Get Involved

Volunteer Opportunities

Earth Day Tree

The NW Cook County Group of the Sierra Club is an all-volunteer organization. It is true grassroots activism which can be the most effective approach to change.

We know that many of our members want to do more than write a small dues renewal check every year (as important as that is) but don’t know how they can help and how to start.  It is quite simple. We also understand and appreciate how busy everyone is with family and careers, so plan to be as active as you can. You can make a larger contribution than you realize with just a few hours per month. When we multiple those few hours by our many members, we become a powerful force for positive change across so many areas that will touch us now and into the future for our children and grandchildren.

How to start:

  • Simply drop us a note at NWCCSierraClub@gmail.com stating you are available, and if you know, in what area (see Committees).
  • Drop into one of our monthly program meetings (see our Events Calendar on our Home page) and meet us and other members.
  • Look at some of the following opportunities below and contact us about one that interests you.
  • Have a passion that we seem to be overlooking. Contact us as to how we can get involved.
  • We would like to get more exposure within the communities in our boundaries, which are: Arlington Heights, Barrington, Bartlett, Deer Park, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Mt Prospect, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, South Barrington, Streamwood and Wheeling. Could you write a Press Release, or article about our group, or one of our workdays, program meetings or issues addressed on our website, for a local newspaper or like-minded community websites?

The best way to become active is to join a Committee (or several) that represent your passion and interests. We currently have these Committees and new ones are started based on members' interests (e.g. Wildlife, Transportation, etc.). No special skills are required for most and training is available where needed. Please contact the person listed for more information. You can click on most committee names (blue) to get more information.

Conservation

This is a very broad subject but if you don't see a specific issue listed below, contact us at NWCCSierraClub@gmail.com. We would be happy to understand your interests in this area and direct you to the right people. The following committies under Conservation that have been formed, or are forming:
  • Clean Energy Team:  We are very active in promoting the transition from fossil fuels to clean renewables at all levels. Advancing the key benefits of the new Clean Energy Jobs Act is a main focus. 
  • Habitat Restoration:   NWCCG supports Habitat Restoration efforts under the governance of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Volunteer groups are at work at most sites. Contact us for information on the work they are doing, how to connect to nearby groups, and sign up for workdays.
  • Illinios Monarch/Pollinator Team (NWCC Group)- This committee was formed to address the decline of the Monarch population as well the conservation of all our pollinators.
  • Water:   Few things are more important than this and we sit along the shores of one of the most important sources that cannot be taken for granted.  Also local streams and waterways need monitoring.      
  • Plastic Reduction Campaign- This committee is working with concerned citizens from many areas of Cook County to facilitate a Take A Pass on Plastics using grassroots action to reduce single-use plastic consumption in our local communities.  The plastics team meets online once a month for one hour. All are welcome. For more information, and/or to join one of our meetings, contact the campaign liaison, Pat Nuccio, NWCCsierraclub@gmail.com. Just put plastics in the subject line.         

Communications

We need individuals to assist us in reaching out to the community to inform on issues, news, programs, and events.

Executive Committee 

Membership to this Committee is by election of the members. Annual elections are held and candidates are continually sought. Monthly ExCom meetings are open to members and will be published at our website calendar. Contact us for more information at NWCCSierraClub@gmail.com

Membership

Welcoming new members to the Group and helping them and existing members find out how to navigate the deep and broad resources and opportunities of The Club is an important function. Contact us at NWCCSierraClub@gmail.com

Outings

One of the favorite offerings of The Club and the recreational side of what we do. Outings are for all levels and range from local to international trips. Trips are led by skilled members and new Outings leaders are always needed. Leader training available. 

Political

Volunteers are needed for all kinds of activities related to getting the right people in office and then holding them accountable. During election seasons we volunteer with Sierra Club endorsed candidates and participate in neighborhood canvassing and phone banks.

Events and Programs

We are in need of volunteers to help us identify topics of interest, seek out speakers, and make these events an enjoyable experience. Assist in Monthly Program setup. Pick up and setup light refreshments.  Expenses reimbursed. Time commitment about 1 -2 hours per month. Location: Usually Spring Valley Nature Center, 2nd Thurs of every month except during summer months.