Team Sierra - Jenny is on the left, Jessica is on the right.
Team Sierra is the Sierra Club’s online fundraising community, allowing Sierra Club supporters to leverage their networks and creativity to raise critical funds to protect our planet. Here, the Team Sierra staff explain why they’re passionate about the Sierra Club’s work, some of the best fundraisers they’ve seen, and how you can get involved.
Jessica: I live in Portland, Oregon, and I’m a new mom. My son was born last summer. When he was four weeks old, Portland had its hottest summer ever. When he was eight weeks old, our air quality was ranked the second-worst of any major city in the world, due to smoke from surrounding wildfires. We had no central air conditioning, we couldn’t open the windows, and we were nervous to take him outside, even for a quick walk to the car for his doctor’s appointments. I’m committed to raising money to help ensure that my son will be able to enjoy a safe and healthy environment as he grows up.
Jenny: I grew up spending a lot of time at the Cape Cod National Seashore, which in my opinion is one of the most beautiful stretches of undeveloped oceanfront in the country. But lately I’ve grown increasingly worried that my favorite spots -- possibly my entire town-- will be inundated by mega-storms and rising sea levels. I’ve seen drastic dune erosion, exceptionally cold temperatures that kill off native vegetation, and an influx of sharks seeking cooler waters. The Sierra Club is working hard to protect our public lands, and I’m honored to be part of the effort to protect the places I love.
Jessica: Two years ago we launched Team Sierra, a website where you can set up a fundraising page and ask your family, friends, or co-workers to donate to the Sierra Club. So far more than 25,000 people have set up a fundraiser or donated!
Jenny: A great thing about Team Sierra is that it can be customized to everyone’s individual interests and talents, and Team Sierra participants continue to come up with creative ways to raise money. A couple of my favorites were creating and selling nature-themed art, and dedicating time for each dollar raised to clean up local beaches.
Jessica: The money that’s been raised has made a real difference -- more than 100 cities have committed to 100 percent clean energy plans, there are over a million electric vehicles on the road, and more than half of the nation’s dirty coal plants are being retired. But there’s always more that needs to be done. Did you know that more than 40 percent of Americans live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution? Our kids are at the greatest risk, with one in ten schoolkids suffering from asthma.
Jenny: Let’s chat! We already know you’re passionate about protecting our planet. My job is to help you figure out what makes sense for you. Take a look at the many ways to get involved and leave your e-mail or phone number so I can get in touch!