As we continue our shared journey through this historic time, our volunteers and staff are finding creative ways to stay connected and support one another and our Sierra Club community of volunteers, members and partner groups. At the same time, our Issue Teams are addressing urgent, immediate needs within our communities while still moving our longtime priorities forward.
Fostering a sense of community:
While we are all in this together, we realize that everyone’s daily lives are being impacted differently. Whether you have only minutes to spare or are looking for a deeper sense of community, the John Muir Chapter is offering new ways to engage with one another or to take individual action. The #ActAtHome campaign offers a suggested action that is posted daily at 10 a.m. as well as interactive video chats on a variety of topics, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 3 p.m. The chapter is also hosting virtual volunteer nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m. one Wednesday per month. Find out more and register online here.
A renewed sense of purpose:
As current events shine a light on how interconnected and fragile our communities and the environment are, our Issue Teams are fighting with renewed energy to ensure our voices are heard. That includes informing our members and supporters of actions that can be taken online or by phone. A few examples of that work include:
- Fighting for clean water safeguards even as the EPA signals that pollution regulations will be eased in the face of the pandemic
- Planning creative, remote ways to engage in Get On Board Day events April 16 including recruiting volunteers to sew masks for Milwaukee County transit drivers
- Submitting resolutions and informing members how to engage online in the Conservation Congress Spring Hearing
- Supporting local groups in hosting online Earth Day and Team Sierra events
- Continuing to call for the decommissioning of the Line 5 pipeline
- Commenting on the Forest Action Plan to ensure our public lands are still available when we can all enjoy them freely again
- Continuing to advocate for the retirement of old and expensive dirty coal plants and to prevent a new fracked gas plant
Our work may look a little different than usual, but we want you to know that we are using all the tools in our very extensive toolbox to respond to current events and carry on with our work. If you are interested in getting involved or learning more about our new or existing campaigns you can find all the info you need here and here. Or if you are in a position to support our efforts you can do so here.
And if you aren’t able to join us right now, know that our work on behalf of people and the planet continues.