Why did she join?
Having recently moved to the Bay Area, Mayra Catalán-Orozco was eager to look for ways to contribute to her local community. Although she was familiar with Sierra Club, she never actively participated in their activities. However, while looking at opportunities, she stumbled upon a meeting that would discuss different aspects of the Sierra Club chapter, which piqued her interest. As they talked about multiple programs and outings offered, her interest grew stronger. Since there was an open spot to be an event coordinator, Mayra took the opportunity, which led to becoming one of the 20s-30s group’s outing leaders. Being part of something she cared about, gave her immense joy. Mayra enjoys working with like-minded individuals and is happy to learn about a new perspective of being outdoors and surrounded by nature.
What has she done?
Mayra initially joined the Sierra Club as an event coordinator to help out with organizing and managing events. However, most of her involvement revolved around the 20s-30s group where she served as a membership chair. Furthermore, to ensure she was fully qualified for the role, Mayra completed all the necessary courses. With this new knowledge, she actively contributed to the group by leading hikes and backpacking trips. This role has been Mayra’s main focus throughout the chapter, which allowed her to combine her love for nature with her leadership skills and create an environment to help fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
How would she encourage others to become involved with the chapter?
Mayra strongly encourages others to take the time to learn about Sierra Club since she believes that there is something for everyone within the organization. By getting to know different outing groups and activities, she is confident that other individuals will find something that will interest them. Whether it's aligning with your personal abilities, passion for the environment, or desire to engage in advocacy work, there are multiple options for involvement. She appreciates how the local chapter focuses on issues and initiatives directly affecting the community, bringing impact to its members' experiences.