2008 Election Candidate Forum: All questions, with candidate responses

This printable page is sorted by question; it lists questions asked of the candidatess in the 2008 Sierra Club Board of Directors election, with the candidates' responses to the questions included. You can also get a printable page sorted by candidate.

Question 1: What leadership positions have you held in the Sierra Club and what have you accomplished in those positions?
Candidate responses were limited to 150 words per question.

Boldman, Lane
Leadership Positions: National
Council of Club Leaders Chair: 2005-2008
Communications and Education Governance Committee: 2005-2008
Election Reform Task Force, 2004-2005

Leadership Positions: Local/Regional
Cumberland Chapter Chair: 2002-2005
Cumberland Chapter Vice Chair, 2001-2002, 2005-2006
Cumberland Chapter Wildlands representative and State Forest representative
Bluegrass Group Chair, 1997-2000
Bluegrass Group Vice Chair, 1995-1997

•As Council Chair, I launched new processes to improve our effectiveness including monthly reporting, new leader orientations, and increased representation on Board committees, while simultaneously reducing our expenses. I served as a key advisor for many grassroots outreach initiatives such as Cool Cities.
•On the Communication and Education Governance Committee, I helped form communication strategies for our three National Conservation Initiatives and advised on many new electronic outreach tools.
•As Chapter Chair, I managed two successful national initiatives: A key battle of the Midwest Coal Rush, and Tyson Foods, setting a national precedent on factory farming regulations.

Bosh, Joni
Questionnaire Not Returned

Buchner, Clark
A. Chickasaw Group, Memphis, TN: Program Chair for 3 years balancing technical programs with outdoor activity slide shows to help increase membership. Served as Vice Chair, State Chapter Delegate for 6  years then was Group Chair for 2 years. Currently acting as Environmental Justice Chair.

B. Tennessee Chapter: Vice Chair, Secretary then Chapter Chair for 2 years. CCL Delegate for 4 years. Global Warming & Energy Co-Chair. Currently Delegate at Large and Awards Chair. Attended One Club. Received the Mack Prichard Award. Was liaison to Tennessee Environmental Council.

C. Council of Club Leaders: Served on ExCom for 6 years, was Secretary, Fifth Officer and Vice Chair. Was liaison to Outdoor Activities Gov. Com for 4 years. Worked in the NPLA survey effort, and in Sierra Summit recruitment.
Sustainable Planet Strategy Team: I am liaison to the Agriculture Committee, and the current Chair for SPST.

Doochin, Jeremy
•Tennessee Chapter SSC Liaison to Students of Tennessee (2007- ): I work with students across Tennessee to develop environmental initiatives, and plug students into TN Sierra Club campaigns. Currently I am directing a student-led initiative with students across Nashville & Tennessee in support of 5 cent refundable deposit container legislation in TN.
•Vice Chairman, MTG Executive Committee (2004-2006):
•Environmental Education Chair (2004-2006):
•Conservation Committee (2005):
•TN Bottle Bill Committee (2004,2007):
As the youngest person elected to MTG Executive Committee, at age 16, I oversaw environmental outreach and education, served as a bridge to Nashville’s youth, organized Club activities, and helped build an organizational structure. I have represented the Sierra Club on numerous boards including the Nashville Earth Day Festival,  Nashville Metro Public Works (appointed by mayor), and Student Environmental Outreach Coalition, a student group which I founded.

*** Please visit www.jeremy2008.com for much more info***

Questions? Comments? Contact Jeremy: jeremy@jeremy2008.com.

Dougherty, Jim
Group Positions:
Secretary 1985-86
Conservation Chair - 1983-89
Excom 1983-89

Chapter Positions (Potomac Chapter 1984-93, D.C. Chapter 1993-present):
Legal Chair 1985-89, 1994-present
Conservation Chair 1985-86, 1995-1996
Secretary 1985-86
Chair 1986-88
Political Committee 1994-present
Excom 1984-89, 1994-97
Fundraising Chair 1985-88 (Received Kerhlein
   National Fundraising Award 1988)
Pizza Chair (honorary) - 1995-present
Nominating Committee - 1993 - present
Received Walter A. Starr Award for continued service by a former director (or some such) 2001

National Positions:
- Club Director 1989-1992, 2005 - present
- Sierra Club Council - member or alternate - 1984-89
     Chair, Committee on Chapter and               Groups 1988-89
- Chair, Membership Committee’s Task     Force on Low-Income Membership     1984-85
- Legal Committee and Litigation     Subcommittee 1990-present
- Co-Director, Shareholder Action Task Force, 1990-92, 2002-2005
- Member, Youth Initiative Task Force, 2006 - present
- Conservation GovCom 2001- present
     Vice Chair May 2004 - 2005
- Finance GovCom - 2006-2007

Fahn, Larry
Questionnaire Not Returned

Frank, Barbara
In my 40 years of environmental activism I have been engaged at the local, chapter, regional and national levels. Accomplishments included work on all the environmental landmark legislation in the 1970's—including Clean Air, Clean Water, Endangered Species, and NEPA. Some memorable work includes designation of St. Croix River as a Scenic and Wild River, working on protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, numerous Mississippi River issues, helping stop a sulfide mine in northern Wisconsin, helping stop the Coal Rush as a Midwest Regional Conservation Comm. Chair, helping start up a very successful regional land trust, and helping elect good candidates to state, local, and national positions.

I have also been a mentor to many younger members in the Club  , and have made a long term commitment to my group, chapter, and the national organization including my current service on the Board of Directors.

Scott, David
Major positions held:

• Vice-Chair, Conservation Governance Committee, 2007.  Appointed 2005
• Chair, Sustainable Planet Strategy Team, 2004-2005.  Appointed 2002
• Regional Vice President, 1999-2001
• Chair, Great Lakes Ecoregion Task Force, 1998-2001
• Chair, Ohio Chapter, 1999-2002
• Conservation Chair, Ohio Chapter, 1996-1999
• Conservation Chair, Central Ohio Group, 1995-1998

Accomplishments:

• Led a 19,000-member Chapter.  
• Helped lead the committee that coordinates the Club’s Conservation Program
• Helped develop our Energy Policy and plan the Smart Energy Initiative, including successful projects on car emissions, mercury reductions, renewables and offshore drilling
• Led the Arctic Refuge fight in Ohio, where a former Republican senator cast crucial votes against drilling  
• Led a successful legislative fight against giving away Great Lakes public trust lands
• Led efforts to protect the Tongass National Forest old growth – a congressional measure to strip funding for Tongass logging roads was sponsored by an Ohioan.

Sutherland, Jerry
On the Oregon Chapter High Desert Committee (1996 - Present) I helped in the successful campaign to protect Steens Mountain in 2000, served as Vice-Chair of the Steens Mountain Advisory Council (2001-2006), and established key relationships with political and agency staff that enhanced my other chapter roles of Off-Road Vehicle Issue Coordinator (2003 - 2006), Executive Committee member (2003 - Present), and Vice-Chair (2007).

As Corresponding Member of the Recreation Issues Committee (2001-2004) I wrote official comments to agencies on off-road travel. I helped all Wild Planet Strategy Team (2002-2005) committees increase effectiveness, using Club resources and developing new ones such as networks with local activists, especially while serving as Chair and Budget Manager (2004-2005).

On the Conservation Governance Committee (2005-Present) I led reorganization of national priority work, represented them on the Electronic Communications and Capacity-Building Task Forces (2006), and served as Secretary (2006) and Budget Manager (2007).

Urban, Matt
Vice President for Organizational Effectiveness (2005-present); Chair, Delaware Chapter (2002-2006); Co-Chair, National Electronic Communications Task Force (2005-2006); Chair, Mentor Program (2005-2007); Lead Facilitator, NPLA project (2004-2005); Delaware CCL Delegate (2002-present); Delaware Fundraising Chair (2002-2005).

As chair of OEGC, my primary personal focus has been: helping to ensure the success of the Leadership Development Project, developing a leader mentoring program, co-leading a task force to recommend changes to the Club’s electronic communications technology, and working closely with Club staff on the redesign of the Clubhouse web site.

As Chair of the Delaware Chapter I created a fundraising program that resulted a nearly 300% revenue increase to the Chapter for four years, allowing the chapter for the first time to hire and sustain a full-time chapter Conservation Coordinator. This position brought significant credibility and visibility to our chapter throughout the state, and resulted in a number of new activists and leaders.

Wyeth, Nathan
Questionnaire Not Returned

Question 2: What, if any, endorsements have you received from Club chapters or leaders?
Candidate responses were limited to 150 words per question.

Boldman, Lane
Presidents: Robbie Cox, Jennifer Ferenstein, Chuck McGrady, Michelle Perrault, Lisa Renstrom.

Current Directors: Chin, Ferenstein, Karpf, Mann, Pillard, Ranchod, Renstrom, Reyes, Wall, Zaleha.

Chapters:
Angeles, Mother Lode, San Diego, Santa Lucia, Tehipite (CA); Cumberland (KY), Florida, Iowa, Missouri, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, South Carolina, West Virginia, Northstar (Minnesota), and the Sierra Student Coalition.

National leaders:
Wallace McMullen, Chair, Midwest New Energy Future Project
Paula Mitchell-Glore, Vice Chair, Inner City Outings Steering Committee
Joan B. Saxe, Global Warming and Energy Committee
Verena Owen, National Coal Campaign
Susan Heitman, Communications & Education Governance Committee
Tom Libby, Chair, Outdoor Activities Governance Committee

"Lane Boldman is well qualified to serve as a Sierra Club Director. She has an understanding of how to enlist volunteer enthusiasm for environmental protection in addressing the many challenges the Sierra Club faces nationally." --Richard and Doris Cellarius, National Sierrra Club leaders

Bosh, Joni
Grand Canyon Chapter.

Buchner, Clark
Received Endorsements from past President Larry Fahn and board members Jim Dougherty, Jim Catlin and Bernie Zaleha.

Received Endorsements from the following chapters:  Tennessee, Tehipite, Angeles, West Virginia, Florida and Iowa.

Doochin, Jeremy

President Robbie Cox

Director David Karpf

Director Rafael Reyes

Director Ellen Pillard

Former EPA Chief of Staff, Michael Vandenbergh

San Diego Chapter

Santa Lucia Chapter

Tennessee Chapter

Student Sierra Coalition

Dougherty, Jim
Endorsed by former Presidents Ed Wayburn, Michele Perrault, Larry Fahn, and the Angeles, San Francisco Bay, San Diego, Oregon, Missouri, New Jersey, Mother Lode, North Star, Tehipite, Virginia, District of Columbia, Florida, Tennessee, and Santa Lucia Chapters.

Fahn, Larry
The following Club chapters have endorsed me: SF Bay, Mother Lode, Redwood, New Jersey, DC, San Diego, Angeles, North Star, Florida, Oregon, Tehipite, Loma Prieta, Santa Lucia,  and Virginia

I also have endorsements from 17 former Club Presidents  Ed Wayburn, Kent Gill, Tony Ruckel, Michele Perrault, Bill Futrell, Larry Downing, Ted Snyder, Phil Berry, Sue Merrow, Adam Werbach, Chuck McGrady, Joe Fontaine, Lisa Renstrom,  Denny Shaffer, Jennifer Ferenstein, Brent Calkin, and Richard Cellarius.

In addition, I have been endorsed by our former Executive Director, Mike McCloskey

Frank, Barbara
Sierra Club President Robbie Cox
Board members Marilyn Wall, Ellen Pillard, Rafael Reyes
National Political Chair Jonathan Ela
Past President and current Board member Lisa Renstrom
Sierra Student Coalition
Director Allison Chin
John Muir Chapter

Scott, David
I've been endorsed by Sierra Club President Robbie Cox, Vice President for Conservation Robin Mann, Secretary Sanjay Ranchod, Director Ellen Pillard, and the following chapters: Missouri, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Ohio, John Muir (Wisconsin), Loma Prieta (San Francisco Bay Area of California), West Virginia, Maine, and the North Star (Minnesota) Chapter.

Sutherland, Jerry
20 of the 26 chapters that have endorsed candidates selected me. They are Missouri, San Diego (CA), Tehipite (CA), New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Mother Lode (CA), San Francisco (CA), Santa Lucia (CA), North Star (Minnesota), Oregon, Angeles (CA), Tennessee, Florida, John Muir (Wisconsin), Loma Prieta (CA), Redwood (CA), Iowa, West Virginia, and Maine. These elected leaders represent approximately 340,000 Sierra Club members.

Personal endorsements include: former Executive Director Mike McCloskey; former Presidents Larry Fahn, Michelle Perrault, and Joe Fontaine; former Presidents and current Directors Lisa Renstrom and Jennifer Ferenstein; current Directors Jim Catlin, Bernie Zaleha, and Jim Dougherty; and 50 additional Club leaders who helped me gather 735 signatures in 47 different chapters to qualify for this ballot as a petition candidate.

Urban, Matt
I am endorsed by former President and current Director Lisa Renstrom, Directors Rafael Reyes and Dave Karpf, and the Sierra Student Coalition.

Wyeth, Nathan
Questionnaire Not Returned

Question 3: The Board of Directors has appointed the Organizational Change Steering Committee to come up with recommendations for making changes to the organizational structure of the Club. The OCSC has come up with a draft proposal called Project Renewal which will be acted on at the February Board meeting. Please present your thoughts on Project Renewal and, in particular, whether you, given the opportunity, would vote in favor of the OCSC's current recommendations.
Candidate responses were limited to 150 words per question.

Boldman, Lane
Not in its present form, referencing the version posted on December 3rd, 2007, because it was not well accepted nor understood by a great majority of our leaders, who had questions regarding need. Since that version, I have worked hard to facilitate comments on this proposal from the Sierra Club Council of Club Leaders, which I chair. From those comments, I worked directly with the Organizational Change Steering Committee to help identify key components that were the most contentious, and offered them my advice, insight and alternatives. In mid-January, the OCSC released an update indicating areas in the proposal that will likely be changed. In addition, I authored a resolution passed by my chapter, and endorsed by other chapters, which requested Project Renewal recognize and address the unique needs of Chapters. The Board adopted their own version of this document as guidance in the revised Project Renewal proposal.

Bosh, Joni
Questionnaire Not Returned

Buchner, Clark
I would not have voted for Project Renewal. Now that it has been approved, I would, as a board member,  take serious measures to see that the  club is not wrecked by this churlish venture in the implementation phase. Director Catlin gave a brilliant analysis of Project Renewal describing it as a "faith based" initiative. To a large degree, it must be somewhat that, as it is so vague in certain areas that one might need to be true believer to swallow it whole in it's current state. I tend to be a skeptic of Project Renewal, as I am a supporter of grassroots democracy no matter how messy, and I believe in keeping committees in place that are doing excellent work in this club. Although I am mistrustful of this new mode for the club, I do have some people skills that should enhance my ability as a director.

Doochin, Jeremy
Change is essential to an organization’s evolution. I support the concept of Project Renewal to improve efficiency and increase communication within the Club between national and chapters. But to move forward with the creation and implementation of the program requires the support of our chapters. While there are many benefits to Project Renewal’s structure, many components must be examined more critically. A budget, timeline, and plan of implementation are crucial. After talking with hundreds of chapter activists, it is evident that many chapters feel they have largely been left out of the decision making process. To create an effective communication structure (Project Renewal), we must start with better communication. Since the Board recently passed the Project Renewal proposal, I will focus my efforts as a Director on effective implementation and leadership. I will work to involve all activists in this implementation phase, and ensure that your voices are heard.

Dougherty, Jim
I was a vocal and persistent critic of Project Renewal, objecting to the composition of the Committee, its non-transparent M.O., its failure to deliver on its charge, and the unsoundness of many of its recommendations, e.g., having committee members appointed by committee leaders.  Alone among Directors, I repeatedly voted against adoption of P.R.  At the February Board meeting, I scolded the Board for ignoring the resolutions of 23 chapters requesting that we approach the matter of reorganization more deliberately.

Now that it’s a done deal, we need to make the best of it.

Fahn, Larry
Questionnaire Not Returned

Frank, Barbara
I basically support Project Renewal as currently  envisioned. There will be changes, including most recently dropping  appointed CCL members . That could have had benefits, but the OCSC, responding to vigorous objections, chose to drop it. Another issue is the volunteer/staff pairings for certain national committees. Actually, that is already happening in some entities. These pairs would function as managers/coordinators and are certainly not to be construed as any kind of “staff takeover”. The OCSC made a clear goal to  enhance our grassroots, and maintain issues experts and committees. We need more volunteers, better volunteer support , and  improved communications throughout the Club. I think we can vote on the proposal  at the Feb. BOD mtg. but I would recommend a lengthy (year perhaps) rollout period. If my fellow Board members choose to delay a vote,   I would go along with that, though it’s not my preference.

Scott, David
The OCSC’s recommendations are undergoing revision, which is good.  I applaud the OCSC’s withdrawal of proposals to expand the Council and abolish issue committees. I support some changes to the current structure. We have so many entities that they end up diminishing each other’s effectiveness as they compete with each other to fill vacancies, budgets are spread too thin and too many lack staff support.  Thoughtful reform can strengthen our organization.

I have differences with the OCSC’s approach and proposal.  I would have preferred to modify the existing governance structure. Their proposal for volunteer leaders to be appointed by a “Coordinating Pair” of one volunteer and one staff member concerns me because it appears to give staff a 50 percent say in volunteer appointments.  Before I’d approve any restructuring proposal, I’d ask lots of questions, and I’d want far more detailed answers about how the proposed structure would actually work.

Sutherland, Jerry
I would vote against the December 3, 2007 OCSC draft proposal. New versions might change my mind but I started raising concerns about the direction of Project Renewal at the August 2007 GovCom Assembly when the presentation by LaPiana denigrated our breadth of issues and democratic processes. These are the very principles that motivate thousands of volunteers to give hours each week carrying out the mission of the Sierra Club. In web terminology, the Sierra Club gets thousands of “hits” each day with the American public, media, and government officials because of this army of volunteers. This is the basis of grassroots power, notoriety, and influence that is the envy of our friends and enemies alike. I don’t want the Sierra Club to exchange this power for the speed that seems to be driving Project Renewal. Extensive comments on specific aspects can be found in the online Project Renewal Forum.

Urban, Matt
In February, the board adopted the recommendations from the Organizational Change Steering Committee. Had I been a director at the time, I would have likely voted in favor of the recommendations.

I was skeptical of the process at the outset. I was deeply concerned that this large-scale change to the Club’s structure would be very divisive and cause extreme chaos in implementation. I was concerned concerns from a number of respected Club leaders were not being addressed respectfully. And I was particularly concerned with the potential impact on the Club during an election year.

However, as the process unfolded, I became increasingly impressed with the level of care OCSC took taken to understand objections, then revising their proposal accordingly.

I now look forward to assisting in whatever way I can to make the transition to the new structure a smooth one, and helping to create the most effective Club possible.

Wyeth, Nathan
Questionnaire Not Returned

Question 4: What special abilities would you bring to Sierra Club leadership?
Candidate responses were limited to 150 words per question.

Boldman, Lane
•My proven ability as a consensus builder, bringing leaders together, working in a productive manner.
•My professional skills in communications and media, where I will focus on improving our internal communication and our electronic outreach needs.
•My experience as representative of the grassroots leadership, from my time as Chair of the Council of Club Leaders. We currently have a gap in coordinating between National and Local programs. My unique vantage point gives me the best ability to bridge that divide. As a Board member, I will come with the experience of having an immediate and personal connection to each and every Board Governance Committee, Chapter and the Sierra Student Coalition because of my work as Chair of the Council.
•Due to my successful national victories while Chair of my local Chapter, I bring conservation and issue expertise, but also proven administrative skills.

Bosh, Joni
Questionnaire Not Returned

Buchner, Clark
I have experience in working with other environmental groups. I was a founder and officer of the Houston (TX) Consortium for the Future, The Friends of Shelby Farms (4500 acre park), and CommonSense, Inc. (brought convenience  recycling to Memphis, TN). I served on the board of Meadowcreek (an environmental center in Fox, Arkansas), Tennessee Recycling Council, and the Tennessee Environmental Council. I bring those experiences with me as well as my skills as an architect which are useful in dealing with complex patterns in such a way as to help reorder such components  to work more effectively in new structures as well as meeting the challenges of interfacing changes in existing fabrics that require alterations. I hold memberships in AIA and the Memphis Green Building Council.

Doochin, Jeremy

As a 20 year old college student, I bring an extensive background and involvement working with youth, including the ability to effectively recruit and train young leaders to become active within the Club.

The experience of having conceived and built multiple large environmental and social action organizations. I understand organizational models, leadership, and how to best work with individuals from all walks of life.

A wide knowledge of environmental issues, combined with experience from working with a wide array of non-profits both science & policy based.

The keen ability to work with and listen to people, problem solve, and organize large grassroots efforts.

A knowledge of budgets, fundraising, and organizational management.

The ability to perceive a societal need and to create an organization or program to meet that need.

A passion for working with individuals to empower communities to seek better solutions.

Dougherty, Jim
I have 30 years experience as an environmental lawyer and volunteer activist/leader (i.e., day and night since 1978).  I have led more than a dozen campaigns to stop bad projects (e.g., highways through parks) or promote positive solutions (e.g., tree-protection legislation).

I strive to bring to my Board (and other committee) service a passion for the work and a commitment to our shared vision.  

I am seen as something of a “gadfly” on the current Board.  I am dissatisfied with the pace, intensity, and creativity of our current global warming (or “climate change,” in Club vernacular) campaign.  I dissent from our current plan to allow our membership to decline to 700,000 from its high of 800,000.  I am concerned that the Club is losing touch with its volunteer, grassroots traditions.

I am an ardent wilderness lover and backpacker, as well as a semi-professional landscape photographer.

Fahn, Larry
Questionnaire Not Returned

Frank, Barbara
I have staying power. I am a team player.   I do my homework. I like to think outside the box.   I like looking at the big picture.   I am a consensus builder.   My preferred role is  as a “ servant leader”, with the work being what drives me.    Receiving a Special Service Award from the National Sierra Club , being honored by my Chapter, being named Wisconsin's Conservationist of the Year, along with  numerous other awards attest to my leadership qualities and capabilities.

Scott, David
I’ve worked for twenty years as a poverty lawyer, helping people avoid homelessness, get medical care -- helping people survive in a society that is increasingly difficult for the poor.  I have also taught university writing courses.

As a lawyer, I understand legislation, the courts, and the regulatory process.  As a poverty lawyer, I also understand the needs of an “other America” that is still a world apart from mainstream environmental organizations.   Many of my clients are minorities or disabled. I bring an informed perspective to club discussions about diversity and environmental justice.  

My writing skills would help my Board work immeasurably.  Our Energy Policy and our Farmworker Support Resolution are both better documents because of my efforts.  I’ve had letters published in the New York Times and Newsweek, opinion pieces in Ohio newspapers and articles in various Club publications.  I can be an articulate voice for the Club.

Sutherland, Jerry
I am the only candidate from the Pacific Northwest, an important region of the country that is not represented on the Board. I am familiar with both the national and local level of Club work and understand what makes them work best. My Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and background in technical sales help me work effectively with fellow leaders and staff.  I know how to campaign, as evidenced by earning a spot on this year's ballot by gathering over 700 signatures. Petition candidacy is a time-honored, grassroots approach that Jennifer Ferenstein (past President; current director) and Jan O'Connell (past Vice President) both used in their first successful elections.  I dive into new challenges with vigor. Finally, my Associates Degree in Business Administration gives me an advantage in working with complex Club finances.

Urban, Matt
I have strong “high-tech” expertise, and for the past 12 years I’ve been CEO of Mobius New Media, a respected and growing interactive marketing firm. From that experience I bring both an understanding of new media communication technologies, but also a solid foundation in financial management and what it takes to run a successful business.

On a personal level, I don’t push my personal agenda over the views and wishes of the group, and I really do believe in the strength of group over personal views. I have a strong sense of integrity and people can count on me to deliver. Finally, my natural instinct is to always look at the big picture and understand all facets involved in any decision.

I think those are all very positive attributes that I would bring to the Board of Directors that would positively impact the Club and our work.

Wyeth, Nathan
Questionnaire Not Returned

Question 5: What do you view as the most important responsibilities of a Sierra Club Director?
Candidate responses were limited to 150 words per question.

Boldman, Lane
One of the most important responsibilities for a Board member is to listen actively, to debate collegially, to build consensus in a professional manner, and then to communicate the results effectively, including a plan for action. I believe I have demonstrated those traits convincingly in my time working directly with the Board and with the Delegates as their Council Chair.

A Director needs to ensure that our resources are used as effectively and efficiently as possible and to set “big picture” goals for the organization. Most importantly, a Director needs to manage by example, approaching tasks in a clear and thoughtful manner, to be clear about who is responsible and accountable on any given task the Board sets, and to see that the tasks have been accomplished.

Bosh, Joni
Questionnaire Not Returned

Buchner, Clark
Being present to address the issues with a sound mind and the ability to exercise good judgement on behalf of the larger context of the club no matter how uncomfortable that may be would be the prime responsibilty as a director.

I would hope as a director, to be guided by the truth, have beauty revealed to me, and that it would result in the good.

Doochin, Jeremy

Most importantly- Representing the interests of the 750,000 Sierra Club members and listening to the concerns of our activists.

A vision for the Club and a strong capacity to empower others to take action.

Fiduciary responsibilities; managing the $70 million budget.

Building coalitions and extending a hand out to people from all walks of life: businesses, unions, students, and faith based organizations.

Providing effective leadership skills and the capacity to listen and work well with others, while representing the Club nationally.

The ability to efficiently create policy and involve all Club activists in the decision making process.

To guide successful political and conservation campaigns.

To ensure the longevity and sustainability of the Club.

My background as an organizational developer has prepared me in the highest manner to fulfill these responsibilities and more.

Dougherty, Jim
Doing one’s homework and persistently asking “what else can we do?” Clair Tappaan Lodge -  I have consistently supported budgeting a subsidy in order to keep CTL open, a position I will adhere to.

Fahn, Larry
Questionnaire Not Returned

Frank, Barbara
Look at the big picture;  maintain and ensure the financial viability of the organization;  hire and oversee the Executive Director.

Scott, David
First, stewardship: assuring the long-term soundness of the club, which includes helping the club raise revenues and adopt budgets that will support our current work and leave a healthy Sierra Club for future members.  Second, setting broad policy and direction for the Executive Director, other lead staff and volunteer leaders to follow and implement, and holding them accountable for doing what they have committed to do. Third, being a responsible and effective spokesperson for the club.  Fourth, delegating well:  assuring that the Board doesn’t get involved in decisions that don’t need to reach the Board level.  Taking all authority disempowers other volunteers, and good leaders don’t do it.

Sutherland, Jerry
Leadership, fiduciary responsibility, and grass roots empowerment are the Board's greatest responsibilities. Directors must be willing to lead by example. They set the tone for everyone else. The Board cannot continue authorizing multi-million dollar net deficits. I hope the new Climate Recovery Campaign will be successful but the Board should look to see if there are underlying causes of the drop in funding of current campaigns and address any found. New content won't solve process issues. Increased personal involvement by Directors in fundraising efforts may help. We need to engage more of our members who are not active. The Harvard Project showed only 2% participate currently. Directors can help by taking every opportunity to remind activists that their work is appreciated and by continuing to sponsor chapter level training such as the new Leadership Development Project.

Urban, Matt
Directors need to be stewards and evangelists. Stewards mean monitoring and maintaining the financial health of the organization. Evangelists means living the role of Sierra Club Director everywhere, participating hands on in Club fundraising and donor development, and continually looking for new ways to raise funds to support our work.

Specifically, Directors should:

1) Understand the current state of the Sierra Club, how it fits into the larger environmental movement, and how to best capitalize on our capacities to affect meaningful change in the world.

2) Understand the financial workings of the Club in such a way as to be able to effectively participate in budget setting and financial development opportunities.

3) Provide leadership to the organization – modeling effective governance, leading by example, communicating effectively within and outside of the organization.

4) Work well with other directors and senior staff.

5) Commit the time necessary to accomplish these items.

Wyeth, Nathan
Questionnaire Not Returned

Question 6: Having prioritized energy and climate work with the Smart Energy Solutions conservation initiative, what do you see as the most important things that the Sierra Club must do to respond to the urgent threat of climate change and win victories on this issue in the coming years?
Candidate responses were limited to 150 words per question.

Boldman, Lane
I am very experienced in the area of energy, having been one of the key leaders in the first successful battles of what became the Midwest Coal Rush. With regard to conservation priorities, our greatest urgency is stopping the Coal Rush via the National Coal Campaign and our grassroots and Chapter-based activists, because coal-fired power plants are the most significant factor that we can address quickly and successfully in the fight to combat global warming.

But this question is about far more than looking at conservation priorities. We as an organization need to enlist the public far more aggressively than ever before. We are talking about a goal that has never been done: a large-scale, comprehensive shift in how the public views energy choices.  We can no longer just show the public what is wrong with the present system. We must come prepared with real answers and achievable alternatives.

Bosh, Joni
Questionnaire Not Returned

Buchner, Clark
I believe that we have a lot of important messages to put before the public. A blast of icy winter such as this one, quickly turns people into skeptics and Gore bashers. It is important that we stay on message, be persistent in making  the public aware that we have a huge problem to deal with and find bridges to  help make people aware that we need their help in the task that we are undertaking. Asking for help can be a powerful statement to make to people, and we need to find ways to ask that work in empowering others aa well as empowering our organization.

Doochin, Jeremy
Having worked with Conservation International (a large nonprofit that works in over forty countries on biodiversity and conservation measures) to research and evaluate climate change legislation, I have an in-depth knowledge of the science behind climate change and the development of policy.

The Sierra Club must work with environmentally science based non-profits to disseminate climate change research. We must create new coalitions ranging from businesses to faith based groups. By employing new communication tools, such as Facebook, Myspace, and Google, we can advertise and organize young people in addition to cultivating our traditional base. We will not pull in new activists by inviting them to bureaucratic meetings, but rather by inviting them to strategize and rally behind cap-and-trade legislation. By creating effective grassroots action campaigns, we can appeal to the populous with a message that everyone can be part of the solution, rather than the problem.

Dougherty, Jim
First of all, let’s not buy into the Bush vernacular of “climate change.”

Second, let’s find a healthy balance between pushing “smart solutions” and slaying dragons, e.g., fighting mountain-top removal and coal-fired power plant builders.

Third, let’s advocate real, cutting edge, even expensive measures to reduce GHG emissions over slow, technical, easy stuff like 3% annual improvements in vehicle efficiency (35 MPG by 2020).  

By this I mean calling for a new federal Department of Climate Security; creating a $3-billion Civilian Energy Corps to weatherize low-income homes, schools, etc; spending $5 billion to install photovoltaic panels on every U.S. building in this country and around the world, and $10 billion for residential solar tax credits: banning incandescent light bulbs; creating an alliance with musicians, actors, politicians, students and others to “take it to the streets.” In this election year we should be setting standards that candidates strive to meet.

Fahn, Larry
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Frank, Barbara
The most urgent thing the Club can do is increase visibility of the issue with our own members and with the public. We need to be more aggressive and cutting edge in our approach. This not a time for baby steps.

Scott, David
Here is what the Sierra Club can do about global warming:

• Tell the truth about what is needed.   We need effective carbon emissions legislation and a US-backed international accord.
• Build public demand for the next steps.  Building demand includes rallies, lobbying, and media work.
• Support candidates who get it.  Expose ones who don’t.  We must make global warming a campaign issue.
• Keep doing what we’re doing right.  Our Cool Cities Campaign has secured commitments from over 700 local governments.  Our Coal Campaign has blocked dirty power plants.
• Get funding for innovative campaigns.  I support a proposal for creating wildlife corridors so that some species can survive habitat loss.
• Think bigger.  We’re now exploring a Sierra Club effort in China, and that’s an important step.  
• Encourage corporations to act responsibly.  And use our expertise and credibility to help ordinary citizens reduce their energy use.

Sutherland, Jerry
The Board established three Conservation Initiatives in 2005; the other two - Safe and Healthy Communities and America's Wild Legacy - address threats to health and habitat beyond global warming. All three play important roles in slowing global warming and dealing with its inevitable effects: Smart Energy Solutions primarily with the causes; America's Wild Legacy and Safe Healthy Communities primarily with the effects. The Conservation Governance Committee funded global warming projects like Cool Cities to help chapters begin local work. We also supported the Finance Governance Committee's reallocation of $500,000 to increase global warming focus in 2007. I applaud the Board's initiation of a Climate Recovery Campaign to raise additional funds for all three Conservation Initiatives' work related to global warming. The success of this campaign will assure that increased focus in this area does not diminish efforts addressing other threats to our web of life.

Urban, Matt
The key is changing the public’s perception of what it will take to solve global warming.

We have to quickly move from trying to convince others that global warming is real, and transition into a role of offering a solid portfolio of solutions that shows the public a hopeful and prosperous future. The Club’s Climate Recovery campaign is a very exciting step along these lines.

I think the Sierra Club is perhaps uniquely positioned to do this due because of our history and credibility, and also because we have such a wealth of talented, insightful, and committed activists.

We need to show clearly that solving global warming does not mean that our economy will suffer, and that instead it’s a huge opportunity to re-think our economic model in a way factors in the cost of environmental degradation.

Wyeth, Nathan
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Question 7: Many people feel that the environment is not an important factor in deciding federal elections. Why do you think this is, and what strategies should the Club pursue for electing pro-environment candidates to office?
Candidate responses were limited to 150 words per question.

Boldman, Lane
The environment in many ways is still seen as a special-interest issue when it comes to our national presence. We cannot continue to be seen as a special interest group to the politicians and the electorate and expect to win consistently, even in a favorable political climate.

The primary way that the Sierra Club can become a winning force is for our members to be seen as members of their communities. This is not just accomplished by increasing our numbers. We need to expand our base by broadening the kinds of people who engage in Club activities.  I support the Club’s recent Diversity Initiative, and I work directly with programs that broaden our outreach. But diversifying our member outreach is a long-term strategy. In the short-term, we need to look at expanding our coalition partnerships, reaching across to different groups who have shared goals.

Bosh, Joni
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Buchner, Clark
We have many tired people in public office, that have been on the dole from corporations so long they are totally jaded. We should target these people, expose their hideous voting records as archaic and neanderthal and get  rid of them just like we got rid of Pombo in California. We need to cultivate candidates at the local levels first and develop loyalties with progressive people of both parties. We need to find ways to draw progressive Republicans to our side because like it or not we will need their help. The environment will become more and more of an issue, as the tide appears to be turning at long last. There is massive stupidity in this country  and we need to thoughtfully combat it every way that we can. The partnering programs with Hunter/Anglers, Blue Green Alliances and incursions into faith based communities are steps in the right direction.

Doochin, Jeremy
In past presidential elections, the environment has not been a large factor; however, it is quickly rising in the political scene. The vast majority of people now rank climate change as one of their top concerns, and more people are asking candidates about their environmental plans than ever before. Traditionally, however, the money that it is in people’s pockets (the economy) is the cause of the greatest concern. We must work to establish a greater personal connection between people and their environment. We can achieve this by showing people the money they can save by being environmental or by inspiring them with our outings programs. We can bring the environment into the political scene through effective coalition building and by organizing national coordinated political strategies. We can also help to elect pro-environmental candidates by striving to build an enduring and trusted relationship with candidates before they are elected.

Dougherty, Jim
Sorry, but I don’t think that political strategizing should be conducted on public listserves.

Fahn, Larry
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Frank, Barbara
For many people environmental concerns are important, but for many they are secondary to jobs, taxes, health care, etc.   Candidates perceive this and have barely addressed it this election year.    Commentators/Pundits have not helped. Tim Russert (Meet the Press) in 827 questions had zero questions about Global Warming and only 12 related at all to the issue;  Wolf Blitzer on CNN out of 402 questions had only 2 about Global Warming, George Stephanopoulos, out of 767 had none on Global Warming and only 5 related questions.    Fox News and CBS commentators similarly ignored the issue.   We've got to push to raise the issue.   It's too huge to ignore or allow to be ignored.    The Club needs to think about bigger splashier responses.   We get a lot of media hits, but maybe it's time to ratchet up.  We should urge Al Gore to engage on this.

Scott, David
Many voters wrongly assume that government is protecting the environment.   When it comes to wilderness protection, voters know even less about what’s happening, and the TV-dominated media doesn’t educate them well.  If voters saw forests being clearcut or wolves being slaughtered on the news more often, both might stop.  But the war, economic news and celebrity culture crowd out much environmental coverage.  

The good news is that global warming has finally become a mainstream issue: Time runs cover stories.  Many presidential candidates now address global warming and energy in their campaign materials.   We need to confront them and other political candidates and politely pose tough questions about what they’ll do about our issues.  And we need to do far more accountability work – including recognition for good votes.  A recent accountability campaign on Senator Dominici’s awful energy votes had a noticeable effect on his poll numbers, and he decided to retire.

Sutherland, Jerry
We need to make it personal for voters by connecting the quality of the air they breathe and water they drink, continued enjoyment of open spaces, and welfare of wildlife to specific candidates. We showed in our 2006 election campaigns that the public is interested and concerned about their environment if we bring it home to them. Increased press coverage on global warming is helping to raise interest in all environmental issues. I think Directors can help carry this momentum into 2008 by working with media, direct involvement in campaigns, and recruiting members. We need to get new campaign techniques ready for use that allow Club members to make calls from across the country to supplement local phone banks. I made calls in the campaign to oust Richard Pombo and recruited others to do the same across the nation. There were a few obstacles, but it was effective.

Urban, Matt
To some degree this is our fault, and to some degree it’s a due to a very effective, organized, and long-term campaign to marginalize the environment as a critical election issue.

For too long, environmentalists have focused about what’s wrong with the world, but offer few practical solutions. While that approach plays well with our inner circle, it doesn’t work well with the bulk of Americans who prefer a more pragmatic approach. As a result, even the term ‘environmentalist’ is viewed with suspicion among many.

Transitioning into a more positive and hopeful ‘solutions-based’ way of communicating along the lines of what I’ve alluded to in #6 above will be critical to regaining the public’s trust.

But beyond just regaining trust, our challenge is to recapture the public’s *imagination* with a hopeful and forward-thinking vision.

Once that’s accomplished, the public will simply demand more of their elected leaders.

Wyeth, Nathan
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Question 8: The environment is sometimes an important factor in deciding local and state elections. What strategies should the club pursue for electing pro-environment candidates to local and state offices?
Candidate responses were limited to 150 words per question.

Boldman, Lane
This IS an area where numbers have an effect. Our grassroots-based structure allows us to have an exceptionally effective influence on State and Local issues, because in contrast to my answer to question #7, our activists at the state and local level ARE seen as part of the community.  But we have a problem in that we have not effectively integrated our national and local work across the board. As a former Chapter Chair, I can say clearly that we as a Club have not done a good enough job of supporting local Chapters and Groups when it comes to political training. Since funding for political work is always in short supply, we need to look beyond dollars and develop our resources that enhance the valuable efforts that local volunteers can provide. Since resources are tight, I would look at online training tools and resources that are specifically designed for local activists.

Bosh, Joni
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Buchner, Clark
My answer to this question is not altogether different from my answer to question seven above. It is much easier to connect with people at the city, county and state level elections. Working in campaigns and doing door to door work helps build loyalties rather quickly. In my state of Tennessee, I find that a $100.00 contribution to most any local candidate will get you instant recognition. If you are able to personally donate to one or two candidates that you target to support, you can more than get your foot in the door to visit with them about environmental politics. The strategies we should use are the same ones that we have used successfully and that are taught in our political training workshops. We just need to work harder and get more people engaged.

Doochin, Jeremy
Citizens have a far greater capacity to affect state and local elections. A state legislator may be swayed on his vote by just ten constituents that write in letters or call. This is why substantial national c (4) funding is crucial for our statewide political efforts. The greatest way to impact elections at the local level is to disseminate environmental voting information, similar to the League of Conservation Voters. We can organize effective environmental campaigns with the implementation of pilot projects, and organizational materials. Creating environmental coalitions that will challenge candidates on their environmental positions is greatly effective. Another method is to host environmental political debates and forums.

Dougherty, Jim
See answer to #7, above.

Fahn, Larry
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Frank, Barbara
Organize, organize.   Get the issues out.  Be media savvy. Local issues resonate.   Use them.

Scott, David
The Club’s Political Committee is headed in the right direction here.  The Sierra Club must build state and local networks of well-trained, active political committees.  Electing good local candidates means trained volunteers and staff must do the work of creating good questionnaires and interviewing candidates as part of a fair, non-partisan screening process.  We also need to raise far more money to fund state and local political efforts, and do more accountability work.

Sutherland, Jerry
Since local and state issues are experienced by voters first hand voters are more aware of them, substantiating my answer to question 6.  In recent years, the Political Committee has directed substantial resources to key local and state races and should continue to do so. We also need to provide more tools such as messaging and talking points that all activists can use when speaking with friends, family, neighbors, and associates - including guidance on how to set up house parties. It's important to remember that having earned a "seat at the table" isn't enough. Follow-through on implementation of pro-environment agendas is critical. And we can't give up if our candidate doesn't win. Many landmark environmental laws were passed in unfriendly Congresses and signed by unfriendly Presidents because they felt sufficient pressure from their constituents. Grassroots campaigning by the Club creates that pressure.

Urban, Matt
See #7 above.

On a local level, it’s also critical to clearly follow voting records of local and state officials, and communicate that to the public. It’s important for people can clearly understand who is truly looking out for their best interests so that they can make informed voting decisions.

Wyeth, Nathan
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Question 9: What do you feel is the image of environmentalists in general and of the Sierra Club in particular, and how would you change or reinforce that image?
Candidate responses were limited to 150 words per question.

Boldman, Lane
We suffer from several problems when it comes to our image. I work in marketing, advertising and communications, so I have a lot of thoughts on this topic.
•First, we need to take some time to reinforce what the definition of an environmentalist actually is, not what it has been stereotyped as.  I believe the general public is somewhat mystified on what an actively-engaged environmentalist does. That they are not just people who recycle a lot of cans. We need to show that they are simply concerned neighbors who live down the street and are working to make their community better.
•Secondly, with regard to the Club, we need to take a step back, review, renew, and respect our history. We have a history that is a proud one, steeped in the very foundations of American history. We need to own this fact in a public manner.

Bosh, Joni
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Buchner, Clark
I think the image of environmentalists has greatly improved since the early 90's. The Sierra brand is strong and becoming stronger. The Clorox issue, however, has not enhanced our public image, and to many inside the club it looks like a sell out. In future endorsements, we need to be much more careful in what we approve as products for a sustainable society. As an organization, we need to carefully evaluate where we are going in terms of a sustainable future, and be supportive of measures such as the sustainable agricultural movement. We are light years behind Mother Earth News, and yes, we might have to take somewhat of back seat in this arena until we improve our own learning curve on issues such as permaculture and food production so that we truly know what to support and why.

Doochin, Jeremy
Environmentalists have been stereotyped as everything from hippies to tree huggers. Yet with An Inconvenient Truth and the “popularization” of climate change, the environment is gradually becoming a central issue. Often people see environmentalists as impassioned, but without an effective way to channel that passion for the planet. That is why our training programs and leadership development are so crucial in the Sierra Club. We must invest more resources into recruiting and training new activists, and providing environmentalists with a new conventional and professional appeal.

One common concern is that many people perceive the Sierra Club as a “liberal” organization. While there is a significant blend of republicans, independents, and democrats, our message must reach across party lines and empower people to join our cause. We should remain very much politically active, but maintain a professional appeal that moderates our political rhetoric.

*** Please visit www.jeremy2008.com for much more info***

Dougherty, Jim
I think that enviros are seen as principled, visionary and altruistic, yet perhaps insufficiently concerned with more basic human needs, e.g., jobs.  We need to make clear that there is no separation between these issues.  The jobs will shrink if we ignore environmental conservation; they will balloon if we get ahead of the environmental curve.

Fahn, Larry
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Frank, Barbara
Environmentalists are still often viewed as ideologues, purists, dreamers, wackos, alarmists.    I think that's getting better as health concerns grow, global warming threatens, and conservation/environment becomes more a mainstream issue again.    The Club continues to enjoy a good public image.  Credible, fairly mainstream, public watchdog, etc.

Scott, David
We are respected as a credible source.  An Aspen Institute survey of Congress ranked us as the most effective environmental lobbying group by far.   The bad news is that polls show much of the public regards environmentalists as shrill.  And even some environmentally-minded citizens reacted negatively when we rejected different ways of increasing the energy supply. We shouldn’t shed our convictions just to please critics, but we have to communicate wisely.  

How can we reduce negative perceptions?   First, by a commitment to accuracy: our credibility is our greatest asset.  Second, by recognizing that many thoughtful Americans disagree with our positions on some issues.  Americans want clean energy, but affordable energy matters, too.  Americans support protecting wildlife, but protecting wilderness increasingly means working with ranchers and conservative legislators.  

We have to show people why we’ve taken the positions we have. And we have to recognize that sometimes victory only comes incrementally.

Sutherland, Jerry
Our Communications Department set up focus groups in 2006 to help Conservation Initiative messaging. They reported hearing environmentalists referred to as "extremists and scolders who tell other people what they should not do." They also found that the public is "hungry for a more positive, solutions-oriented message" and wants to see "opposing camps come together" rather than "language that appears to dictate and close off options."  The good news, according to Bob Perkowitz, when presenting the American Environmental Value Survey to the Conservation Governance Committee later that year, was that the Sierra Club has a positive image with the public, giving us a wonderful opportunity to engage our neighbors, friends, associates, and family. One of the ways we can do this is couple positive messaging and public relations campaigns with lawsuits. Another is to find partnerships and areas of agreement wherever we can while defending what we value.

Urban, Matt
See #7 above.

I do feel that the Sierra Club is generally viewed with great respect and admiration by a significant percentage of our country. This is show in the fact that we have more than 700,000 members, but we can point to over 1.3 million people as Sierra Club supporters.

A lot of it is our history, but it’s also due to the incredible work happening within chapters and groups around the country, who continue to gain respect and admiration in their local communities.

In addition to what I’ve stated in #7 above, I’d reinforce our image by continuing to support and empower our grassroots structure through funding, training, and organizing assistance.

Wyeth, Nathan
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Question 10: What do you see as the role of outings in the Club, both National outings (including international) and those organized by chapters and groups? What changes would you like to see in these programs?
Candidate responses were limited to 150 words per question.

Boldman, Lane
As an Outings and Inner City Outings leader, I am committed to connecting people to the outdoors.  I’ve worked with adults and children to show them the value of our wild and special places. I would like to see the programs expanded, because they are an invaluable source of goodwill and connection to the general public.

Liability has been an issue in the past few years, so additional support for leader training is helpful. The rollout of Outings Leader 101 Training and the soon to be released Online First Aid Training are the types of support that will be immensely helpful.

I would like to see an expansion of outings related to issues and education, such as environmental impacts in China for International, or perhaps outings to Mountaintop Removal sites in West Virginia for domestic outings. These could be promoted directly to educators in addition to our traditional advertising.

Bosh, Joni
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Buchner, Clark
I think the Outings Program that has evolved from the Outdoor Activities  Governance Committee, is outstanding example of the best that the club has to offer. I think more web based training needs to be implemented and that is currently happening. We need to be more aware of our carbon footprint in implementing outdoor activity, particularly in trips involving air travel, and methods for dealing with it need to be made an integral part of the planning process. More link ups need to happen between the National outings operations and the activities  of the International Committee. I think that Group level outings remain one of our strongest areas for club recruitment and it is vital to see that our Local Outings Support Committee is strengthened.

Doochin, Jeremy
A large portion of our Club’s membership joins or becomes active for our quality Sierra Club Outings. In fact, my initial involvement with the Sierra Club was at the age of 6 taking Sierra Club hikes with my parents, and it inspired me so much that I later returned to my local group at age 15 to become active. Outings not only bring communities together, but help to cultivate new activists.

In line with the Club’s mission to cultivate diversity, I would particularly like to see more outings focused to different groups –including different neighborhoods, minority groups, faith based groups, and students. It is also crucial that we create new ways of plugging some of outings activists into other areas of the Club. Sometimes people only are looking for an outing, but many other times a potential activist waits to be cultivated

Dougherty, Jim
Outings are the Club’s life blood.  I was disturbed to see that Project Renewal did not propose to preserve the national outings committee as a Board committee.  

I’m an active outdoorsman and a former professional wilderness guide.

Fahn, Larry
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Frank, Barbara
Outings, local and national, need to continue as part of the Club's mission.   We need to expose and involve an increasingly disengaged public in the natural world.   We evolved in a natural environment and cannot thrive without some  physical and emotional contact with it.   Richard Louv's book Last Child In the Woods should be required reading for everyone.    Conservation and recreation should be integral parts of every Club outing.   Internat'l travel requiring long flights is neither green nor sustainable and the question should be raised:  is it an appropriate Club offering?

Scott, David
The obvious potential of outings is that people care more about what they’ve seen up close and personal.  I spent two months in central Alaska in 2000 and then spent time in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest in 2001.  When I made congressional lobbying visits about Alaska wilderness protection, that time was invaluable in helping me convey real feeling for what I wanted to protect.

Outings have to be fun -- our national outings program seems to be succeeding well at providing that.  I’m sure many chapter and group outings do as well.  I’d like to see us expand programs like Inner City Outings and Building Bridges to the Outdoors as part of an energetic outreach to minorities and young people.

Sutherland, Jerry
I had no intention of becoming an environmental activist prior to an Oregon Chapter High Desert Committee backpack trip in 1996. They saw my passion for the Pueblo Mountains and slowly but surely directed it to Sierra Club efforts. At the Summit those at my table shared similar stories. Going back to John Muir himself, outings have always been a great generator of activism within the Club. We can do more to improve communication between national outings leaders and local activists working to protect the places trips are held and to bring more conservation work directly into outings. International outings can do more to bring home the message that the Earth's biosphere is a habitat shared by all living creatures, and that all its citizens share in the responsibility to protect this web of life on behalf of current and future generations.

Urban, Matt
The outings program is critical to the mission of the Club, as it is one of the best ways to provide a direct connection between people and the outdoors. Whether a conservation message is overtly embedded into an outing or not, getting people outdoors has them “get it”, and once they see and understand the natural world, it’s natural to want to protect it.

This was Muir’s vision, and what resulted in the formation of our National Park system. It’s embedded in our Club DNA. It just makes sense, and it works.

The outings program in the Club is one of the most well-run facets of our organization, but we must continue to strengthen our outreach to diverse communities – through our inner cities outings program for example, and other programs of its kind.

Reaching our broader goals requires we reach beyond our ranks, and outings are key to that.

Wyeth, Nathan
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Question 11: The Club is structured with a Board of Directors, governance committees, Council of Club Leaders, chapters, groups, and sections as the prominent entities. If you could change this structure or how it functions, how would you change it?
Candidate responses were limited to 150 words per question.

Boldman, Lane
We are a complex organization with multiple layers. Any efforts we can make to reduce the number of steps needed to connect National back to Chapters would improve our overall structure. The Council exists as a result of fulfilling a California Law, so this entity would need to continue. As Chair of the Council, I would like to see them more directly involved in advising Leader Support programs, since they have a direct connection to grassroots leaders.

In the Club, we are currently rolling out new online organizing tools and more online outreach. We must design ways in our structure where organically-organized online activists, those who have taken an online action, can be encouraged to migrate their activities into face-to-face contact in their local cities and states. The Chapter structure is a great support mechanism for this, so we need to connect online activists with Chapter and Group activists.

Bosh, Joni
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Buchner, Clark
Project Renewal will change much within the club. I would not change the Council as an elected body, however enhancement of regional approaches to the CCL could be valuable. The Board could be slightly enlarged, but no more than 17 members, with some members voted in by the CCL. This would strengthen the CCL as an important body within the club. Establishment of a bi-annual election cycle for the Board could result in substantial savings. There will need to be middle management for conservation aspects of the club to staff and monitor activities  of committees, and whether these are called strategy teams or otherwise, this will be a necessary level of involvement. The parallel aspects of staff and volunteers needs to be studied carefully to avoid duplication of effort and funding. This is one of the half-baked aspects of Project Renewal that needs to be address by the future board.

Doochin, Jeremy
Dwight Eisenhower once said that “you do not lead by hitting people over the head—that’s assault, not leadership.”

Leadership is not about making all of the calls or even all of the policy decisions, but rather empowering others to step up. Change should come not from the top down, but rather from the bottom up. Our activists must be the voice of the Club. Currently the Sierra Club structure is very top-heavy. However, I am optimistic that with the right implementation, Project Renewal could help not only to improve our communication but also increase the efficiency of our governance structure. I would implement more effective communication tools and advocate for an online organizational Club network, with individual accounts and profiles. This would also help at the local level. More than anything, we must succeed in creating a fluid and effective Club that has low entrance barriers to potential activists.

Dougherty, Jim
In my view this question is moot in light of the Board’s recent approval of Project Renewal.

Fahn, Larry
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Frank, Barbara
I would love to see trust and accountability built into our organization.  We have many wonderful, dedicated, passionate members who see only their particular niche, mission, whatever.   We truly need to be connected, and we need to operate in the spirit of “One Club”.    Structurally, Project Renewal may make improvements but we need to change some of our culture as well, moving to a more open, inclusive, dynamic organization, operating with trust and accountability.   That's harder than changing the structure, and it's more important.

Scott, David
See my answer to the Project Renewal question above.  I support a review and streamlining of national entities – consolidating redundant entities and looking for ways to increase the authority and budgets of those that we kept intact.  I would not have gone as far as the OCSC proposals go.  I do not see a pressing need for other structural changes – to the Council or chapters or groups, for instance.   What we need to do is involve more people and get more people doing activist work, but that can be done in the existing chapters and group structure.

Sutherland, Jerry
Sierra Club governance is complicated and frustrating to those not familiar with it. Internal communication has been an impediment though improvements are being made. Some national programs operate next to each other and chapters without interacting. We must simplify and integrate whenever possible. But we must also understand that covering a great breadth of issues, and operating in egalitarian ways, is the basis of our power, and we must accept that this will inevitably be messier than operating as a hierarchical for-profit corporation. Project Renewal was initiated for good reasons, but complete annihilation of all existing national structure to experiment with new ideas threatens chaos at a time when we need to be working together. Every year it seems some new initiative distracts us.  Let’s improve what we’ve got as best we can and get on with our work.

Urban, Matt
Much of this question is largely moot due to the Board’s adoption of the Project Renewal recommendations.

But the thing that was missed in that process is how we can continue to build bridges between national and local entities, so that there is true partnership throughout the organization.

I believe that shortly after the changes from Project Renewal are implemented, we need to take an equally in-depth look at how we can restructure the relationship between the board and chapters and groups to empower the chapter and group structure within the club. We need to be providing Chapters and Groups with the resources and tools and resources they need to be successful, enhanced communication with and support from the National club, and board-level acknowledgement of the continuing importance of our local entities to the success of the Club at achieving it’s mission.

Wyeth, Nathan
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Question 12: What, if any, are the key differences between 21st century grassroots organizing and 20th century grassroots organizing, and how might the Sierra Club change in response?
Candidate responses were limited to 150 words per question.

Boldman, Lane
As referenced above, the younger generations now communicate in different ways than our traditional membership. This means that we need to maintain our traditional ways of organizing yet also add relevant and modern tools.  This year the Sierra Club has begun to roll out many structures that support a modern approach to communications by updating their database capabilities. As a member of the Communications and Education Governance Committee, I was an advisor on many of the initiatives to increase our electronic outreach, including new online organizing tools and internal communications improvements such as our Clubhouse intranet.

However while the tools may change, the principles of grassroots organizing are really very much the same now as they were in the 70’s. Therefore we need to not structure parallel channels but instead connect our traditional leaders with these new online-organized activists to share each one’s valuable expertise in a mentoring situation.

Bosh, Joni
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Buchner, Clark
More on line based community elements will be utilized as a form of activism. Presently "Move On" is attempting to go off line and into the living rooms of members as a strategic move to recruit demonstration activists. The methods used by Caesar Chavez are tried and true 20th Century methodology, and those still work very well, however, they will morph into a 21st Century model. The artists generally lead the way in such efforts, and graphic design methodology with computer skills will be necessary for the generations ahead. Artists like William Gibson have a visionary ability to peer into the future and should be consulted for their value in recognition of trends.

Doochin, Jeremy
The greatest difference between grassroots organizing is that while people used to have to leave their room to organize, they can now do it at the press of a button. This presents new challenges, but remarkable opportunities. Because there is so much information that is distributed online, organizing is not easy. However, the internet has afforded us the opportunities to reach millions of people like never before. This is particularly advantageous in our political action, conservation, and climate change campaigns. The Sierra Club must take advantage of online resources if it is going to compete in the 21st century. As the age of the average Club member continues to rise, it is crucial for the sustainability of the Club that we market much of our online communications to the younger generation.

*** Please visit www.jeremy2008.com for much more info***

Questions? Comments? Contact Jeremy: jeremy@jeremy2008.com.

Dougherty, Jim
While it would be easy to say that we need to be more powerfully on line (which is so), I do not see this as a talismanic solution to our problems.  Organizing will require people-to-people connections for the foreseeable future.  We are not MoveOn.  

I have called for an evaluation of a substantial expansion of our canvass program.  It may be that putting hundreds of recruiters in the streets will help up meet the evolving challenge.

Fahn, Larry
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Frank, Barbara
In the 21st Century electronic technology will change how we operate, barring catastrophic social and economic disruptions.    Organizing, however it's done, will still continue to be one person reaching out to another.  And at the risk of sounding like a luddite,  I have to express concern about our technology—the proliferation of towers and electromagnetic wave exposures, the throwaway aspects of it—with limited recycling and very harmful exposures to poor people who do the dismantling and reclamation in distant communities, and for many the isolation from Nature and human society in the pursuit of technological connnections.   If sustainability is our goal we need to do this better.

Scott, David
The obvious difference is the importance of the internet as an organizing and advocacy tool.  The danger is that the ease of “point-and-click activism” might blind us to the continued importance of time-honored advocacy tactics: getting constituents to call, write or visit their legislators, knocking on doors for good candidates, turning people out at rallies.  But we need to use the internet well – to use social networking sites and use technology to make it easy for people to join together, to contact legislators and press for change.

We’re seeing more campaigns focused on getting corporations to act responsibly – for example, pressuring mass catalogue mailers to stop cutting Canada’s roadless boreal forests for throwaway products.  We need to effectively engage in more of those activities – to broaden our focus beyond traditional lobbying.  There’s also a major role for climate action rallies like the recent “Step It Up” events.

Sutherland, Jerry
Digital communications is the greatest change in the 21st century. Many grassroots activists, especially younger ones, prefer using it. But we should not abandon face-to-face social interaction. We need to add new tools without eliminating the ones we have in order to offer whichever works best for each individual. The Club moved towards mass media for a while but has wisely returned to reaching out to individuals with campaigns such as Building Environmental Community. The American Environmental Value Survey concludes that "a one-size-fits-all approach won't work" and that we need to "engage specific audiences on the issues that are most likely to resonate with them." The people we know best are our friends, neighbors, associates, relatives, and owners of businesses we frequent. We each need to bring the environment into our communities and show them how the Club is working on their behalf.

Urban, Matt
20th century organizing was largely face-to-face. Our current national Club structure reflects this, and our structures follow a very hierarchical form. This form demands a certain degree of central control.

21st century organizing is much quicker, involves more distributed communication. It requires a more nimble responsiveness. It is often self-organizing. At the most basic level, it is networks rather than committees.

The Club has already started to change in response, and the new national model the board has chosen through Project Renewal reflects this, and should empower more 21stcentury organizing models.

But we need to continue to explore new electronic/online organizing and communication tools. We’ve taken some steps so far on updating our communication structures, but this area hasn't gotten the support it needs. Effective internal and external communication is a critical component of what’s needed to improve the Club’s strength, and I'd make that a major board priority.

Wyeth, Nathan
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Question 13: What new technologies, and what new organizational processes should the Club adopt to improve the connection between National operations and grassroots leadership?
Candidate responses were limited to 150 words per question.

Boldman, Lane
New technologies are available all the time. Some of our most recent rollouts of blogs and Convio online organizing are great additions. There have been discussions on creating Wikipedia-style tools where activists can help build resources themselves. These are all great advancements and will help us stay relevant in a fast-changing world. However tools are only as good as the design of the plan to use them. We need processes that allow integration of National Structures, Local Structures, and Organically-Organized Activists. These cannot just be top-down or bottom-up. The design must be cyclical, where one entity continually feeds and reinforces the other, i.e., new activists come in through a National campaign are contacted and invited to come to local Chapter face-to-face activities. Local leaders can nurture new leaders, and then become National leaders. Our challenge is to make this seamless and continual, where each channel opens doors to others.

Bosh, Joni
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Buchner, Clark
A feeling of trust would be good. And transparency would be a strong statement that would be helpful in building that trust. You can slather over most anything with techno-talk and still go bowling alone. Building real communities and being able to trust one another in our work will go much farther than whatever new technologies you wish to pull up.

Doochin, Jeremy
Effective online communication tools are essential. We can create new electronic Facebook applications that will target younger leaders to take action by simply clicking on the application and sending an email to their legislators. All effective movements start with dialogue, and Facebook, Google, and other electronic applications are an excellent way to generate that dialogue and provide low-cost advertising. We now have the capability to do online marketing to specific age groups in almost any city. Should we choose to use this, it will play greatly to our advantage. We can improve our grassroots leadership by switching to an online networking group with which all Sierra Club activists can better communicate, send messages, post events, provide feedback, and more!

Dougherty, Jim
Technologies and processes are not the solution.  It is more important for the Board and national staff to simply get that we are, above all else, grassroots.  We accomplish more on behalf of Mother Nature at the Group and Chapter level than at the national level, in my opinion.  We need to empower our volunteers to be more effective.

Fahn, Larry
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Frank, Barbara
I find this difficult to know how to respond. I still think newsletters, conference calls, e-mails are not a bad way to go.   Of course, who knows what new technology awaits.   But see #12 above.   The regional staff is also an excellent resource and mediator between national and chapters and  groups. The regional volunteer organizations (RCCs) were another important link between chapters, and between national and chaptersandI think the RCC concept should be looked at again.

Scott, David
The club seems headed in the right direction with the new HELEN database and Convio.  From what I’ve seen, we’ll be able to do a much better job of keeping track of what members are doing so we can target messages to specific groups of activists.

Sutherland, Jerry
The Electronic Communications Task Force I served on in 2006 came up with a comprehensive list of recommendations regarding this. This is an area in which I think the Club has come a long way. I fear going into details will be wonky and boring to most members but I’ll summarize. Clubhouse has been reworked to be more dynamic and user-friendly with docents like myself to help folks out. HELEN and Convio rollouts to chapters are proceeding. Project Renewal has attracted attention to our Clubhouse Forum pages. Grassroots Scrapbook, Faces, and Stories pages are making the best of the elimination of the Planet by showing a lot more of the work we do. There is more we can do to facilitate web-based social networking while not abandoning those who prefer print media.

Urban, Matt
See #11 and #12 above.

In addition, we need to figure out how best to empower the role of the Council of Club Leaders. This is an essential bridge between national and grassroots, and although a review/reform process was done a few years ago, much remains the same. The CCL needs a true position of responsibility/accountability within the Club’s structure, and we need to continue to take all steps to strengthen its role.

Wyeth, Nathan
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Question 14: What are some measures the Club should take to improve leadership development? What other grassroots capacity-building actions, if any, would you recommend?
Candidate responses were limited to 150 words per question.

Boldman, Lane
The Club invested heavily in the Leadership Development Project. I attended these projects and held a demonstration at my own meetings. While this program is a great start, the LDP is scaled as a large, comprehensive program. Local leaders also need support for smaller-scale, immediate situations related to leadership development. Many times, particularly this year, I have seen an increase in contacts from leaders to me as Council Chair, desperately looking for advice on how to handle leader-related situations because they found other channels to confusing or complicated. I believe we can start by taking our existing LDP program and our existing Chapter Leader Training program and configure a smaller scale, online version of some of the components. I would also like to investigate a “hotline” for leader support where advice can be obtained quickly, similar to what was intended in the Mentoring program but even more immediate.

Bosh, Joni
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Buchner, Clark
The Leadership Development Program that emerged in some form out of the work that was started by Marshall Ganz and the NPLA survey that was done seems like a good start, although it did not prove to be a cure all with the Florida Chapter. Going back and revisiting the work that Ganz did might just be an excellent idea. The Summit seemed to work, and many changes have taken place  in the club in only 2-1/2 years. The capacity building grants for chapter fundraising seemed like a good idea but we hastily tossed that one out, and perhaps that's another one we should revisit.

Doochin, Jeremy
More accessible leadership training programs are needed within the Club. The Leadership Development Program (LDP) has been effective, but has high entry barriers and requires a very significant time investment. We can start with leadership training by providing online training modules and online leadership training courses. This means that people who ordinarily would not be able to attend several weekend retreats would be able to go online and follow the training module. As aforementioned, we can and should be using internet communication tools to more effectively coordinate grassroots efforts. These are relatively easy and very cost-effective. It is also an advantageous way to pull in community activists that might not ordinarily be targeted.

Dougherty, Jim
I led the (unsuccessful) effort to restore $70,000 in 2008 budget funds for national support for chapter fundraising programs. I have called for expanded rollout of the Leadership Development Project. I support the primacy of Chapters and Groups.

Fahn, Larry
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Frank, Barbara
I think the Club's  Leadership Development Program is excellent and I feel that will be a very   effective way to develop strong teams and volunteer leaders,  both critical elements in  the Club and absolutely essential to doing good work.  More help from the national organization such as specially tailored training might be beneficial.    Delivery could be via regional teams of staff and volunteers.

Scott, David
I’m glad to see the new Leadership Development Program being offered to chapters. It should be improved and expanded.  I’d like to see more national staff whose dedicated task was to directly help group and chapter issue activists.  And the volunteers who have worked on Chapter Capacity Building Grants need an opportunity to show whether that program has been effective or can be effective.

Sutherland, Jerry
Members become activists because of personal support and one-on-one mentoring at the chapter level. Chapter leaders need training and recognition, as well as the empowerment that comes from a high level of self-determination granted by the Board. The Organizational Effectiveness and Training Governance Committees have combined to initiate the Leadership Development Project in three chapters, with the goal of enhancing leadership skills and building more active, effective and sustainable chapters and groups. I hope this will be a successful effort that can grow to other chapters. The Board approved recommendations from the Electronic Communication and Capacity-Building Task Forces I participated in last year, some of which have been implemented, such as the new database system called HELEN.  More needs to be implemented, such as facilitation of networking between local and national activists.

Urban, Matt
I’d keep the board’s focus on the supporting and enhancing the current Leadership Development Program. We need to insure its effectiveness, and find ways to integrate key concepts and principles from the program into other areas throughout the Club.

I’d also keep connected with the Grassroots to learn what they need to be effective and work to create new programs to meet those needs.

We also should look to the current Cool Cities campaign as a model of capacity building, and continue to refine and expand the concept of a ‘campaign toolkit’ that can be distributed throughout the entire organization. Programs like Cool Cities, if organized correctly, provide the opportunity for training and leadership development at the same time they offer positive environmental solutions.

Wyeth, Nathan
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Question 15: The Sierra Club has limited resources. Where is it most important for the Club to focus its volunteer and financial resources over the next four years?
Candidate responses were limited to 150 words per question.

Boldman, Lane
•Developing their grassroots capacity. Dollars can go much farther when you have the support and resources supplied by grassroots energy. I define ‘grassroots’ as both organically-organized online supporters AND our existing base of Chapter and Group leaders. I have heard that our online outreach tools are attracting a wide range of new people. But our follow-through plan for these people is still unclear. Solidifying a long-term engagement plan will be critical.
•Regarding financial: using our still-developing online tools to solicit smaller online donors. We have seen this used effectively in political campaigns such as the Howard Dean campaign and we are in dire need of unrestricted funding. Large donors tend to give to particular designated programs. Small-dollar donors may be one answer we can leverage on. We also need to offer more ways for Chapter leaders to solicit funding to increase our resources.

Bosh, Joni
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Buchner, Clark
The issue of how to approach rapid climate change is the most pressing issue facing mankind. It is vital that we focus on this in such a way that we do not lose our base of traditional wilderness preservation activist, as they are the very heart and soul of this organization. They can also inspire us, as they themselves are inspired, and the wilderness can lead us into our strength to deal with a planet home that yes, is in peril.

Doochin, Jeremy
Recruiting and Training new activists should be of utmost priority. We must work not only to find new activists, but also to create effective organizational structures in which to plug interested members.  Devising a strong leadership training program, and easy communication techniques is of paramount importance. We should strengthen our grassroots base to maximize the use of our resources. We have thousands of potential activists in our membership base that have never been tapped into. We must access these reserves in our climate change campaigns, work to build new coalitions, and extend a hand to non-traditional allies. Our extensive grassroots initiatives should be accompanied by new online marketing campaigns and the use of groups like Facebook to recruit new activists and young leaders. Financial resources should first be invested into developing our activists so that we will be more effective and prepared in our climate change and conservation campaigns.

Dougherty, Jim
Global warming is where the outside money is. I support ramping up a big campaign that will  garner that support.

I am confident that we will never weaken our century-old commitment to defending wild places and critters.  I will fight to assure that such work is not lost amidst the hubbub of GW.

Fahn, Larry
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Frank, Barbara
I believe Global Warming must be our strong and primary focus and that can be appropriately linked to our traditional conservation work.   That's where we need to
invest our dollars.  In the face of limited resources we need to be more resourceful and creative in our fund raising and resource allocation.

Scott, David
One thing we must focus volunteer and financial resources on is getting more volunteer and financial resources.  The ambitious Climate Fundraising Campaign has to succeed if we are to have the resources and legislative clout to do what needs to be done to confront the threat of global warming.  And we have to expand our membership: numbers give us strength.

What is most important in conservation terms?  Several things.  Getting effective national legislation to start reducing carbon dioxide emissions now – not after it’s too late.  Getting a binding post-Kyoto global treaty with strong US support.  Undoing eight years of Bush – reinstating Roadless Rule protections for forests, reauthorizing the Endangered Species Act, passing Mining Reform.   The must-do list is a long one.

Strengthening our Political Program should also be a priority over the next four years.  We need to increase our ability to elect pro-environmental candidates at every level of government.

Sutherland, Jerry
Sierra Club strength comes from its volunteer base working at the chapter and group level. We have grown to become the most powerful grassroots organization in the world by providing the big tent, offering tools and resources everyone can use to carry out the work that motivated them to become active. The Board must continue to turn aside suggestions to make chapter funding dependent on performance relative to blueprints established at the national level. Each chapter faces different challenges and needs the fiscal discretion to deal with them. Chapter subvention should be maintained. Doing otherwise will diminish our base rather than continuing its expansion. Discretionary national resources should continue to be directed towards projects implementing the Club's Conservation Initiatives with choices based on merit and solutions that will work.

Urban, Matt
I’d work first to ensure that we have sound programs that provide real measurable results that are easy to understand and therefore more likely to attract outside funding and support. I’d work to continue to empower the Club’s Development staff to raise funds around those programs in the ways that we’ve been successful in the past. And I’d encourage the board and senior staff to continue to explore and develop new and innovative funding methods.

We also have to place a strong focus – both programmatically and financially - on finding, training, and retaining qualified leaders throughout the Club.

Wyeth, Nathan
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Question 16: The club is undertaking work to bring more youth and diverse cultures into our membership and leadership. What specific strategies would you suggest?
Candidate responses were limited to 150 words per question.

Boldman, Lane
•Working with lower-income people in Appalachia, I’ve learned you have to start from where people already are, not where you want them to be.  That’s why I place high value on programs like Sierra Club Inner City Outings, which my husband and I are both involved, and the Environmental Justice program. We need more programs that are set by design to cross into new demographics.
•We have to review some of the basics: for example, we do not offer a lot of basic Club materials in Spanish, even though we have a Chapter in Puerto Rico who’s members speak in Spanish. We cannot possibly engage a broader audience if we are not even accommodating our own existing members.
•We need to expand our campus outreach, just like many environmental organizations did in the 1970’s since this generation is already highly engaged in the environment.

Learn more at my website: www.laneboldman.com

Bosh, Joni
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Buchner, Clark
First, I think the Diversity Council is doing a good job. I think we need to heed their leadership and follow their recommendations. Strategy for youth has always been a difficult one for the Sierra Club. Sierra and Beer seems to be working as a fun thing in Atlanta, but how well this integrates into the overall program of the club remains to be seen. ICO is a fine program for youth and yet I have not seen it interface well with regular Group and Chapter functions of the club - it seems to be on an isolation track. Tying in with the Student Climate Coalition looks like a good place to connect Sierra where it is not already connected. I suggest that we learn to be better listeners if we want to bring youth and diversity into membership and leadership.

Doochin, Jeremy
It is not enough to simply suggest that more youth should be integrated into the Club, but rather we must lead by example. The best way to lead by example is to elect a young leader to the National Board of Directors. As a college student, I have spent my life working with youth to create organizations that blend the efforts of people of all ages. I have the leadership and experience to bring a greater youth presence into our Club. Our chapters should be working more closely with the Student Sierra Coalition to organize environmental campaigns. We can target many youth through online web applications and common networking sites. In order to attract minorities or unique socioeconomic groups, we have to show them why the environment is important and how the Sierra Club can make a difference in their lives.

*** Please visit www.jeremy2008.com for much more info***

Dougherty, Jim
I’m a big fan of both efforts, having worked on the inside to develop the recommendation of the Youth Integration Task Force. I have also proposed adoption of affirmative action in our procurement decisionmaking – to promote diversity.

Fahn, Larry
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Frank, Barbara
It is critical that the Club expand its base to include other supportive groups.   That means being more open and inclusive, more willing to do things in new and different ways, more accepting of people who look, think, and act differently than we do.   Stepping our of our comfort zone will be necessary, and it can be invigorating and energizing as well.    Focusing on our agreements and similarities rather than our differences is key.  We need to seek common cause.   Cultivating partners and alliances is valuable and necessary.    There is synergy in that.

Scott, David
If we want to get more young people engaged, we need to talk to more young people.   There are lots of things we can do – from exploring the potential of social networking sites as organizing tools to seeking funding for Youth Climate Action work, as we are doing in a current fundraising proposal.  As Vice-Chair of CGC, I’ve made it a point to choose young activists when I have filled leadership positions in the Club.  

Increasing diversity also requires us to look beyond our traditional priorities.  Environmental Justice principles should be incorporated broadly into our programs, and we need more EJ staff.  We need to be more creative in finding common ground with other people’s biggest concerns – such as working to improve conditions in our urban areas, supporting efforts to train people and get them jobs in the new energy economy, and expanding outreach efforts like Inner City Outings.

Sutherland, Jerry
The Sierra Club must assure that all who share our goals feel welcome and energized by affiliation with us. Leaders and staff who represent minority demographic groups need to be forthright in pointing out anything that compromises this. Our Diversity Council and Youth Integration Committee were set up to achieve this. However, in pursuing this goal we must be careful not to fall into the trap (as a local Sierra Student Coalition leader reminded me recently) of thinking that all members of any one group have the same preferences. We could go a long way towards diversification with the integration of national programs like Inner City Outings and Sierra Student Coalition with local chapters and groups. With local leaders mentoring these young people they will become our next generation of leaders.

Urban, Matt
I’d keep our focus on the work of the Club’s Diversity Council – but not just in an academic / “this sounds good” kind of way. What we really need to see are tangible actions to reach beyond our ranks, so I’d support programs and activities that do exactly that (see #10 above).

I also think that one thing that is missing now is broader communication of the successes that can be had when we reach out to communities that are not typical Sierra Club communities so that our leaders can see the real opportunity that’s presented by working with diverse groups.

Wyeth, Nathan
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