It’s time for Sierra Club members in good standing to vote for the next group of people who will be joining the Great Waters Group Executive Committee. They will help shape the work of the Group over the next two years. We have two candidates for four open slots, so you may vote for up to two people.

You have the option of filling out and mailing back the paper ballot included with the Winter newsletter, or you can vote electronically using the link sent to you by email on Nov. 12. You’ll need to have your member number handy. You can find that above your name on a  Sierra Club mailing label or by going to https://myaccount.sierraclub.org.

Before voting, please read the statements from our candidates. The deadline to return your ballot is Dec. 16.

Linda Frank

Great Waters Group is a vibrant organization, with great people who are fully engaged on the issues and experiences of nature and belonging, and I’m glad to be a part of the leadership. My previous two terms on the Executive Committee have been rewarding and I would appreciate the opportunity to continue. As vice chair of the committee, I have stepped in to run meetings as needed. I also serve as Great Waters Group delegate to the Wisconsin Chapter Executive Committee, reporting to the group on relevant chapter news. When I’m not a candidate, I coordinate that Nominations Committee, recruiting candidates for the ExCom and ensuring that the election process is carried out in accordance with our bylaws and proper procedure.

GWG has joined the Our Future Milwaukee Coalition with the mission to ensure the full and fair implementation of the Milwaukee Climate & Equity Plan. I serve on the coalition leadership team and report regularly to GWG on coalition activities. The values of the Sierra Club and GWG are also aligned with my work as president of the Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy which ensures the preservation and restoration of precious natural landscapes acquired through fee title or conservation easement.  At GWG, I value the mutual sharing of perspectives and enjoyment of our common respect and appreciation of nature which is also our nurture.

Emily O’Neil

I am a Milwaukee local and lover of our great state of Wisconsin. I have been volunteering with the Wisconsin Sierra Club since 2020. I have learned so much about working on climate initiatives through my time with SC. I have served on the Equity Committee and the Executive Committee for the Wisconsin chapter.

In 2022, I joined the Great Waters Group in an effort to do more in the Milwaukee area. In my next term, I hope to do more with Communications and program advertisement.

While not working or volunteering, I am a mom to a 2-year-old and am welcoming another daughter at the end of 2024!

This Earth means the world to me, and I am endlessly thankful for Mother Nature. I know how much of an impact we can make when we work together and provide education and outreach to our local communities. There is so much that can be done right here in Milwaukee, and I am proud to work alongside the community here to fight climate change.