Capitol Voice March 2023

Brandon Dawson

As you’ve probably heard, the 2023 legislative session will be crucial for advancing climate priorities. You can be a part of that effort by participating in Sierra Club California’s In-District Lobbying program! 

This program helps volunteers like you keep doing the important work of protecting our natural environment, and fighting for a just, clean energy future. Most legislators care about what their constituents think. No matter how much money they receive from special interests, legislators know that they ultimately have to win the votes of their constituents to stay in office.

One of the most important things Sierra Club volunteers can do to help pass good environmental legislation is meet with their legislators in-district. This is one of the most effective ways to influence change and make sure your voice is heard regarding the issues you care most about. It’s also a great way to build a relationship with your local elected officials and let them know which issues are a top priority for their constituents.

This year we are working to get teams of volunteers in meetings with their legislators in every district. This will reinforce the grassroots power that Sierra Club has in California, and aid Sierra Club California’s lobbying efforts in Sacramento.

Sierra Club California will be hosting a webinar on Monday, March 20 from 12-12:45pm PST to train volunteers on best practices for either virtual or in-person In-District Lobbying. Register today to hear from our director, Brandon Dawson, on how you can be an integral part of Sierra Club California’s advocacy. 

Can’t wait to see you on the 20th!

By Hoiyin Ip

On Saturday Feb. 25, nearly 100 Sierra Club members from 18 chapters in seven states attended California Conservation Committee’s first 2023 meeting, titled the Movement Building Workshop.

California Director Brandon Dawson started the meeting by giving an overview of Sierra Club California’s 2023 legislative and regulatory priorities. He highlighted the importance of continued in-district advocacy, and noted that SCC staff is tracking 900 bills, 300-400 of which they likely will take positions in March. 

Next, San Diego Chapter Conservation Organizer Karl Aldinger interviewed Bill McKibben, author and founder of 350 and Third Act, on the best practices for movement building. They discussed our joint projects, including 3.21.23 Stop Dirty Banks Day of Action, and our groups’ support of SB-252 (Gonzalez) Fossil Fuel Divestment Act. (Recording. Passcode: i12%V2D7)

National Training Director Alicia Ybarra then gave a Planning to Win presentation, which focused on how to use the Sierra Club campaign model: vision and values, theory of change, campaign goals, organizational goals, targets/decision makers, communication, tactics and budget. (Recording. Passcode: i12%V2D7)

After that, National Lead Distributed Organizer Chelsea Watson gave another training on distributed organizing. It focused on multiplying our impact through empowering local leaders utilizing movement “DNA”: story, strategy and structure. (Recording. Passcode: i12%V2D7)

State Lobbying & Advocacy Director Jen Hensley and Representative Taylor Becker put the learning into action through a powerful set of slides which showed how Chapters and Groups are achieving results through state implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) & Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). (Recording. Passcode: i12%V2D7) 

Finally,  some attendees announced their followup actions to take within a week. If you’re also eager to help advance a bold and transformational agenda ensuring everyone can exercise our human right to have clean air, fresh water, public access to nature, and a stable climate, please join one of our statewide issue committees and task forces:

1. 30x30
2. Agriculture 
3. Desert
4. Energy-Climate
5. Environmental & Social Justice
6. Sequoia National Forest
7. State Forests
8. State Parks
9. Transportation & Sustainable Communities
10. Water
11. Wilderness
12. Wildlife
13. Yosemite
14. Zero Waste 

Thanks for your activism. We’re always more powerful together. 

Sierra Club CA is Hiring An Associate Director!

By Michael Blenner

Ever wanted the opportunity to work at Sierra Club California? You’re in luck, because we’re hiring an Associate Director! This position will help direct the chapter’s renewable energy, transportation, industrial decarbonization, and forestry campaigns. The Associate Director oversees planning and implementation of state legislative and regulatory campaigns that produce just and equitable solutions and advance Sierra Club California’s environmental goals. 

If you’re a passionate environmental advocate and have experience working on the above issues, including direct experience managing and supervising staff, this is the job for you. This position is a unique opportunity for someone who cares deeply about the environment and environmental justice to directly influence California’s policy and legislation.

Applications are live and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If you’re selected for an interview, our director will reach out to you individually. Good luck applying, and maybe someday soon you’ll be writing one of these articles!