By Sarah Hodgdon and Dave Scott
For the past several weeks, Occupy Wall Street protestors have peacefully held vigil in support of a broad vision for financial, political, and environmental reform in America. From this creative hub of activity, a diverse group of students, members of labor unions, environmentalists and concerned citizens have helped this grassroots protest spread to more than 1,400 events nationwide.
Many Sierra Club staff and volunteer leaders have participated in and/or lent support to these demonstrations standing up for the end of corporate greed. The demands and values of the protestors are very much in line with Sierra Club’s strategic priority of confronting the power of the coal and oil industries.
In a vibrant democracy, peaceful protest and demonstration is among the highest form of citizen engagement. Since the founding of our republic, ordinary citizens have accomplished extraordinary things by joining together to express their convictions.
It is our heritage to speak truth to power, and our nation’s historic respect for peaceful dissent has helped the United States enact civil rights legislation, promote human rights internationally, and end unjust wars. Citizen engagement has brought this country out of its darkest hours and helped us fulfill our promises of justice and equality to millions.
The Sierra Club affirms its support for the exercise of political expression through the Occupy Wall Street protests. Corporations that pollute our air, land, and water, that put greed ahead of community good, public health and the nation’s economic well-being must be held fully accountable. In our work around the country, we have seen first-hand how international coal and oil companies have wrecked communities, polluted our environment, and dominated the political process. We stand with Occupy Wall Street protestors in saying “enough.”
Finally, we want to make clear to all Sierra Club staff and volunteers, that you are authorized to participate in lawful and peaceful Occupy Wall Street protests in the name of the Sierra Club.
Sarah Hodgdon and Dave Scott are conservation leaders of the national Sierra Club.