Jackson Poll project launched

The Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance is conducting the Jackson Poll this week.

It’s a project to help develop the community by giving people the tools they need to get involved and make their voices heard.

“We’re not out there to push a certain view. We’re really just trying to gather information and find out how people feel,” said Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance event and volunteer coordinator Phoebe Stoner.

“Pound the pavement knock on doors and really get a good sense as to what members of our community think about the issues that are most important to us here in Jackson Hole,” said Stacy Noland, communications director for the alliance.

“If you want to get something done in this community, the first thing you need to do is listen to people,” said executive director Craig Benjamin.

Some of the issues affecting the area include a housing shortage, transportation problems and protecting and preserving wildlife.

“Our elected representatives make better decisions, when we as a community, hold them accountable for their decisions,” Benjamin said. “This poll is part of that. It’s understanding where voters are, what they value so we can make sure elected representatives are making decisions aligned with the values and vision of our community.”

Another project goal is to build leadership. That’s done with volunteers.

“We wanted people to feel ready, and what we found was people were nervous going into it but when they came back they were just stoked,” said civic engagement director Skye Schell.

The group has an app to help the volunteers as they canvass.

They’re also using social media- specifically Instagram- to spread the word about the project, which runs through June 18th.