The SEMG Political Committee needs a new chair.  After four years with one chair at the helm, we need a fresh perspective.

It is often said that voting is one of the most powerful environmental actions one can take, and that is very true.  We can’t count on corporations to do the right thing, and individual action, while worthwhile, won’t get us where we need to be. But consistently voting for candidates we believe will address climate change will have a real impact. One way we know which candidates are environmental champions is by their endorsement from environmental organizations like the Sierra Club.

Endorsements happen through the work of Sierra Club Political Committees. The SEMG Political Committee recommends dozens of candidates for endorsement each year, offering guidance to voters, and helping candidates get elected.  The process is simple, although not without its challenges.  After identifying which races we will consider, we mail a questionnaire to every candidate in each race.  The Committee works to learn what we can about candidates through research of public records, social media and the like.  Then we review the questionnaires that are returned.  Meetings are scheduled regularly in the spring and continue until fall, to discuss candidates and vote on which ones to recommend for endorsement.  The final decision is made at the Chapter level.  Other activities to support candidates can be organized through this group as well, at the discretion of the Committee members.

If you are a Sierra Club member and are looking for a way to help move the needle on climate change that is serious and practical, please consider becoming the chair of this committee.  You don’t need to know a lot about politics (although it won’t hurt if you do), and you will be working with a terrific committee with plenty of experience doing this work.  We will all support you and help you every step of the way.

Interested parties may contact us at sierra.club.semg@gmail.com.