Give the gift of change
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
We all know Gandhi’s famous phrase “Be the change you want to see in this world.” On the other hand, we all know how overwhelming it can be when it seems like the problems are so immovable, so entrenched, so big! And climate change of all problems — is there anything bigger? Is there another issue that’s so huge that makes you feel so tiny by comparison?
It’s true that alone none of us can change much besides a lightbulb or two. Maybe if you’re really motivated you can plant a whole forest <https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2017/12/26/572421590/hed-take-his-own-life-before-killing-a-tree-meet-india-s-forest-man>. Even so, an individual’s efforts sum to a few drops in a bucket when what we need is a whole new tide.
Do not worry! There is hope.
Together, we are an ocean.
Thanks to you and the over 3 million members and supporters of the Sierra Club, today 1 out of 3 Americans live in a community committed to 100% renewable energy. Today 70% of the coal plants in the US have retired or are slated to retire. And here in Vermont, we’ve already passed legislation and rules that will eliminate 20% of our emissions by the end of the decade.
This season, I’m pledging to add my voice to yours by working with Sierra Club to start knocking back the next 20%. Here’s how you can join me - from home or in person, in your town or at the state capital there’s a spot for you.
Right on this page you can find the causes we’re actively working on and add your name in support— https://act.sierraclub.org/actions/Vermont?actionId=AR0300331&_gl=1*81r0zs*_ga*MTE3NTA3MDAxLjE2NzE0ODEyNjU.*_ga_41DQ5KQCWV*MTY3MTQ4MTI2NS4xLjEuMTY3MTQ4MjA4Ny4wLjAuMA..&_ga=2.9418613.1750153796.1671481265-117507001.1671481265
For example, you can sign a petition to pas the Environmental Justice Bill <https://act.sierraclub.org/actions/vermont?actionid=ar0358321&id=70131000001iOuIAAU> and to Make Vermont Roads Safe for Pedestrian and Bicyclists <https://act.sierraclub.org/actions/vermont?actionid=ar0357594&id=70131000001iOuIAAU>
You can testify at a hearing! You don’t have to be an expert on law — though we’d love to dig in to the policies with you if you’d like! — we’ve seen time and time again that Vermonters telling their personal stories moves decision-makers more than facts and figures alone ever could.
We could use your leadership on the Executive Committee https://clubvolunteer.org/position_details?id=544, or general volunteering
You can even host or join in our Community Conversations -https://www.sierraclub.org/vermont/community-conversations
Dig deeper into VT’s largest source of carbon emissions and help organize our action on the Transportation Team! We meet the first Thursday of the month at 5:00pm - https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q000002Nab4AAC&mapLinkHref=
The author of this blog post is volunteering as he writes it, right now!
I can’t wait to fight alongside you.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead