The Sierra Club nationwide has prioritized the pursuit of equity, inclusion & justice throughout the organization, especially so since the board made a pivotal decision in 2013 to make this an urgent commitment. There was a realization that the Sierra Club's mission to enjoy, explore and protect the environment, and the transformational work we want to accomplish toward a just, clean & renewable energy economy could simply not be done by an organization that was largely limited to white middle and upper class people. It could not be done without leading voices from the communities most impacted by pollution and environmental racism. There are numerous Club staff members focusing specifically on this important work, and there have been trainings, conference calls, encouragement, investment, and much more in this direction within the organization.
How are we doing here in the Southeastern PA region? There have been some important steps taken, such as the educational and advocacy work with veterans from the Veterans' MultiService Center and the Elk Tannery Military Outdoors program. There were meetings with representatives of the William Way Center, Black clergy and unions in the region. The Ready for 100 campaign is committed to environmental and social justice as essential in all of its messaging and work. However, as the SPG Executive Committee each year nominates people to run for leadership positions, almost all of the new recruits, while excellent people, are still not representative of the broad diversity we need to achieve.
What is to be done? I believe that our work starts with connections. We need to show up for other groups' events and build relationships as we go, linking our issues with theirs. We must approach our work with our radar tuned to spotting and reaching out to people who represent a variety of identities. That means noticing when we run into people who are passionate about the environment and who come from different backgrounds--economic, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and others. It also means that if we're not running into difference, we need to search it out intentionally. And in doing that, we must find those who are committed to spending time and energy in this work and playing a leading role. That includes listening to, mentoring, and adjusting our work culture & style to make inclusion more possible.
It further means that we need to take time to educate ourselves in areas such as environmental racism, implicit bias, micro-aggressions, homophobia, classism, and more. I ask, are we prepared to take on this internal education? I'd say it is essential to moving forward. If we take this seriously and proceed with respect and determination, then perhaps by next year our nominee pool for leadership positions will look different. And our accomplishments and impact will reflect that.
by Sue Edwards