Each year the Sierra Club-John Muir Chapter recognizes outstanding volunteers and community leaders for their work on behalf of the environment. From new activists to lifetime achievements we want to acknowledge the amazing efforts and accomplishments of our 2019 award winners and inspire each other to move forward in 2020.
Please join us as we come together to present the chapter awards and celebrate all of our volunteers on October 5th. Together we are making a difference for our land, air and water. All who care about the environment are welcome!
This year’s award winners are:
James Davies, member of our Transportation Team, will receive this year’s New Activist Award for his work advocating for public transit accessibility and biking and walking infrastructure. In addition to being our Transportation Team, James serves on our Legislative Committee and as a member of the Clean Power Coalition of Southeast Wisconsin. He was recently featured for his work in the community here.
Roswitha Both will receive this year’s LD Rockwell Award, the award given to an individual who has provided exceptional service to our political program. Rose has attended legislative town halls of multiple state Assembly and Senators and has consistently held local legislators accountable for their votes on bills like the Wetland Destruction Act. She currently serves on our Legislative Committee and is the Great Waters Group Delegate to the Chapter Executive Committee. She also serves on our Political Committee.
The Clean Power Coalition of Southeast Wisconsin will receive the Good Citizen Award, for their continued fight to close down the coal plants in Oak Creek and protect the nearby communities. The Coalition has been a consistent force calling for immediate action on coal dust pollution, the retirement of the Oak Creek and Elm Road Coal Plants and the transition to clean energy. Some of the Coalition’s biggest accomplishments have been a community listening session with hundreds of community members in front of 7 utility executives and preventing We Energies proposed solar tax earlier this year.
The Coalition to Save the Menominee River will receive the Good Citizen Award, for their efforts to stop the destructive Back 40 Mine, and protect the Menominee River and Green Bay watersheds and access to clean water. Members have testified at countless public hearings, spread the word through letters to the editor and social media (developing a Facebook page with over 5,000 followers!), and activated citizens through protests, rallies and fundraising. They have filed numerous court cases contesting permits as well. They are a true grassroots environmental organization and are a shining example of what can be accomplished when a diversified group of concerned citizens unite and focus their skills on protecting the environment.
The Pasch/Lewis Family will be presented with this year’s Wildflower Award. Marjorie, Keziah, Salome, and Qian are dedicated members of our Madison Gas and Electric Beyond Coal Team, and other members of the family and family friends often help as well. They can be found tabling for Sierra Club most weekends of the summer, volunteering with Four Lakes Group’s Recycling Away from Home program, and helping with every event the Beyond Coal team plans. While each member of the family offers so much individually - they collectively bring creativity, strategic questions, dependability, and energy to our team. They can be counted on to help solve problems and are some of the first to welcome new team members into the Sierra Club, truly representing the spirit of the Wildflower Award.
Cathy Van Maren will receive this year’s Merit Award for all of her work in the La Crosse Community. She was instrumental in passing La Crosse’s Ready for 100% clean energy commitment passed earlier this year, her years of hard work promoting safe, clean and accessible transportation, and has been a staunch supporter and advocate for clean water. Cathy is being recognized for her work on the Coulee Region Group’s Executive Committee, the La Crosse Sustainability Commission, the La Crosse County Democratic Party, and the Coulee Region Climate Alliance.
Milwaukee City Council President Ashanti Hamilton and Milwaukee County Supervisor Supreme Moore-Omokunde will receive this year’s Torchbearer Award. This award goes to outstanding decision-makers that demonstrate leadership and promote legislation and initiatives that help our environment. The two co-sponsored the resolution in Milwaukee to commit the city to eliminating greenhouse gases by 2050 and to create a joint City-County Task Force on Climate and Economic Equity.
Bill Moore will receive the Chapter’s highest honor, the JJ & Pat Werner Award for his decades of advocacy and time leading hikes throughout Wisconsin. He is being recognized for his work with the Sierra Club Great Waters Group in numerous leadership positions, fighting proposed coal plants, serving on the state Executive Committee and leading decades of outings teaching people about Wisconsin and encouraging and inspiring them.
Please join us as we honor these individuals and celebrate ALL who care for our environment!
What: Sierra Club-John Muir chapter Volunteer Appreciation & Awards party
When: Saturday, October 5th
Time: 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Where: WISDOM Offices, 2821 Vel R. Phillips Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Light appetizers & refreshments
RSVP here - We hope to see you there!