While the coronavirus response requires us to be physically apart, we want to make sure our Sierra Club family can continue to connect, learn, and advance our conservation agenda. As part of that effort, we’re inviting you to join us online for an ongoing series of virtual programs — trainings, interviews, art workshops, informational panels, and more. Check them out and RSVP below, and keep an eye on our calendar, where we’ll post more events in the weeks to come.
We understand that some of you may not be in a place to join us — either logistically, emotionally, or physically. To you we send our best wishes and hope you’ll be back with us soon.
These events will be held on the free web conferencing software Zoom and/or streamed live on our Facebook page (you don’t need a Facebook account to watch). Once you RSVP we’ll provide detailed instructions for downloading and using Zoom — most people find it pretty easy to learn. If you don’t feel comfortable using Zoom, you can still participate in the conversation by watching the Facebook live stream and typing questions into the comment box.
Here is a list of upcoming events — remember, more will be posted on our calendar as they're scheduled.
'In the Know' with Olga Bolotina
New episode each Friday at noon – streamed live on Facebook; RSVP for details
In her new interview series ‘In the Know,’ chapter chair Olga Bolotina will introduce you to environmental leaders and the people behind the Club’s policies and messages. What drives them, what keeps them up at night, and what can we learn from and about them that will inspire us in our own life and work?
Friday, April 10 at noon – 'In the Know' interview with Dr. Minda Berbeco
'In the Know' kicks off with a conversation with SF Bay Chapter director Minda Berbeco, PhD. Before joining the Sierra Club, Minda worked to defend and support the teaching of topics like evolution and climate change at the National Center for Science Education. She earned a PhD in biology from Tufts University, where she studied the impact of climate change on terrestrial systems.
Virtual Green Friday: Sunrise Movement and the New Green Deal
Friday, April 10, 7:00 PM – RSVP for Zoom link
Green Friday is a monthly program of the Sierra Club's Northern Alameda County Group about important environmental issues of our time. The program will be hosted online for the duration of the shelter in place.
This month, we'll be joined by representatives of the game-changing, youth-led Sunrise Movement to discuss the Green New Deal. Our speakers will talk about their theory of change and how solidarity partnerships between Sunrise and organizations like the Sierra Club will ultimately help us all win.
The People’s Bailout Info Session & Family Art Build
Saturday, April 11, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM – RSVP for Zoom link
These hard times have made it clear that we need a swift, inclusive stimulus package, by and for the people. That’s why the Sierra Club has backed the People’s Bailout, which prioritizes families, working people, and the environment — not corporate polluters. Join our virtual art build with chapter organizer Julia Foote to learn more about the People’s Bailout and make banners and signs for your windows to show support. Families are encouraged to join and bring your little ones!
Building Electrification 101 Virtual Training
Wednesday, April 15, 2:00 - 3:00 PM – RSVP for Zoom link
Maybe you’ve seen headlines about local “building electrification” ordinances and want to learn more. Maybe you’re concerned about the health impacts of natural gas appliances. Get all the answers at this training with our friends at Mothers Out Front.
Learn what it means to transition to all-electric homes and buildings powered by clean energy, why it matters, and how you can make a difference locally in the coming months. There will be opportunities for questions and a chance to engage with issue experts.
Transportation, Housing, and a Green New Deal in Contra Costa
Thursday, April 16, 5:00 - 6:30 PM – RSVP for Zoom link
Join chapter organizers Julia Foote and Josh Lee to learn and discuss what a Green New Deal would mean for Central and East Contra Costa County, and how it intersects with the housing crisis. We’ll explore the current state of affairs, the work the Sierra Club is doing locally on housing and transportation, and learn together how a Green New Deal could change our region for the better.
‘In the Know’ with Olga Bolotina: Interview with Chance Cutrano
Friday, April 17 at Noon – Streamed live on Facebook; RSVP for details
Chapter chair Olga Bolotina continues her new interview series with this conversation with chapter vice chair Chance Cutrano. Chance is the Director of Programs at the Resource Renewal Institute, where he directs public lands and sustainable agriculture programs. In the fall of 2018, Chance was awarded Sierra Club California's inaugural Emerging Leader Award for “outstanding contributions to conservation and politics by someone under the age of 30.” Chance helped design (and participates in) a volunteer matching service in the town of Fairfax to support and protect people in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Power of Storytelling – Earth Week Workshop
Wednesday, April 22, 4:00 - 5:00 PM – RSVP for Zoom link
Storytelling is one of the key skills of organizing. It helps build movements and inspires people to work for a cause. In this workshop led by chapter organizer Jacob Klein, we’ll talk about why storytelling matters in the work we do and how to craft an effective story. There will be time for people to share their stories so that we can learn more about why we’re all in this movement together. Since it’s the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we’d love to hear stories from people who were at the first Earth Day!
Working with Elected Officials – Earth Week Panel Discussion
Thursday April 23, 4:00 - 5:00 PM – RSVP for Zoom link
We all feel the urgency of political change — but what are the best strategies for engaging with elected officials in order to achieve our goals? Join us for a panel discussion with seasoned environmental advocates who will share their tips on building relationships with electeds, getting legislation passed (or stopped), and influencing policy.
‘In the Know’ with Olga Bolotina – Interviewee TBD
Friday, April 24 at Noon – Streamed live on Facebook; RSVP for details
Join us for the third installment of the interview series ‘In the Know.’ The ‘In the Know’ series will introduce you to environmental leaders and the people behind the Club’s policies and messages. What drives them, what keeps them up at night, and what can we learn from and about them that will inspire us in our own life and work? RSVP and we’ll update you by email when we book the next exciting guest — and join Olga each Friday at noon for a new ‘In the Know.’