We Want You: To Run for Sierra Club ExCom!
Interested candidates can fill out this form.
The Sierra Club’s Alaska Chapter is recruiting members to fill two interim positions on our Executive Committee (ExCom), the volunteer-led governing body for the Chapter. This document explains the opportunities, responsibilities, and skills needed for the job.
The ExCom is a team of volunteers who work in collaboration with the staff to advance campaigns, provide oversight and direction for our state work, and advise/support the staff to build the chapter’s capacity.
The ExCom is composed of at least five at-large members and one representative from each Chapter group. ExCom terms are two years and members may not serve more than six consecutive years (three terms). Members who serve six years are eligible to run again after waiting one two-year election cycle. These interim positions will run until the end of 2025 and anyone seeking re-appointment will go through the normal nomination process.
The Opportunity
If you serve on the Alaska Chapter’s ExCom, you will have the opportunity to…
- Help direct this deeply resourced organization to bring about the structural changes necessary to face the challenges of the intersectional climate, economic, and racial justice crises;
- Bring about structural changes within Sierra Club to better center justice in our work, and help create a more diverse, effective, accountable and transparent organization;
- Participate in national organization-wide change processes to better hold ourselves accountable to our colleagues, communities, and allies;
- Develop strategies and campaigns to address key issues that matter to you; and
- You will be part of a committee of colleagues working together to bring about the change we need to create a livable planet and healthy communities for future generations.
ExCom Member Responsibilities
- Show up and participate in zoom monthly Executive Committee meetings. Advocate for what you believe will make this organization stronger internally, and provide good governance to hold volunteers and staff accountable to our values and mission.
- Help us build relationships with other organizations, communities, and elected officials.
- Besides the ExCom meeting, showing up to other meetings or events as needed. This could include working on national initiatives and policy with our national offices and staff.
- Collaborate on strategies, finance, and resources.
- Time commitment is a minimum of 1-4 hours/week, but we have a lot of work to do, and could certainly use more of your time!
- Participate in fundraising - whether through appeals, thank you notes, personal gifts or events.
What Kind of Candidates We Are Looking to Recruit?
(different members will have different strengths and perspectives)
- A variety of personal backgrounds and perspectives. As the Alaska Chapter works to become a more equitable, actively anti-racist, and inclusive organization, we need a wide variety of perspectives at the table. Sierra Club seeks to increase and support participation from historically marginalized communities and populations. We have a particular focus on welcoming indigenous, Black and people of color to serve in this role. We welcome people from all backgrounds of age, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, national origin, or immigration status.
- A variety of professional backgrounds, such as healthcare, education, energy, academia, IT, manufacturing, advocacy, civil rights work, finance, the arts, etc.
- Geographical representation. We love having board members from around the state and can accommodate virtual participation. Members from cities, towns, and villages are all welcome to apply.
- Expertise on Sierra Club issues, such as conservation, energy policy, environmental justice, legislative strategy, politics, transportation, toxics and plastic reduction, racial justice, labor issues, indigenous rights, etc.
- Expertise on Sierra Club allies’ issues such as climate justice, housing justice, immigration rights, indigenous rights, civil rights, labor and employment rights, and food security, etc.
- Members who can help with Chapter operations, such as fundraising, communications, volunteer organizing, strategic planning, content creation, and digital organizing.
- A willingness to learn and grow. Our work is dynamic and our movement is ever-changing. Members should be prepared to grow and expand their thinking about how to best stand up for the issues we care about and be in solidarity with those most impacted.
How to Run for ExCom
- Interested members must complete the following to be considered as a candidate for ExCom:
- Have an active Sierra Club membership (click here to renew or purchase a membership), Memberships are available at a sliding scale, starting at $15/year. We are happy to cover the cost of memberships for folks for whom it would present a financial burden. Please contact alaska.chapter@sierraclub.org with any questions about the membership.
- Fill out this interest form here
- Candidates that are a good fit to fill two interim ExCom roles will be appointed via the current ExCom on a rolling basis. Should interim candidates seek election after the interim role is completed, the annual Chapter election is held during the 4th quarter each year.
Interested candidates can fill out this form.