Volunteer Opportunities
HELP WANTED! Looking for a way to get involved? The Poudre Canyon Group relies entirely on volunteers for all of its local efforts. Whether you have just a few hours to spare, or are interested in taking a leadership role, you've come to the right place. Consider volunteering for any of the following:
Political Action: Lobbying local, state, and federal elected officials can make a real difference! The Sierra Club works at local and state levels to influence policy, laws, and ordinances. We communicate with city council and county commissioners about strengthening oil and gas regulations, and push local governments to take effective action for clean air an to cut greenhouse gases. In addition we endorse candidates and work with them on literature drops and other campaign activities. Contact Kevin Harper for more information.
Education: PCG hosts educational meetings on a variety of environmental topics. Past meetings have included. continuous air quality monitoring, green building, global warming, and single use plastics. We also work to educate residents on the importance of moving away from burning fossil fuels.
Fracking: The PCG has been educating the public and elected officials and is working with other organizations to stop fracking in communities in Northern Colorado. A variety of efforts are underway to enact moratoria in Fort Collins, Loveland and other towns. The Sierra Club has endorsed proposed ballot initiatives in Fort Collins and Loveland. To find out how you can help, contact Doug Henderson. See also Larimer Alliance and Weld Air and Water.
Executive Committee (ExComm): Do you want a say in the direction of PCG? If so, consider applying for a seat on our ExComm! We have monthly meetings to discuss the priorities and activities of our club.
Hughes Stadium Site: We are working to have Hughes designated a City Natural Area because that is the best way to truly keep it protected and conserved in perpetuity for all of for Collins and for wildlife, and to honor the legislative intent of the conservation-focused ballot measure. Contact: Elena Lopez.
Social Media and Communication: Our website is a key communication tool for our members and the general public, and so it is important that we keep the content interesting and up-to-date. Work with other PCG volunteers to coordinate new content, updates and improvements. We also need help populating our Instagram and Facebook pages. Maybe you are interested in writing letters to the editor of the Coloradoan! Contact: Ted Manahan for more information.
Staffing at Public Events: Throughout the year, the PCG often has booths or other displays at local events to help get the word out about our campaigns and other issues that we're involved in. Helping staff a booth is an easy way to get involved, and a great way to meet people who might be interested in what the Sierra Club is doing. Time commitment is minimal, and training, if necessary, is provided. Contact: Will Walters
Fundraising: Many of our conservation efforts require money, whether to purchase supplies, print flyers, hire lawyers, or get the word out. We hold fundraisers such as selling Sierra Club calendars and books and solicit donations at various events. The national Club provides resources to help with local fundraisers so you don't have to start from scratch. Got ideas or energy? Contact: Will Walters
Outings: Interested in becoming an outings leader? We need leaders to plan and conduct outings to connect people with nature! Contact: Charlie Kopp. There are opportunities to attend outings organized by the Boulder-based Indian Peaks Group. You may also want to participate in outings organized by the Colorado Mountain Club. New to hiking? Some good information can be found at 101 tips to hike (like a pro) with your kids (link).
Other possible areas where you can make a difference:
- Taking action for zero waste by 2030
- Campaigning for 100% clean carbon-free electricity by 2030
- Opposing the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP) to protect the Poudre River's flows, reparian habitats, and fish and wildlife. And supporting No Pipe Dreams'efforts to stop the City of Thornton from diverting its shares of Poudre water upstream of Fort Collins