This evening, July 29, is the Sierra Club – John Muir Chapter’s Locally Grown, Nationally Known event, a houseparty-style event at EVP Coffee on Mineral Point Road in Madison, WI. The event combines fundraising with a fun twist: local food and a celebration of our grassroots activism. This year’s houseparty also honors the legacy left by former Director Shahla Werner PhD.
Throughout her time with the John Muir Chapter, Werner helped build a foundation that would garner more power and environmental successes. Because of her dedication and her work, the chapter has been able to tackle a plethora of statewide issues and has remained a relevant environmental force even in difficult political times. In addition, the staff has expanded, volunteers have been organized into teams, and the Chapter has set a strategic course for the coming years. Without her work, our campaigns centered on wolves, tar sands, and mining would not have the robust support and momentum that they currently have. In fact, under Werner’s leadership, the Sierra Club John Muir Chapter was the first organization to oppose the Penokee Mine. Since then, the mine has been canceled – a huge environmental victory for Wisconsin. She also had an active hand in establishing the Great Lakes Compact and in conserving and dedicating land that had belonged to John Muir’s family.
Shahla Werner (on right) with Sierra Club members at the John Muir land dedication.
Not only did Werner successfully build out campaigns, but she also helped expand the chapter’s reach by utilizing new technological tools. She helped establish the e-newsletter, created a way for the Chapter to collect online donations, and led two overhauls of the website. Without Werner, this very blog would not exist.
Werner’s leadership also touched many Sierra Club members. Those who worked with her reflected on her fearless dedication to doing what’s right. Dave Blouin speaks to Werner’s leadership; “Sierra Club members in Wisconsin know that the last few years have been extremely challenging for the environmental and conservation community. Elections won with dark money leading to rigged legislation for special interests all to further outrageous proposals have pushed our resources and capacity to react to the limits. Shahla had the unenviable task of directing the John Muir Chapter during these turbulent times. She demonstrated a deep reserve of energy and focus despite the external chaos around her. And she even managed to start a family in that time. This all demonstrates her commitment and motivation to build and strengthen the John Muir Chapter and protect and preserve the special places of our state. We were lucky to have her on board to steer our ship during the last seven plus years and very pleased that she and her family are continuing to support the Chapter's efforts.”
Werner’s work expanded the capacity of the chapter and laid a strong foundation for environmental fights to come. We are thankful for the work she has done and are excited to see to see what’s next for her as she returns to her first passion, entomology.
Locally Grown, Nationally Known begins at 5:30 p.m. at EVP Coffee on Mineral Point Road, with a suggested donation of $50. We hope you will join us for this evening honoring Werner, celebrating grassroots activism, and enjoying homemade local food. Please note that if you are traveling from the east side of Madison, there is some road construction where Speedway Rd. meets Mineral Point Road. We recommend taking Monroe St and taking a right on Glenway St. The entrance to EVP’s parking lot will be on the left before you reach Mineral Point Rd. (Do not park in the Village Bar lot.)
Thank you to our hosts and sponsors:
Hosts
Spencer Black & Pam Fornell, Kate Blumenthal, Denise DeMarb & Scott Blankman, Don Ferber, Claire Gervais & Dave Blouin, Hiroshi & Arlene Kanno, James Kerler, Scott & Mary Kolar, Katharine O’Dell, Caryl & Bob Terrell, Caryn Treiber, Gary Werner & Melanie Lord, Liz & Bill Wessel, Lyn & Lyman Wible
Sponsors
Richard & Carolyn Betz, Oscar Bloch & Lyn Gordh, Jim & Susan Connors, Ada E Deer, Mary Beth Elliot, Donald & Barbara Frank, Sherrie Gruder, Andy Gussert & Lisa Stefanik, Judith & John Hartl, Steve Hiniker & Mel Volbrecht, Taylor Lang, Percy Mather & Lisa Seidman, Andy Olsen, Scott Own, Madeleine Para, County Executive Joe Parisi, Anne Slaughter Perrote, Alyssa Shelstad, John Reindl, L D & Judy Rockwell, Will Stahl, Connie Threinen, Steve Ventura & Margaret Krome, Shahla Werner & Andy Weidert, Don Wichert, Levi & Janet K Wood
Special Thanks
EVP Coffee for the fantastic venue, Volk Marketing for outstanding design, Solidarity Realty for your support