The Sierra Club is committed to creating a culture in which all people feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate. 

Allison Chin, former President of the Sierra Club, wrote in 2013:

Communities of color are disproportionately affected by the health problems caused by pollution, particularly the production, transportation, and burning of dirty fossil fuels including coal, oil, and natural gas. These same communities are also often at greater risk from the extreme weather and other threats posed by climate disruption that dependence on these fuels has spurred.

The Sierra Club is investing in diversity and inclusion not only because it is our job to fight for everyone’s right to clean air and water, but because we recognize that within these communities are millions of allies with whom we share values and whose support we will need to continue to win the battle against climate disruption.

For at least two decades the Sierra Club has worked side-by-side with activists and organizations in these communities to take on polluters and encourage clean energy prosperity. Together we have won victories against coal interests in Chicago, Detroit, and other major cities.  And, since 1976, our Inner City Outings program has provided tens of thousands of urban youth with outdoor experiences, fostering new generations of environmental activists who want to preserve our country’s natural heritage.

Watch this video on Diversity and Inclusion in our Wild Spaces

The Club’s diversity program has evolved significantly over the past few years. Although we have a long way to go, the progress is substantive and rewarding. We encourage you to contact with ideas, issues, and concerns that will broaden our approach.