The Sierra Club is a volunteer-led environmental advocacy organization with entities at the national, state, and local level with the mission of “Explore, Enjoy & Protect.” Each entity is governed by an Executive Committee of members elected for their commitment to protect our planet, and willingness to collaborate within our organization to make a difference.
The Maryland Chapter and local Group Executive Committees (“ExComs”) set priorities; pursue environmental objectives; organize a program of outings, educational and activist events; recruit and communicate with members; endorse political candidates; and raise funds, in accordance with Sierra Club policies and bylaws. In addition, the Chapter ExCom sets and manages the Chapter budget and hires the Chapter director. The ExComs meet monthly and participate in annual leadership retreats. Sierra Club members in good standing are eligible to run.
This fall, three of the six at-large seats on the Maryland Chapter ExCom are up for election for two-year terms, and a fourth at-large seat for a one-year to fill a vacancy. If you would like to nominate someone (or yourself) to run as an at-large candidate for the Chapter ExCom, please contact Chapter Nominations Committee Chair Brian Ditzler (brian.ditzler@mdsierra.org, 301-565-0870)
Roughly half of the seats on the ExComs of the seven local Sierra Club Groups will also be up for election this fall, for two-year terms. If you would like to nominate someone (or yourself) to run for the local Group ExCom, please contact the following chairs of the group Nominations Committees:
Anne Arundel: Dylan Behler, dylan.behler@mdsierra.org 443-510-9335
Catoctin (Carroll, Frederick, Washington counties): David Barrow david.barrow@mdsierra.org 301-293-3310
Greater Baltimore (Baltimore city & county; Harford county): Elizabeth Lewis, elizagee1@gmail.com, 410-412-6554
Howard: Daniel Shaefer dmshaefe@gmail.com 919-889-9850
Montgomery: Shruti Bhatnagar shruti.bhatnagar@mdsierra.org 301-949-8006
Prince George’s: Janis Oppelt Janis.oppelt@mdsierra.org 301-474-5358
Southern Maryland (Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s counties): Benjamin Hance, benjamin.t.hance@gmail.com 410-610-7487.
*(Sierra Club members living anywhere in the State of Maryland are eligible to run and vote in Chapter elections. We are currently building local Groups in Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore but are not yet holding Group elections, if you would like to join the leadership teams in these regions, please contact Chapter membership chair Benjamin Hance benjamin.t.hance@gmail.com 410-610-7487.)
If You Would Like to Serve
The deadline for receipt of nominations for both the Chapter and Group Executive Committees is September 30th. Candidates must submit to the relevant Nominations Committee their contact information and a statement of no more than 200 words total that answers these two questions:
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What do you hope to accomplish on the ExCom?
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What skills, experience & new ideas will you bring to the ExCom?
The election will be held via electronic and (for those without email) paper ballot from November 15 – December 15, 2019. Terms will begin in 2020.
More Volunteer Opportunities!
The Maryland Chapter’s issue committees develop policy recommendations, educate the public, and advocate for legislation. Committees cover topics like: beyond gas, energy, natural places, pesticides, public health, water, and zero waste. The Chapter also has committees for outings, membership engagement, diversity, fundraising, legislation, and to vet candidates for election endorsements. Unlike many other environmental groups, much of the work in the Sierra Club is done by volunteers, supported by a small number of our incredible, hardworking staff. Not sure? Fill out our volunteer survey and we will try to connect you with something that fits your interests!
The local Sierra Club Groups also have conservation and legislative campaigns, organize outings, and endorse candidates at the county or municipal level, and collaborate on related state-wide environmental campaigns. For more information on leadership and volunteer opportunities in Groups, click here to access the website for your Group.