by Jim Turner, Missouri Chapter Chair
Awhile ago I mentioned Sierra Club membership to a progressive neighbor in my town, and he replied “I’m not that confrontational.” Certainly confrontation of determined corporate polluters is necessary at times, and our Missouri Chapter takes the litigation route when other means fail. But we also have an increasing need for “non-confrontational people” to get involved in our Group and Chapter meetings.
More and more we realize that society must become sustainable, and most Americans have consumption habits that need changing. It is “non-confrontational” people, calmly setting a good example, who may be most effective in leading our society into sustainability. Missouri Sierra Club is a good fit for such people. Our chapter has a good track record of working in coalition with various groups in Missouri. And the national Sierra Club provides an extensive network of committees and advisers, providing robust support for local educational action.
Speaking in calm tones can have good long-range results. A few years ago, one of our volunteer activists spoke at a meeting here in Missouri on an environmental matter, and following the meeting he had a cordial discussion with one of his adversaries. Now this year, that former adversary is productively engaged in a process to improve the electrical utility situation in his city.
Whether or not you choose to speak out at meetings inside or outside of our chapter, your presence will be helpful. You can visibly be a witness on the environmental side. We activists of Missouri Chapter have exerted ourselves in recent months, believing that 2007 and 2008 are critical years, tipping-point years, for getting environmental stewardship well underway. Won’t you come to a Group meeting in Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Kansas City, Saint Louis, or Springfield to extend your help? We’ll also be thinking next year about how to support increased involvement by our members in other areas of Missouri.