the Young Preservationists of Pittsburgh.
4. Familiarize yourself with political figures that are preservationists. Richard Heinberg is an outspoken preservationist. Read some of his writings.
5. Decide what level of involvement you want to have. Where do you fit in.
6. Choose a topic that stirs your passion and learn about its specifics. Focus on this topic so you will not get overwhelmed by the many topics that preservationists focus on.
7. Work to preserve what you have decided is worth preserving. Get involved in your local community to start with.