FREE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR THOSE DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THE FIRE
Amanda Stemen, MS, LCSW, Sierra Club volunteer with the Central Group and eco-therapist, along with many other mental-health therapists, are offering free crisis therapy sessions to those directly affected by the fires, including first responders.
Please reach out to Amanda at https://fundamentalgrowth.com/, amanda@fundamentalgrowth.com, or 424-209-9849 for more information.
WHAT'S THE POINT?
By Mathieu Bonin
When we decided a few months ago on the theme of this newsletter, we stopped to consider the resolutions and decisions we could make for the coming year. Last year, I followed the excellent program, Waste Warriors, in Burbank, which offers a real education about waste. Visiting a recycling center or landfill should be mandatory in a school curriculum. Waste is an excellent topic for developing critical thinking.
This year, after a bit of looseness on my part, I counted in a week all the plastic and single-use objects that I could have done without but that I had turned into waste due to a lack of preparation: the plastic cup that contained the beer I drank when I went to see a movie last week, this little plastic glass next to the water jug available to customers during my lunch, this plastic coffee cup you are given at the coffee shop, no matter whether you say “for here” or “to go” (I roll my eyes). More seriously, I also wasted food after Christmas, which has an even more significant impact than inadvertently accepting the plastic straw or the small bags of ketchup, all of which ended up in the trash without even being opened. Where did my resolutions go?
As an environmentalist, I have always thought about the impact my everyday actions have on Earth. That is one huge reason that I got a trusty little Chevy Bolt a couple of years ago. But although this car is electric, not all the power that is generated for the car is renewable, which means that I’m still contributing to climate change. I have also realized that living in a modern society that prioritizes maximizing and optimizing consumption has influenced a lot of people to live a fast-paced and wasteful lifestyle. This year, one of my resolutions is to simply live a slower lifestyle that prioritizes health and conscientious consumption. One way to do this is simply to drive much less.
2025 just started, and already the threats to the environment are feeling dire. There’s the recent devastating fires in LA County, not to mention a new presidential administration with a poor environmental track record (to say the least). Given the moment, my environmental New Year’s resolution for 2025 is simple: I want to expand my current advocacy efforts to meet these growing needs.
So what does that mean, specifically? Personally, I’m good at behind-the-scenes work. For example, I coordinate a lot of the Central Group’s information and try to keep us organized. (You may be familiar with my name as the person usually sending out meeting announcements and updates.) It’s a comfortable space for me, and I enjoy this work and know it’s appreciated by my fellow volunteers. For 2025, though, I want to step up my efforts in other spaces.
"My resolution for the new year is to walk in dignity and to spread the word that "I BELONG." I belong resonates for the outdoors and immigrants. We deserve to be outdoors with no fear."
Robert Morales Campaign Manager Outdoors for All
"My resolution is to show up, speak up, and stand up more for environmental justice communities who have been severely impacted by soil contamination, hazardous air quality, oil drilling, contaminated water, and the lack of green space."
Kawana Key
Volunteer
Central Group
30x30 Leadership Team
"I'm resolving to stay focused on where I have traction. We are living in a climate crisis, and our future will likely be full of heartbreak and destruction. And the way that I am showing up is to be rigorous about where I can be effective, to be a disciplined strategist, and then show up in those ways with all my skills and experience and energy."
Morgan Goodwin
Senior Director
“This year, one of my resolutions is to continue building a stronger Sierra club community. I have heard and know from experience how defeating climate work can feel. However, by creating spaces where like-minded people and activists can come together to also celebrate small victories and center joy, the fight feels less overwhelming. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow our activist academy leadership program and supporting our amazing conservation leaders in the work ahead of us.”
Kim Orbe
Senior Conservation Program Manager
"I am committed to advocating for environmental solutions that prioritize the Earth and all its inhabitants—flora, fauna, and communities. By placing equity at the forefront of our efforts, we can effectively mitigate and resolve the challenges posed by climate change. It is essential that we move beyond mere resistance; we must cultivate a collaborative spirit that reconnects us with the wellness of the Earth. I will actively engage as a student and steward, planting seeds of knowledge and action that will flourish into a sustainable future for all."
Jo Iraheta
30x30 Leadership Team
"I have three resolutions for 2025: 1) learn a new skill; 2) pick up an old hobby; and 3) visit more national parks."
Jessica Chow
Executive Committee member focusing on family camping activities
"Given the overwhelming tragedy of the fires caused by climate change, the Earth’s temperature having increased by 1.5 ˚C (2.7 ˚F), and the incoming administration’s moves to produce more oil, leading to more catastrophic events, my resolution is to practice and prioritize self-care."
Amanda Stemen
Chair of our Parks Committee
The Central Group is the heart of the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter, representing the areas from West Hollywood through East LA, and Griffith Park through South LA, and several Gateway Cities.
