By: Mallory Rutigliano

I had the privilege of sitting down with one of our wonderful, long-time volunteers in conversation. The below are truncated, edited remarks from Catherine about her time in the environmental movement and working with Sierra Club.

Q: How long have you been involved and why did you start volunteering?
A: I feel an intense responsibility to care for this beautiful earth we live on. Sierra Club is the oldest, largest grassroots environmental organization and I became involved through people I knew. I remained involved because of all the wonderful work we do. I became involved as Vice Chair and Chair of the group and worked with the state Chapter. I kept getting more and more involved. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is concerned about the state of our world and wants to be a part of the solution?
A: Take the issue closest to your heart, mind, and soul, follow it, and do everything you can to help accomplish what is necessary. If that issue is soil, air, land, energy, whatever it is, take what burns for you and work on it. The issues are so interconnected, but pick what your passion is and keep going with it.
For example, I had experience in my life that led me to the World Council for Curriculum and Instruction. In 1986, I went to Hiroshima, Japan for a conference and I was so moved by a presentation by someone who lived through the dropping of the atomic bombs. Something in me changed - I began in earnest working to prevent nuclear weapons, energy, and waste.

Q: What makes you happy? 
A: The dedication of so many people in this movement.

To become a part of the community and meet dedicated volunteers like Catherine, contact us to get involved!