By Kathy Howard
What is the difference between the SF Group Conservation Committee and Executive Committee, and how can you serve on them?
The SF Group has two volunteer committees which decide positions — in line with state and national Sierra Club policy — on local issues. These are the Conservation Committee and the Executive Committee.
On the Conservation Committee, members may contribute ideas and propose policy positions. Everyone is welcome to attend a Conservation Committee meeting and take part in the process. The Conservation Committee then forwards proposed policy decisions to the nine-member SF Group Executive Committee. The Executive Committee has the final vote on all issues, although it is unusual for the Executive Committee to contradict the Conservation Committee's recommended action(s) — but sometimes lively discussions will ensue!
Because the Executive Committee is deciding local policy for the Club, it is vital to have environmentally informed and concerned Executive Committee members. That is why the requirements to be on the Executive Committee are more extensive, and individuals that want to be on the Executive Committee must run for office in Sierra Club chapter elections. Members can become candidates through one of two processes, via nomination by committee or via nomination by petition.
For the first nomination process, candidates are required to fill out an application, detailing their relevant background and answering questions about environmental issues. After reviewing the application, the SF Group Nominating Committee then selects candidates whom they deem the most qualified. The second process — nomination by petition — allows candidates who did not meet the SF Group criteria or who chose not to seek nomination by the SF Group Nominating Committee to qualify by submitting a petition with 15 signatures from San Francisco Bay Chapter members before a designated deadline.
Both methods are valid ways to become a candidate. However, neither category of candidate is technically “endorsed” by the local SF Group. Once a candidate's name is listed in your ballot, it is up to you to read about the candidates and select the person whom you think best fits the experience and values you would like to see on the SF Group Executive Committee. Remember — they are making environmental policy for you, as a member of the SF Group!
If you have any questions, please contact SF Group Nominating/Election Committee Chair Kathy Howard at kathyhoward@earthlink.net.