By Virginia Woulfe-Beile

PPG Member Wayne Politsch is the Illinois Sierra Club Chapter's Protector of the Month for January 2016.

Wayne Politsch has devoted much of his time to Sierra Club causes. As an active member of the Piasa Palisades Group since 1983, he has served in the capacity of ExCom Chair and Vice Chair, and recently retired from the committee after serving as secretary. His passion for the environment and education shines through in his work as a sociology professor at Lewis and Clark Community College where he has invited thousands of students, semester after semester, to think critically about human ecological impacts. His love for the natural world is demonstrated in the many wild and beautiful places he and his wife Jen have explored over the years.

As a tireless volunteer, Wayne can be found on any given Saturdayleading a hike to the lost cabin at Pere Marquette State Park, squeezing fresh lemonade for a group picnic or fundraiser, or doing the heavy lifting for the Winter Gala. Wayne is a voice of reason that can always be counted on to moderate a public meeting or facilitate a community conversation. As a respected member of the community, he is an effective convener who was walking the walk of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion before it was popular. Wayne is a gentle soul with a fire in his belly; he refuses to shy away from controversy and can be relied on to carry a sign, shout a slogan, and rally with the best! He is a kind soul who, while always seeking justice, has managed to escape the spotlight.

Thank you, Wayne, for all you have done for the environment and for the Sierra Club!