Perform routine acronym checks

GLRC, AOC, USEPAGLNPO, ... looks like a tray of Scrabble tiles. It's enough to confuse even the wonkiest Great Lakes wonk.

"Be sure to do an acronym check," was a great tip coming out of the New York round table yesterday, "you never do know how familiar a official or staffer is with the issue."

It's a good tip for a lot of activists, whether you're talking to a congressperson or media or your grandma. Spell out what your saying, explain what the groups or concepts you're discussing are about, and most importantly, how they effect the person to whom you're explaining them. Running around rattling off acronyms and legalese West Wing-style should be done back at home or the office, safely in the company of other wonks.

BTW: Those letters? Great Lakes Regional Collaboration, Area of Concern, and U.S. EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office. Triple word score! Take that, Grandma!