FAQ:
Question: Who is this Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) for?
Answer: Our ESP program is for everyone who wants to learn about critical environmental issues and participate in climate and
conservation actions. It is also for people who are already involved in the environmental movement--including elected officials and staff--because the topics that we will be presenting include cutting-edge ideas that are being currently debated and may well be implemented in the near future. So, this is a chance for everyone- including seasoned environmentalists and public officials--to get up to speed on current issues and play a role in shaping our clean energy future.
Question: I know that there are currently a number of similar programs offered by various environmental groups—most of them are very new and have little or no track record. What is the history of the Sierra Club’s ESP program, and do you have a track record of the results?
Answer: ESP was a program that ran for 7 years from 2013 but was paused in 2020 because of the pandemic. And yes, we do have a track record, if by track record, you mean how it has impacted graduates. Some ESP alumni from previous years have gone on to become elected officials as well as local government staff and participants in sustainability/environmental commissions. Also, ESP alumni have become leaders in our Chapter, so you can say that our program has been a reliable leadership pipeline for the environmental community.
Question: I see that there is one webinar on the first Saturday of each month and 3 more monthly meetings, so that’s 4 meetings a month. If I just want to attend the monthly webinars on Saturdays, will I be able to skip the project meetings each month?
Answer: Of course. Members can choose their own level of participation. There are basically 3 levels that you can choose from:
1) Attend just the once-a-month Saturday webinars. If you are time-constrained, this is probably the best option. Time commitment: 2 hours a month
2) Attend the monthly webinars and work on a project. There will be three 1 to 1.5 hour project meetings each month in addition to the once-a-month Saturday webinars.
3) Attend as many project meetings as you would like. This is for people who feel that they cannot commit to a project soon, but would like to attend project meetings whenever they have time or if a particular project topic interests them.
Question: If I select a project to work on and attend all of the project meetings, will I receive a Sierra Club certificate at the end of the program?
Answer: Yes, you will. We understand that people may want to receive a certificate that officially acknowledges their participation in environmental advocacy, so we do offer a Sierra Club Environmental Advocacy certificate to members who engage in hands-on projects and attend most of the project meetings.
Question: How much support will I have if I decide to embark on the project track?
Answer: You will receive as much support as you would like to have. During our project meetings and in one-on-one communications, you will receive help in selecting a project, planning the steps you will take, and troubleshooting problems when they arise. Some people need more help, so we can also assign a project mentor to work with you. Just let us know what you need.
Question: If I choose to work on a project and would like to receive a certificate, do I have to attend all of the project meetings in addition to the once-a-month Saturday webinars?
Answer: We hope you will be sufficiently interested, so that you will be eager to attend most of the meetings. All of the meetings are valuable opportunities for you to acquire the knowledge and skills that will enable you to become an effective environmental leader! But, of course, if you have an important scheduling conflict that prevents you from attending a particular meeting, or if something important comes up unexpectedly, please let us know, and we will try our best to fill you in on the information that you missed.
Question: I have heard that the Sierra Club is the most famous environmental organization in the U.S. Can you tell me a bit more about the Sierra Club?
Answer: You are right—the Sierra Club is the most well-known environmental organization in the U.S. because it is the oldest (established in 1892) and largest organization that not only engages in important environmental advocacy work but also provides recreational opportunities such as hikes/outings. There are 60 chapters in the U.S. (13 in California) and the overall membership is approximately 3.8 million members and supporters. From the early 20th century on, the Sierra Club has notched many impressive accomplishments. Without the Sierra Club's advocacy successes, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and much of the Florida Everglades and Alaskan forests may have disappeared a long time ago. The Sierra Club also played a major role in pushing through landmark federal environmental legislation such as the ones that established the Wilderness Act (1964), Environmental Protection Agency (1970) and the Clean Water Act. (1977).
By joining the Environmental Stewardship Program and receiving a Sierra Club advocacy certificate, you will become part of America’s oldest and largest environmental organization known for its many conservation accomplishments and recreational opportunities.