Nancy Muse

Nancy Muse
Residence
Florence, Alabama
Nominating committee candidate
Member Since
1980
Occupation
Public School K12 Visual Arts Teacher, Retired
Sierra Club Leadership Positions

Alabama Chapter Executive Committee (2017-2023); Committee Chair: Election, Nominating (2022-2023); PFAS, Wastewater CORE Teams (2023-2024); Council of Club Leaders Executive Committee (2021-2024); CCL 5th Officer (2023-2024); CCL Resolutions Committee Co-Chair (2022, 2023); Board Candidate Questions Committee (2021)

Other Leadership Positions

Boards: President, Shoals Earth Month (2007-2024); City of Florence Tree Commission (2007-2024); Tennessee Riverkeeper (2019-2023); Wild Alabama (2020-2021); LWVAL C3 Board Natural Resources Coordinator (2021-2023)

Email
muse.solar@gmail.com
Statement

 I first joined the Sierra Club in the early 1980s as a young mother. While relishing Club outings with my children, it was my serious concern about the world they would inherit that drove me to activism. Today, the Sierra Club stands as a beacon of hope amidst a troubling political movement that feeds corporate greed, exacerbates environmental degradation, and enables systemic racism. Standing against exploitation of the socially and economically disenfranchised must continue to be inherent in our work to protect the planet.

As polluters lobby and bankroll politicians, ongoing, inconvenient truths must be acknowledged. Greenwashing, not only by the fossil fuel industry, but also by the nuclear, corporate food, big agriculture and logging industries, serves to market false climate solutions to boost profits. Fighting for protection and expansion of public lands, while facilitating the transition to a renewable energy economy, demands that we not be distracted by industry misinformation which delays necessary, urgent actions. In order to mitigate the impending climate crisis, we must rely on sound, data-driven science to shape critical, conservation policy decisions. 

Today, as a volunteer leader at the Chapter and National level, I advocate for the traditional bottom-up, grassroots-led model to remain as the hallmark of the Sierra Club. As a Board member, I would advocate for more opportunities for Club entities to intersect—to foster mutual respect with open, effective communication among volunteers, staff, the Council of Club Leaders and the Board. Well-informed, volunteer activists working in close partnership with dedicated, professional staff, is the key to success in reaching our goals of the 2030 Strategic Plan. 

My career as a public school teacher—along with over 40 years of volunteer experience as an environmental activist, community organizer, and member of various environmental non-profit boards—provides a solid foundation to serve on the Sierra Club Board of Directors. At this critical juncture, we, the Sierra Club, must exercise our power to lead, paving the path for equality and justice while safeguarding the future of our planet and its rich biodiversity. As your Board member, I would diligently fulfill my duties, utilizing inclusive democratic principles. I sincerely appreciate your consideration and would be most grateful for your support. 

Endorsements

  • Alabama Chapter

  • North Dakota Chapter

  • Kern-Kaweah Chapter

  • Kate Bartholomew, Chair, Atlantic Chapter

  • David Holtz, Sierra Club Board of Directors

  • Florida Chapter

  • Atlantic Chapter

  • Utah Chapter

Election Forum Responses

Candidates were asked ten questions to give voters more information about relevant issues. You can view the responses of all candidates to a question by clicking on the individual questions below.

Question 1

Question 1

What is the role of volunteers in the Sierra Club? What can Sierra Club do to  better ensure volunteer leaders are equitably prepared and supported sufficiently  for their roles?

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Sierra Club and set priorities, carry out the mission of the Club and may assume leadership roles. Since 1892, the role of volunteers has expanded greatly with the volunteer-led model being the hallmark of the Club. The free labor provided by the volunteer membership—many of whom have professional careers which qualify them to provide expert advice—is an invaluable asset. In addition to facilitating the many Club activities, volunteers may serve as change makers in their communities, having great influence on local, state and national political decisions which have a direct impact on environmental and social justice and critical environmental issues.

Volunteers and staff are charged to work together in a mutually beneficial manner to accomplish set goals. In order to prepare and support volunteers in their various roles going forward, there are virtual opportunities provided for volunteers to have access to much information on the different workings of the Club. The Club should do more to provide information and spaces for volunteers and staff to intersect in order to gain better understanding of procedures and clearly define respective roles. A top-down approach has been perceived as heavy-handed and has resulted in low volunteer morale. Sweeping changes being made without substantive volunteer input and a lack of specifics of how to carry out duties has resulted in confusion. Chapter handbooks are needed with guidelines, which would empower volunteers to be able to move forward with confidence.

Question 2

Question 2

Sierra Club leaders and members can often be on different sides of issues–how  would you address dissenting views like this and create a more unified Sierra  Club? 

Dissent is a given within any group and should be welcome. Volunteers do not feel heard when authoritarian actions are taken by high level leaders and staff. The CCL Resolutions process enables volunteers to use their voice in an organized and democratic way. Resolutions pass through many hands with much deliberation before being approved by the CCL at the Annual Meeting. CCL Resolutions that are dismissed by National Club can result in disempowerment for the Chapter Resolution sponsors who have spent many hours of free labor identifying issues that they feel are important. There have been observations of inconsistent and arbitrary processes regarding approval or disapproval of CCL Resolutions. Communication, transparency and consistency are needed concerning the process for Board consideration of CCL Resolutions.

Structured time given for substantive dialogue should include relevant CCL representatives as part of the decision making process. Communication, trust and respect among all entities is key for a more unified Sierra Club. Regularly scheduled meetings of the full Board and the CCL ExCom, with both groups sharing equitable space, would create a culture of mutual respect and trust. Chapter and Grassroots Network Team leaders need to feel that the top Club leaders are approachable and engaged. This could be accomplished if Board members held regional town hall meetings with volunteers with a facilitated Q&A.

Question 3

Question 3

What fundraising and budgeting ideas would you have as a Sierra Club Board  Director to make Sierra Club fiscally stronger?  

As the President of a local 501(c)(3) that hosts and coordinates an annual Earth Day festival, I am very aware of fundraising challenges due to many groups with similar missions competing for donations. The Sierra Club should continue with soliciting donations by way of membership forms, email solicitations and Chapter appeals. We must increase our visibility in order to expand our reach to raise funds, gain new members and educate the public on key environmental issues. This could be achieved by hosting benefit concerts, film screenings, art gallery exhibits, festivals or other similar public events. These events could be held in small communities, metropolitan areas, and on college campuses. Smaller private events such as a gala meet and greet with notable scientists, authors, actors, artists and musicians could be designed for larger donors.

In order to better exercise their fiduciary duties, more training for newly elected ExCom and Board members is needed, especially as applied to reviewing financial documents. Access to detailed financial records, including line items of specific expenditures and revenues, should be standard procedure. All Board members should feel comfortable asking difficult questions regarding the specific use of funds. Budgeting pay scales for employees should be understood as a potential risk if pay scales do not match credentials. Employees lacking qualifications needed to perform their duties create a dysfunctional environment for other employees, often leading to high turnover and money wasted.

Question 4

Question 4

Environmental justice is core to Sierra Club’s mission. Please share one or more  examples of when you were able to cultivate relationships with EJ/frontline  communities?  

In 2014, The Shoals Environmental Alliance, of which I was a charter member and officer, formed a coalition, Stop North Alabama Tar Sand Mining, which resisted plans by a mining company that moved to a mostly indigent, rural neighboring county. The coalition included Sierra Club, Southern Environmental Law Center, Alabama Rivers Alliance, Tennessee Riverkeeper, Mobile Environmental Justice Action Coalition, UtahTar Sands Resistance—who travelled to North Alabama to offer support—and numerous individuals such as retired oil industry professionals and college professors. My role was to facilitate community meetings and reach out to the media. I organized several public-resistance rallies with musicians and speakers which received media attention including front page newspaper articles and live TV coverage.

https://quadcitiesdaily.com/shoals-mining-opponents-meet-with-tar-sands-foes-from-other-sections-of-the-country/

We distributed flyers advertising community meetings in four Northwest Alabama counties. There were standing-room-only crowds at schools and fire halls. County commission meetings were packed with angry citizens. The company had secretly conducted core drilling with over 2,000 drilled holes, which served as a conduit for pollutants to reach the aquifer. Many drinking-water wells in the affected counties became polluted as a result of the drilling. A few landowners had sold out to the company which, with the land use change, directly impacted residents and farmers. The threat of fracking was imminent where bitumen deposits were deeper. The company is still there but no bitumen mining yet.

Question 5

Question 5

How do you view the role of a nonprofit Board of Directors? What do you bring  that helps you fulfill the role of Sierra Club Board Director? 

The role of Board members is to act in such a way so the good of the organization is uppermost in mind and guides all decision making. By taking their charge seriously, Board members enable the organization to run as a well-oiled machine. A working knowledge of nonprofit structure, bylaws, procedures and also limitations, is necessary. Trust among all entities is built only if those at the top are acting with honesty, integrity, civility and transparency. It is imperative that Board members keep their finger on the pulse of the organization by actively engaging, being present and approachable. The negative impacts which arise with the appearance of a conflict of interest or act of malfeasance, may cause great harm to the organization, especially if checks and balances are not in place and there is not sufficient accountability.

Since my high school days as a student council officer, I have served on several nonprofit boards, mostly advocating for environmental causes. I have gained much experience through my roles as president, vice president, secretary, programs coordinator and also as a founding member of 2 environmental nonprofits which are currently functioning. I have attended various nonprofit workshops which enhanced my understanding of grant writing and the functions and roles nonprofits play in our society. My experience leads me to be honest as I share the realities of sitting on boards which, while very rewarding, can also be stressful. Being on a board requires flexibility and the ability to work with others.

Question 6

Question 6

What do you think is the role of national staff and representatives in the affairs of  Chapter decision making?

Sierra Club has become an increasingly multifaceted organization with many layers. Without dedicated, professional staff, it would be impossible to meet the goals set by Chapters and other volunteer entities. The job description, role and duties of hired staff has traditionally been created and managed by the Chapter Chair and personnel committee. Staff help to amplify the goals set by the ExCom, assist with fundraising and provide support for the day-to-day functions of the Chapter. For a Chapter to flourish, it is critical that the interaction of staff and the volunteer leadership be amicable and functional, with both staff and volunteers fostering mutual respect.

It is a balancing act when it comes to staff involvement in Chapter affairs. Volunteer leaders should not be made to feel that their role as decision makers for Chapter affairs is being compromised. Volunteers who perceive over-reach by top-level National staff, feel they are excluded from decision-making processes that may adversely change the mode of operation of their Chapter. Chapter leaders feel powerless if the roles are switched and they feel they are providing free labor for staff. When trust is lost between Chapter ExComs and National staff due to top-down decision making, the volunteer leaders may become demoralized, causing Chapter dysfunction. The role of staff should be one of supporting the work of the volunteers while also providing input that is for the good of the Chapter.

Question 7

Question 7

 Sierra Club has faced challenges around restructuring, staffing, and finances. As  a Board Director, what actions would you take to address these challenges? 

As a Board Director, I would draw from my tool kit as a public school educator, which would enable me to analyze where weaknesses exist in decision making methodology that lie at the root of these challenges. Restructuring, staffing and finances all have in common the need for well thought out plans which are easy to comprehend and facilitate functionality. The top-down restructuring process has been riddled with inconsistencies, which has caused confusion, chaos and low morale among volunteers and staff. The challenges which result from such a top-down decision-making approach can easily be remedied if there is inclusive, organized, and substantive input from volunteer leaders and staff to clearly define details and identify needs.

Handbooks for volunteer leaders and staff that clarify their specific roles and provide a framework for carrying out their duties are needed going forward. I would take actions to promote opportunities for Chapter and staff leaders to come together to provide input and identify what is needed to ensure successful outcomes.

>The role of Board members, as responsible fiduciaries, includes oversight of all Club financials and budgeting. As a Board member, I would encourage greater Board member engagement related to finance committee recommendations.

Question 8

Question 8

Given that Sierra Club has limited resources, what would be the specific  environmental issues and priority areas that you would focus on as a Board  Director and why? 

With the growing number of environmental issues, choosing prioritized areas can be overwhelming. As a Board member, I would focus on climate change as the single most important issue facing the planet and all life thereon. To avoid continued warming and natural systems collapse, it is imperative that all sources of greenhouse gas emissions —including agriculture—be identified and swift action be taken to reduce such emissions.

A related area of focus, which deserves dedication of Club resources, is deforestation caused by logging, urban sprawl, agriculture, and wildfires mainly due to climate instability.

Another area related to climate change involves the nuclear industry’s push of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which are vulnerable to sabotage, terrorism and human-error accidents. As nuclear wastes continue to buildup, SMRs pose an environmental threat of great proportion through generation of high-level radioactive nuclear waste for which there is no long-term solution. Investment in the troubled nuclear industry serves to stall the transition to a safer renewable energy economy.

As a Board member I would prioritize the Sierra Club 2030 Strategic Plan goals and vision with a firm commitment to 100% clean energy for all. In addition to connecting  with grassroots priorities, I would encourage and engage in a deep analysis of data which holds the facts upon which conclusions are drawn and campaigns are formed. It is especially important for the Sierra Club to understand and be guided by sound science which requires that information used in decision making be data-informed.

Question 9

Question 9

What do you see as the role and use of data in the Sierra Club's mission and  health, and how would you advance the goal of furthering data-informed, values driven campaigns? 

In order to maintain a healthy Club, the members’ vision, attitudes, culture, satisfaction, and areas of interest and engagement may be assessed through various means of data collection. The role of data is a necessary tool in comprising needs assessments, setting goals, building buy-in, and measuring outcomes. Other areas in which data can drive decision making and innovation include financial planning, membership rosters, and engaging donors. When Club actions are aligned with Club intentions, successful values-driven campaigns may be launched such as planning National environmental campaigns.

I would encourage various entities in the Club to identify areas which are in need of information gathering in order for them to reach their respective goals. The Club could assist with recommending and providing state-of-the art software and tutorials at the Chapter and National levels for collecting and analyzing data across the scope of the Club’s work.

Question 10

Question 10

How do you view the role of outings fitting into the goals and objectives for Sierra  Club?

Outings are a useful tool for gaining new members by bringing people from all backgrounds—individuals of varying abilities, ages and demographic groups—together as equals to explore and enjoy the planet. Rooted in its rich history, the Sierra Club’s role of leading outings provides opportunities to learn about ecosystems and fosters a connection to our majestic wild landscapes. The Club's outings program has enabled many to develop a passion for nature which leads to taking action to protect these sacred places.

The Club's inclusive outings program assures that outings leaders are trained to handle emergencies if they should arise which is above what many other outings groups offer. This gives confidence to those who are handicapped or otherwise compromised, who may not feel safe going alone or where safety is not a primary concern. Not only children, but also adults suffer from nature deficit disorder. Getting outside and connecting to nature is the necessary first step to promoting the Sierra Club goals of protecting native biodiversity and becoming an advocate for a clean, green planet.