December 13, 2014
Club, Chapter, Community
By Tara Hollander, Sierra Club Maine Executive Committee Member
From a favorite climbing tree, or love of swimming in fresh water lakes, to those first bike rides of freedom from home, or hikes on the trail and breathing fresh clean air. Being present to that resonance with our surroundings comes without plans or pretense. And yet, too often we miss the opportunity to breathe in that refreshing, life sustaining harmony with life when we are swept up in the daily bustle of posts, tweets, commutes, errands, and work. And this season is no exception. Nonetheless, let me recap some of the inspiring energies from the annual meeting of the Sierra Club’s Board and Council of Club Leaders held in San Francisco late last month.
Build bigger teams. The largest climate march in US history is not the end. It has been yet another demonstration of our strength and we will continue to create more diverse, inclusive, ambitious events and actions!
To quote Michael Brune, Executive Director, "Indeed, we believe that working toward a just, equitable, and transparent society is not only morally necessary but also exactly what we need to confront the unprecedented environmental challenges we face."
Just as we gathered as a Chapter in September to celebrate and recognize the important work of Maine Chapter’s volunteers and staff, an evening to celebrate Modern-Day Muirs was an uplifting evening offering gratitude for and deep appreciation of individuals whose efforts have created a brighter future for the planet and for us all. Over 20 were honored at the Awards Presentation, including: Rose Johnson, recipient of the Robert Bullard Environmental Justice Award; Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) received the Edgar Wayburn Award, which honors outstanding service to the environment by a public official; Krista Schlyer, recipient of the Ansel Adams Award for her photography which brings awareness about the devastating ecological effects of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border; and, author and conservationist Terry Tempest Williams, recipient of the highest award conferred by the Sierra Club–the John Muir Award. Terry’s speech was incredibly inspiring and it was a call to action.
Energy policy: 100% carbon-free electric power sector by 2030. President David Scott, emphasizes, “We’re solutions-oriented, and the solutions we support are increased energy efficiency and clean, carbon-free energy sources such as solar and wind power...We don’t need energy tweaks – we need a new clean energyeconomy. We need to promote leaps in clean energy adoption and new, innovative technologies.”
Bringing this back to Maine, local actions in our communities are how the rubber hits the road most effectively. And we’re speeding along. The Grassroots Climate Action Conference last week in Brunswick gathered more than 100 activists who will be supported and empowered to implement a specific local climate/clean energy goal that fits their community. For it is in our communities that we have the best ability to make significant changes.