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 Welcome Spring!
Greetings Sierra Club Ohio,
As the flowers bloom and the sun shines brighter, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to each and every one of you for your continued support and involvement in our Sierra Club Ohio Community. Your dedication and enthusiasm fuel our collective efforts, and together, we can achieve remarkable things.
With the season of renewal upon us, we have exciting opportunities ahead. One such event is the Annual Election for Sierra Club's Board of Directors, where your voice matters more than ever. Your vote is your power to shape the future, so we urge you to make your voice heard and participate in this crucial democratic process.
But that's not all! As we embrace the wonders of nature, we invite you to join us for a spectacular Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on April 8 at 2 pm. Gather with us on Facebook Live as we marvel at the cosmic dance of the sun and moon. It's a chance to come together as a community, share in the awe-inspiring beauty of the universe, and forge connections that transcend boundaries.
There are also many opportunities to get involved with Earth Month activities. Throughout April, we are amplifying the many ways our volunteers, grassroots
activists, and each of us here at Sierra Club help our communities explore, enjoy, and protect the planet. We will be bringing to life the tangible impact of our work,
showcasing how every small step contributes to a brighter, greener future for all. And it is going to be a team effort.
Together, let's embrace the spirit of spring, celebrate democracy in action, and bask in the wonder of the cosmos. Thank you for being an integral part of our community, and we look forward to seeing you at the Eclipse Viewing Party, around the state at Earth Month activities, and knowing that you made your voices heard in the Annual Election for Sierra Club Board Members.
Warm regards,
Ericka Copeland
State Director
Sierra Club Ohio |
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   Join Sierra Club Ohio's
Online Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
April 8th at 2pm!
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Experience the celestial magic from home on Facebook LIVE.
Connect with nature lovers, learn about the cosmos, and witness the breathtaking eclipse.
Whether you're a stargazer or a curious soul, there's something for everyone. Don't miss this cosmic adventure! Plan to attend and invite friends!
#SolarEclipse
 #SierraClubOhio
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Annual Election for Sierra Club's Board of Directors is Now Underway
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The annual election for Sierra Club’s Board of Directors is now underway. Each year, five of the 15 members of the Sierra Club Board of Directors end their three-year term. A list of candidates is selected by a combination of a nominations process and a petition process. Sierra Club members have the opportunity to vote on five candidates to fill the empty seats.
A democratic Sierra Club demands grassroots participation. If you have been a Sierra Club member since January 31st 2023, you are eligible to vote. If you joined the Sierra Club since then, you will be eligible to vote next year.
Ballots were sent to eligible voters on Monday, March 11th. If you pre-registered to vote online, you’ll receive an email from sierraclub.mg.electionservicescorp.com. Paper ballots will arrive in the mail to all other voters. Please note: the paper ballots are sent out in batches from the East Coast, voting members will receive them at different times throughout the month.
Additional information about the election, this year's candidates, and how to vote can be found on the Sierra Club website (www.sierraclub.org/board/election)
Your participation is critical for a Strong Sierra Club. Voting in the Board of Directors election is a privilege, and important responsibility of your membership.
Help us to get a record voter turnout this year. Typically, less than 10% of eligible members vote in the Board elections. A minimum of 5% is required for the elections to be valid. Our grassroots structure is strengthened when membership participation is high. That means your participation is needed in the voting process. Cast your vote early and encourage other members you know to do the same. Ballots must be received by 12:00 PM Eastern Time on April 24th.
How can I learn about the candidates?Â
Resources to help you learn about the candidates are available online (sierraclub.org/board/election). You can read each candidate's bio and statement, as well as their answers to important forum questions selected by a Forum Questions Committee. Each candidate has also recorded a short video about their candidacy!
You can also learn more by asking questions of your group and chapter leadership and other experienced members you know.
Voting is Quick and Easy!Â
If you received a paper ballot but would like to vote online, you can use the registration numbers you received in the mail to login to the e-voting site (vote.escvote.com/sierra). If you vote online, please do not also send in your paper ballot.
If you have not received your ballot by March 31st, please contact Sierra Club's Member Care team at 415-977-5653 or member.care@sierraclub.org
You ballot must be received no later than 12:00 PM Eastern Time on April 24th.
If you're voting by mail, please drop off your ballot with enough time to reach the facility in New York.
Questions? All the details about the election, the cnadidates, and how to vote is available online (sierraclub.org/board/election). Additional questions can be directed to member.care@sierraclub.org.
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Celebrate Earth Day ALL Month
Long in Ohio!
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Join Us for a Month-Long Celebration of Our Amazing Planet!
We're excited to host events throughout Ohio, raising awareness and taking action for a greener future.
Check out our calendar in the link below to find an event near you.Â
From tree plantings to cleanups, there's something for everyone.
Let's connect, have fun, and make a difference together!
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NEWS YOU CAN USEÂ
Department of Transportation Announces Over $17.6 Million for Transit-Oriented Development
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The Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration just announced $17.6 million in grants to 20 communities in 16 states, including Ohio, to invest in transit-oriented development (TOD).Â
TOD is a crucial aspect of sustainable urban planning, promoting accessibility and reducing reliance on private vehicles. The investment of $17.6 million across 20 communities in 16 states, including Ohio, demonstrates a commitment to fostering transit-friendly environments and enhancing mobility options for residents.
By incorporating mixed-use and mixed-income housing near public transportation projects, these grants align with the goals of creating vibrant, inclusive communities where people can live, work, and play conveniently without depending solely on cars. The inclusion of an affordable housing component ensures that diverse socioeconomic groups can benefit from these developments, fostering equity and accessibility in urban areas.
Moreover, the fact that these projects require no local matching funds indicates a significant boost to the communities involved, as they can implement these initiatives without straining local budgets. This funding, sourced from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, underscores the importance of federal support in catalyzing sustainable development and advancing transportation equity nationwide.
Overall, this announcement signifies a positive step towards building more resilient, equitable, and connected communities across the United States.
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"Shut Down Line 5 Pipeline!"
Support Rally in Ohio Standing with Michigan
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On Thursday, March 21, close to 200 individuals journeyed from Michigan to Cincinnati in a show of solidarity with their state's endeavors to avoid federal court involvement in its legal battle advocating for a partial closure of Enbridge Line 5. Participants included David Holtz, a member of the Sierra Club Board of Directors, Ericka Copeland, the State Director of Sierra Club Ohio, as well as various citizens and leaders representing Michigan tribes. They convened at Fountain Square, a prominent downtown area near the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, to amplify their message
Protesters against the Line Five Pipeline gathered in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, joining forces with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Her office presented oral arguments at the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals as part of her legal battle to close down and dismantle the pipeline passing through the Straits of Mackinac within the Great Lakes region.
The aging 71-year-old pipeline, owned by the Canadian oil giant Enbridge, traverses the reservation of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in northern Wisconsin. and extends beneath the Straits of Mackinac in Michigan. The pipeline presents a significant risk of rupture, posing potential devastation to the surrounding areas. |
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Tell the EPA it is Right to Restore Ohioan's Ability to Hold Polluters Accountable through the Air Nuisance Rule!
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After years of advocacy and a lawsuit brought by the Sierra Club and others, the EPA just reversed course and admitted it erred when it took away from Ohioans' ability to use their air nuisance rule to hold polluters accountable.
The rule had been part of Ohio's federal state implementation plan (SIP) of the Clean Air Act for decades and gave residents the ability to go to court to address pollution in their communities, with polluters footing the legal bill.
Submit a comment now, before the April 24 deadline.
Be sure to insert the
Docket Number in the Subject Line:
EPA-R05-OAR-2020-0055
When writing an email, please send to:Â arra.sarah@epa.govÂ
Comments can also be submitted through regulations.gov under the docket number
EPA does not ensure the comments sent by email are put in the docket if the docket number isn’t on the email - particularly in the subject line
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We are Recruiting Volunteers
Please Apply Today!
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Please send your resume and cover letter to Ericka Copeland, State Director via email: ericka.copeland@sierraclub.org and contact her with any questions; and/or click the links below to apply.
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Volunteer Treasurer Position
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Support Sierra Club Ohio's financial management systems, manage and oversee the integrity and accuracy of Ohio's financial management process and procedures.
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JOIN OUR TEAM: Volunteer Communication Committee Members Needed!
Are you a passionate communicator ready to make a real impact? Sierra Club Ohio's Communications Committee is inviting new members to join us.
Join the effort to spread awareness about protecting Ohio's environment. Contribute by crafting compelling messages, planning exciting events, and connecting with our community.
Be the voice of change! Email chad.stephens@sierraclub.org to get involved
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We Appreciate You!
Thank You!
Thank you for all you do for the environment in Ohio.
We look forward to hearing from you and connecting
with you!Â
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