April ExCom Meeting in Manhattan, KS | Photo Gerry Snyder
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Run for the Chapter Executive Committee or Group Leadership
The Kansas Sierra Club is powered by volunteers who care deeply about protecting our air, water, land, and communities. Every campaign, outing, educational program, and conservation victory begins with members who are willing to step forward and lead. This year, we encourage members from across Kansas to consider running for leadership positions within the Kansas Chapter Executive Committee (ExCom) and our local groups: the Southwind Group, Wakarusa Group, and Flint Hills Group.
Why Run?
Serving in a leadership role is an opportunity to help shape the future of the Sierra Club in Kansas. Whether your passion is clean energy, public lands, environmental justice, political engagement, outings, fundraising, or membership growth, your voice and experience can make a difference.
Executive Committee and Group leaders help:
- Set priorities and goals for the organization.
- Support local conservation and environmental justice campaigns.
- Build relationships with communities and partner organizations.
- Strengthen membership engagement and volunteer development.
- Ensure that Sierra Club remains a strong advocate for a healthy, sustainable future.
You do not need previous board experience to serve. We welcome members from all backgrounds, ages, professions, and regions of Kansas. Diverse perspectives make our organization stronger.
Leadership Opportunities
Kansas Chapter Executive Committee
(4 Positions Available)
The Chapter Executive Committee serves as the governing body of the Kansas Chapter. ExCom members help guide statewide priorities, oversee chapter operations, support local groups, and ensure that the Chapter remains effective and accountable to its members.
Southwind Group
(5 Positions Available)
Representing south-central Kansas, the Southwind Group works on local conservation issues, environmental education, outdoor activities, and community engagement, with a particular focus on promoting renewable energy solutions such as solar power. Members interested in strengthening Sierra Club's presence in Wichita and surrounding communities and advancing a clean energy future are encouraged to participate.
Wakarusa Group
(3 Positions Available)
Serving northeast Kansas, including the Lawrence area, the Wakarusa Group works to protect the environment through conservation advocacy, public engagement, and educational initiatives. Current efforts include educating communities about the impacts of plastic pollution and encouraging the adoption of sustainable alternatives. Group
leaders play a vital role in connecting members with opportunities to learn, volunteer, and take action on local environmental issues.
Flint Hills Group
(2 Positions Available)
The Flint Hills Group serves communities throughout east-central Kansas and the Flint Hills region. Leadership opportunities include supporting local conservation campaigns, organizing educational programs and events, and helping expand the Group's air quality monitoring and public education efforts related to the annual Flint Hills burning season.
This year, help us reach our goal of recruiting 22 outstanding candidates to fill 14 important leadership positions across the Kansas Chapter, Southwind Group, Wakarusa Group, and Flint Hills Group.
What Is the Commitment?
Leadership positions typically involve regular meetings, participation in planning and decision-making, and collaboration with fellow volunteers. Most members find that the opportunity to make a meaningful impact far outweighs the time commitment. Training, support, and mentorship are available. You will not be expected to do it alone.
While the role requires time and commitment, it is also one of the most rewarding ways to contribute to Sierra Club’s mission.
Members are expected to:
- Attend regular Executive Committee meetings.
- Review meeting materials in advance.
- Serve on at least one committee or working group.
- Participate respectfully in discussions and decision-making.
- Maintain appropriate confidentiality when required.
- Act in the best interests of the Chapter and its members.
- Support Chapter events and activities whenever possible.
We Need Your Voice
The strength of the Sierra Club comes from members who are willing to contribute their ideas, energy, and leadership. If you have ever thought, "someone should do something about that," this may be your opportunity to become that someone.
Serving on the Executive Committee offers opportunities to:
- Help shape environmental policy and advocacy in Kansas.
- Develop leadership and nonprofit gover nance experience.
- Work alongside passionate volunteers and dedicated staff.
- Build relationships with conservation leaders throughout the state.
- Help strengthen Sierra Club for future generations.
- Leave a lasting legacy for Kansas communities and our natural resources.
Please consider running for the Kansas Chapter Executive Committee or for a leadership position within the Southwind, Wakarusa, or Flint Hills Groups. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more effective Sierra Club for Kansas. Watch for nomination announcements and election information in upcoming chapter communications, or contact your local group or chapter leadership to learn more about serving.
Your Sierra Club needs leaders. We hope you'll answer the call.
2026 Kansas Chapter & Group Election Key Dates
July 1, 2026
Candidate Application Period Opens (click here to fill out the application)
Candidate application forms become available on the Kansas Chapter website.
August 18, 2026
Candidate Application Deadline
Completed candidate applications must be submitted by midnight.
September 2, 2026
Official Nominees Announced
The Nominations Committee reports the names of official nominees to the Kansas Chapter Executive Committee and the Executive Committees of the Southwind, Wakarusa, and Flint Hills Groups.
September 15, 2026
Petition Deadline for Rejected Candidates
Candidates not nominated by the Nominations Committee may qualify for the ballot by petition. Petitions must be submitted by midnight.
Paper Ballot Request Deadline
Members who wish to vote by paper ballot must submit their request by this date.
September 30, 2026
Voting Begins
Election ballots are distributed and voting opens.
November 11, 2026
Ballot Return Deadline
All ballots must be received by midnight to be counted.