Artwork by Ed Nolde, Artist & Sierra Club Maine Volunteer
August 2023
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Sierra Club Maine Welcomes
New Philanthropy Officer
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We are excited to announce our Chapter’s new Philanthropy Officer—Jane Brekke! Jane comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience. She holds a master’s degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, and is very passionate about the outdoors. As the Philanthropy Officer, Jane will work closely with staff and volunteer leaders to implement effective fundraising strategies and programs that actively center equity, justice, and inclusion.
"Environmental stewardship has been at the heart of my professional calling for the past 20 years. Most recently I've been working for a local land trust in Southern Maine. I’ve loved working with my surrounding communities, but am also drawn to larger state efforts. Helping to connect people to natural places, to in turn create environmental stewards, is vitally important to me. I am also driven by my personal passion to show my daughter that you CAN make a difference in saving the planet and you CAN be a part of the solution—even if it feels infinitesimally small at times."
When not working, Jane enjoys all types of outdoor recreation with her family and friends. She also enjoys the work she does on her local town's conservation commission, working with medical herbs, and reading. Want to talk to Jane about how you can support Sierra Club Maine’s mission? Email her at Jane.Brekke@sierraclub.org.
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Image by Saga Hart
Legislative Session in Review
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Amidst raging wildfires bringing dangerous pollution to Maine, record rainfall, and one of the hottest years on record, the Sierra Club Maine's legislative team continued to advocate for policy solutions to address the climate crisis and combat social injustices. Looking back on the 2023 legislative session, we scored some big wins as well as tough disappointments, but our vision hasn't changed— we need transformational and justice-centered policy change to create a Maine that is livable for all.
This session, over twenty volunteers met regularly to discuss policy, write testimony, and lobby our elected officials. The team wrote 86 pieces of testimony on behalf of the Maine Chapter, and catalyzed other Sierra Club members and supporters to get engaged. We worked tirelessly as a team to advocate for our priorities, writing numerous opinion letters in Maine newspapers appearing in over twenty written articles.
We were able to push forward environmental priorities this year, thanks to the tireless work of advocates. Some highlights included: - LD 1895: An Act Regarding the Procurement of Energy from Offshore Wind Resources, will generate not only a historic investment in affordable and reliable clean energy to power Maine’s homes, businesses, and transportation; but also an investment in the working Mainers needed to make it a reality.
- LD 71: Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Chapter 171: Control of Petroleum Storage Facilities, a Major Substantive Rule of the Department of Environmental Protection - A bill that will ensure that the ground-breaking fenceline monitoring around all tank farms in Maine that was passed through legislation in the 130th session will happen beginning in 2024, and will be paid for by the oil companies;
- LD 1246: An Act to Include Endangered and Threatened Species Habitat in the Definition of "Significant Wildlife Habitat" Under the Natural Resources Protection Act, will preserve biodiversity by minimizing development impacts to endangered and threatened species habitat in Maine.
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Become a Sierra Club Outings Leader
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Our mission is to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet, and our chapter is focused on connecting people to everything that Maine has to offer. In order to do so, we need your help! We are in the process of expanding our outings program, and are looking for volunteers to lead hikes/walks in all corners of the state. Once you get Sierra Club certified, you can lead outings across Maine. It’s a great way to get outside and meet like-minded people! We are specifically looking for more diverse offerings, especially aligned with our Outdoors for All campaign. If you are interested in becoming a leader please email matthew.cannon@sierraclub.org.
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LAST CHANCE:
Nominate an Executive Committee Member
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Do you want to make a meaningful difference by helping Sierra Club Maine ensure a clean and just economy, elect pro-environment candidates, and protect Maine’s woods and waters for generations to come? Consider serving as a member of Sierra Club Maine’s Executive Committee. The committee sets the Chapter’s priorities, goals, and strategies which directly impact our state.
Committee positions are open to all Sierra Club members. Committee members are elected on two year terms. If you’re a member (or know a member) with an interest in supporting Sierra Club’s work in Maine, please complete this form by August 5th. This is an extended deadline, so be sure to submit your nomination as soon as possible! |
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The Sierra Club is committed to seeking a diverse pool of candidates and encourages members from any geographical region in Maine, background, race, gender, age, or identity to apply.
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What Will Your Legacy Be?
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August is National Make-A-Will Month. Celebrate by making a will to take care of your family and the environment that you love! Writing a will is one of those tasks that can fall by the wayside—but luckily, you can use online services like www.freewill.com to create yours in under 20 minutes. Everyone needs a will, whether you’re 18 or 80. And, there’s no better moment than now to find some peace of mind in planning for the future. While you’re writing your will, you’ll also have the opportunity to join the amazing people who have helped Sierra Club Maine by including legacy gifts in their wills.
There is no greater commitment to nature than to ensure it’s cared for after you’re gone. Whatever legacy you create during your lifetime can continue, in your name, with a bequest to Sierra Club Maine through the Sierra Club Foundation. For more information, please contact us at maine.chapter@sierraclub.org or 207-761-5616. When there's a will there's a way to protect the environment!
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Image by David Mark
Green Tip of the Month:
The Truth About Lawn Chemicals
By Susan B. Inches, Author, Educator, Environmental Advocate
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When I visited my family summer home last week I saw something troubling: the tick, mosquito and lawn chemical people were out. Everywhere…
Have we arrived at a time when the best educated people give no thought to the consequences of their actions? How did we get to a place where toxic chemicals are freely manufactured, sold, and spread by landscapers without question?
The most common lawn chemical is glyphosate, often known by its brand name, Roundup. This chemical is classified as “probably carcinogenic’ and is labeled with warnings of “irreversible eye damage” and “allergic reactions”... Who would want these products in their yard? Most of us probably wouldn’t. But unfortunately there is no legal definition or standard for “natural” or “organic” lawn care. And people don’t think to read the label on lawn products...
But just think—if you do insist on organic landscaping, not only will your lawn and adjacent waters be healthier, but you will raise the consciousness of your landscaping providers. If you maintain your own lawn, you can read labels and question retailers who carry toxic products. By speaking up and changing your practices, you can take a step forward for a healthy environment. Continue reading here.
Do you have a green tip that you would like to have included in a future newsletter? Please share it with us here!
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Image by Marena Bach
The Month Ahead
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Here are some of the meetings and events we have coming up. We hope to see you soon!
- Tuesdays, biweekly, at 3pm: Volunteer Support Team Meetings
- Join us to support our amazing volunteers.
- Tuesdays, biweekly, at 2pm: Advancement Team Meetings
- Help grow our impact to protect Maine’s environment. No fundraising experience necessary!
- Thursdays, biweekly, at 4pm: Events Team Meetings
- Help us organize events to educate and engage Mainers across the state.
- August 15 at 12pm: Clean Energy Team Meeting
- Join our team and ensure a clean and just energy future for Maine, specifically focused on renewable energy development!
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Volunteer With Sierra Club Maine
Interested in helping to protect Maine’s environment? No matter your background, we have a role for you! We invite you to fill out our volunteer interest form—no experience necessary.
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