When it comes to politics and policy, “accountable” is one of the words that works the best, and the Virginia League of Conservation Voters gives it a workout in their annual legislative scorecard, which landed in my mailbox this week. Like most lobbying groups, VALCV has a boundless appetite for the shop talk of the legislature — but they’re savvy communicators, too. In the scorecard, they skillfully use words that work like “accountable” and “make a difference” to preface and summarize the more detailed information.

And I’m a big fan of the chart showing how outspoken citizens can influence the actions of elected officials. It may seem simplistic and obvious to you, but several studies have found that most everyday Americans have little idea how to influence policy beyond voting and donating, and that only a few are confident and comfortable taking their legislators to task.

Click here to get your own copy of the 2008 Virginia General Assembly Conservation Scorecard.

Nice job, VALCV!