By Emma Brown, Communications Associate, Massachusetts Chapter
The COVID Pandemic has changed the way we live, play and work. It is a new reality and one that we have adopted out of necessity in which our homes are also our offices, schools, social spaces, and more. The Massachusetts Sierra Club—like so many of our allies—pivoted to virtual advocacy, recognizing that our advocacy work never stops, even in a pandemic.
Our work and communications shifted to Zoom, a video, audio, and a wireless screen-sharing platform that enables connections within the community. It allows interested members and supporters to begin or continue advocating for a healthy environment and social justice. The team at the Massachusetts Chapter set about developing a Zoom Guide to help new users and longtime volunteers learn this technology in order to gather virtually. We then introduced a weekly virtual event called Advocacy Hour enabling members and supporters a weekly forum to keep up with issues, join new and ongoing campaigns, ask questions about the Chapter’s efforts, and get involved. The weekly event is a popular favorite where chapter leaders and staff share campaign updates with volunteers eager to get involved, and current and new volunteers can directly connect with one another.Be sure to check out Advocacy Hour every Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. If you’d like to attend, please register here.
Enjoy these volunteer experiences:
I initially got involved with the Sierra Club to advocate for clean transportation and clean energy, but it quickly broadened my horizons to more issues and opportunities. I became a volunteer right around when Advocacy Hour events were introduced to the Massachusetts Chapter. Being able to interact with Chapter leaders and other volunteers made it so easy to get involved, share ideas, and jump into specific advocacy actions that excited me. Becoming a Sierra Club volunteer has shown me that I can actively bring positive change to my own community and that I’m not alone in wanting to do so! - Tara N.
The Advocacy Hour events are great! I want to believe that I would go through the updates myself every week, but I know better than that. Having a time set aside specifically for that, means I actually do it. What’s more, is that it’s really helping me to feel connected to the organization. I’m a new volunteer, so didn’t get to meet any other members before quarantine, but now I look forward to seeing folks on Wednesdays and learning about what they’ve been doing. - Katie N.
When I joined the Sierra Club back in 2017 I was thrilled to find out there was an office in Boston. I've always been passionate about protecting nature, and I wanted to fight climate change. I started the Plant-based Planet Team in May 2019, to encourage people to reduce or eliminate animal food consumption.
Because I am now home on furlough due to the pandemic, I'm able to attend Advocacy Hour every week. Besides allowing me to advocate for several issues, it gives me a routine and I meet people who share my concerns about the environment.
What I like most about the Sierra Club is its comprehensive approach to environmental protection and justice. In fact, it's hard to think of an environmental issue that the Sierra Club does not work on. By volunteering, I feel like I'm having an impact on many issues that affect both nature and humanity. As a woman, I feel that the Sierra Club is a safe space that welcomes my input and participation. In addition to being fulfilling, volunteering for the Sierra Club can be fun, because you get to meet interesting people committed to making the world a better place. - Sara S.