March 6, 2017
By Erin Riddle, Atlantic Chapter Chair
On November 18 (ten days after the presidential election), Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune published a blog in which he provided a four-point strategy for how we, as Club leaders, members and staff, can work to thwart an all-out assault on the environment, public health and our communities: RESIST, RECRUIT, TRAIN, and SUSTAIN (you can read the full blog post at http://www.sierraclub.org/michael-brune).
What do these strategies look like for the Atlantic Chapter? How can we strategize and organize ourselves to develop our networks and resources for the next four years? Here are some of my suggestions.
• Resist: One of the most rewarding aspects of my service as chair the past year has been the opportunity to work with such a knowledgeable, experienced and talented team across the state, composed of Sierra Club leaders and volunteers, Club staff and community leaders. More than ever, our knowledge, experience and talent is fundamental to fight the destructive policies we anticipated and are seeing from the Trump administration and Congress. Much of this resistance will develop through stronger policies at the state, county and local levels to protect our communities directly, even as we contest and challenge federal policies. We must also continue to work on building our networks and coalitions with organizations that share our concerns and vision for social justice and equity in all sectors of our communities.
• Recruit: There’s strength in numbers. The more numerous we are, the stronger we can become and the more influence we’ll have. Recruitment happens at every level — beginning with you. If you’re not already involved with the Sierra Club, it’s time to join. At the chapter level, we have a variety of volunteer opportunities you can plug into — visit clubvolunteer.org to see how you can get involved. You can also connect with your local group. Much of the most important work happens at the local level, so visit newyork.sierraclub.org to find and connect with your local group. If you’re already involved, think of a friend, co-worker, family member or neighbor to recruit and invite to a talk, meeting or other activity. The most effective way to engage new volunteers is directly — ask someone you know to get involved.
• Train: We are all lifelong learners and therefore still have much to learn. Trainings and opportunities will be offered throughout 2017 at the national and Chapter level, so be on the lookout. You can also seek out trainings in your community to improve your skills in organizing, communication and networking — all valuable tools for the movement. You might also think about organizing your own training — feel free to reach out for help in this area.
• Sustain: We know we have a long road ahead of us, so we need to be prepared for the long haul. First, we must make sure that we do not overextend and overcommit ourselves. We want to do everything we can, but unfortunately we simply cannot do everything. The key will be working on the second and third strategies: recruit so that we have more people involved (many hands make light work) and train so that we are more effective and efficient in our work. In addition, a fundamental component of the Chapter’s sustainability lies in our financial resources, so you can make a contribution at newyork.sierraclub.org and your contribution will go directly to the Chapter and keep these funds within New York State.
Above are simply my own observations about some ways that Brune’s four-point strategy can be implemented in our state through the Atlantic Chapter. They are not the only ideas out there, for sure. Our success depends on all of us working together to develop and strengthen our organization to achieve our goals. Feel free to contact me personally (riddleriddle@gmail.com or 607-372-5503—texts accepted) if you’d like to discuss additional strategies and how you can help to implement them.