Letter from Sacramento: See ya later!

In the summer of 2019--when people were not socially distanced and long workdays here included many in-person encounters to talk about legislation or regulation--I read an Atlantic article that answered some questions I had been pondering.

The article by Arthur C. Brooks had a rather bleak title: Your Professional Peak Is Coming Much Sooner Than You Think: Here’s How to Make the Most of It.

Brooks summarizes what he learned about work, productivity, when we are at our best and how to live a happy life. Then rather suddenly near the end of the article, he announces that he is retiring as executive director of the American Enterprise Institute, a prominent conservative think tank.

Brooks did what journalists call burying the lede. He waited to give us the big news: He was leaving a job he loved. He was transitioning into a stage of life where he could draw on his experience and teach, focus more on service and spirituality, work less like a maniac and spend more time nurturing relationships.

I have only partially buried the lede here. You are now reading the last Letter from Sacramento written by me. On April 2, at about 6 p.m., I’ll log out of my Sierra Club California email account for the last time.

I’m leaving a job I love. It’s time, after nearly 10 years here, for me to spend less time in this work world and more time being part of the larger world.

Which doesn’t mean I plan to entirely hang up my spurs. Sierra Club’s volunteer corps has provided me with loads of excellent examples of people who have successfully moved into the later phases of life still active, effective and relevant in policy.

First, though, I’m going to do some things that COVID lockdown helped me realize I’ve missed. There are people--and one particular dog--who miss me when I’m at work. There are trails I’ll never hike unless I do them now before my old knees give out entirely. There’s a big fish I know who is waiting to tease the thin line attached to a too-small caddis imitation. There are bicycle rides to take, gardens to revive, music to learn and rooms to paint.

Then in the fall, I’ll find a way again to contribute thought and energy to the causes I care about.

Sierra Club California’s personnel committee is going through the process to hire my successor. In the meantime, Brandon Dawson, our staff Texan and ace advocate, will be the interim director.

This organization is in good hands and will continue to be the bold environmental advocacy group it’s been since 1986, when the national Club board established Sierra Club California. So to all the supporters, keep supporting.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what key pieces of advice I would give to anyone serving in this job. Here are a few tips:

1. Tell the truth. On environmental issues, the Sierra Club is the group in the room that can speak truth to power. We have a long history that won’t be brought down by a single person or industry’s irritation with the truth.
   
   
2. Follow Mr. Rogers’ Rule: If things get scary, look for the helpers. This organization is filled with and driven by helpers. Within the progressive and environmental community, there are other organizations filled with helpers. Over at the Capitol and in state agency buildings surrounding it, there are helpers galore. There are honest public servants who want to go home every evening knowing they’ve done something to make sure this state, this planet, will be safe for their children. Until they prove otherwise, view them as helpers.
   
   
3. Embrace the cause. The threats to the environment and the effort needed to reverse those threats can be daunting. See item 2. You are not alone. You are part of a larger movement that has made huge progress cleaning up the air, protecting wildlands, transforming energy and reforming water policy. There is, though, so much more to do. Environmental advocacy is important work. And when you win a step, celebrate. The wins will make the world a better, safer place for everyone, every living thing.

It has been my privilege to work for an organization led by dedicated volunteers who believe in protecting California’s environment. It has been my honor to advocate before government employees and decision makers on behalf of that organization.

Thank you to all of you who have been the helpers I could look to during the scary times.

Sincerely,