Dear members and supporters,
I am so glad to be writing to you for the first time as your new Director of the Sierra Club’s Oregon Chapter.
I have spent the past seven years advocating for climate action, environmental justice, and democracy reform in Portland and across Oregon. I’ve been humbled to support many important struggles in the Pacific Northwest against fossil fuels in favor of a livable future: stopping coal and oil export terminals from southwest Washington; halting fracked gas power plants, pipelines, and LNG exports in Oregon; creating the nation’s first-ever climate justice fund in Portland in 2018; securing millions in state funding for energy efficiency home upgrades and low-income utility bill discounts; standing up for the forests, the water, and the salmon as the life-giving keystones that they are. Our region’s environmental movement boasts a mighty list of accomplishments that we can all be proud of.
Already as I get up to speed, important issues abound: the All Our Relations journey came to Portland spreading awareness of the latest in the essential campaign to save Columbia and Snake River salmon by removing the four lower Snake River dams. Portland City Council listened to environmental, labor, and community advocates by approving $750 million in climate justice projects like solar panels, green job training, and growing the urban tree canopy over the next five years. Everyday Oregonians recently challenged a timber industry conference by bravely rallying in support of managing our forests for communities and the planet, not private profit.
We are in a unique moment in history where we have the chance to mobilize and stop the acceleration of the climate crisis, protect our forests, and bring back abundant salmon for generations to come. As the Oregon Chapter prepares to expand its staff and grow its reach, everyone has something to contribute and we will be better off hearing from you. Please join us on Thursday, November 9th at 6:00pm at the Oregon Sierra Club office (1821 SE Ankeny St, Portland) for a meet-and-greet social! We’ll provide some food and refreshments and catch up on how we’ve been and the big year ahead of us. This event is intended for Oregon Sierra Club members and supporters.
Thank you, and looking forward to connecting with you.
Damon Motz-Storey
