|  This Earth Month, We Don’t Just Reflect—We Rise and Take Action.
From the Executive Director: A Season for Action
Happy Earth Month—and welcome to a season of renewal, momentum, and action.
Across Ohio, this is more than a change in season—it’s a moment for movement. Communities are rising. From protecting our water and public lands, to advancing clean energy, to demanding environmental justice—people across our state are stepping forward with urgency and purpose.
Here at the Sierra Club Ohio Chapter, we are building the infrastructure, leadership, and people-powered momentum needed to meet this moment.
This newsletter is more than an update—it’s an invitation.
An invitation to lead.
An invitation to act.
An invitation to be part of something bigger than any one of us.
Because this moment demands more than awareness—it demands action.
We are growing our leadership, strengthening our programs, and organizing across the state—because real change happens when people step in. Whether through our Issues Committee, Communications team, Outings, or local events, there are meaningful ways for you to engage and make an impact.
And this month, there are many ways to plug in.
So, this Earth Month, don’t just celebrate—participate.
Join us. Volunteer. Bring someone with you. Take action.
Because the future of Ohio’s air, water, land, and communities depends on what we do right now.
And together—we are more than ready.
In solidarity,
Ericka Copeland
Executive Director, Sierra Club Ohio Chapter |
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| Earth Month: History, Purpose, and What’s Happening in OhioEarth Month, held every April, celebrates environmental action and awareness. It began with Earth Day in 1970, led by Senator Gaylord Nelson, sparking major environmental protections. In Ohio, 2026 Earth Month includes community solar events, environmental justice organizing, and advocacy campaigns led by Sierra Club Ohio. The focus has shifted from awareness to accountability—pushing leaders and corporations to act while empowering communities to lead local climate solutions. |
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We are Recruiting Volunteers
Please Sign-Up Today! |
Help Build the Chapter
— Compliance, Membership, Communications, Finance, and OutingsStep into leadership and strengthen a just, people-powered environmental movement in Ohio. Explore roles →The Sierra Club Ohio Chapter is seeking passionate, committed volunteers to fill key leadership roles that will sharpen our work across the state.
If you care about clean air and water, thriving public lands, climate action, and a just, inclusive movement—we need you.
Please share these opportunities with friends, family, and your networks.
Together, we’ll build a vibrant, effective Chapter for the years ahead. Open Leadership RolesWhat you’ll get: training, templates, and staff support—plus a chance to make a real, statewide impact. |
Please send your resume and cover letter to Ericka Copeland, State Director via email: ericka.copeland@sierraclub.org and contact her with any questions; and/or click the links below to apply. |
Are you passionate about protecting Ohio’s air, land, and water—and ready to help guide our advocacy?
The Issues (Conservation) Committee shapes the Chapter’s programmatic and strategic direction and coordinates the work of subcommittees, networks, campaigns, and coalitions across the state.
We’re currently recruiting for: - Air Issue Lead (Chair)
- Grassroots Network Representative
- Young Environmental Leaders Representative
Add your voice and help build a healthier, more just Ohio!
Complete the Volunteer Intake Form to get started:
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Join the Communications Committee — Help Tell the Sierra Club Ohio Chapter’s StoryCommittee members needed!
Are you a storyteller, designer, strategist, or social media whiz who wants to make a real impact in Ohio?
The Sierra Club Ohio Chapter’s Communications’ needs are growing—And we’d love your voice, skills, and ideas!
What you’ll do:
Grow our social channels and engage supporters
Write/edit compelling newsletter, web, and campaign copy
Create graphics, short videos, and photo stories
Support event communications (toolkits, promotion, live updates)
Lift up environmental justice and conservation wins across the state
Who you are:
A writer, designer, photographer, videographer, or organizer—or simply eager to learn
Collaborative, reliable, and excited to center community voices
All experience levels welcome; training and templates provided
Be the voice of change!
Get involved:
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Please send your resume and cover letter to Ericka Copeland, State Director, ericka.copeland@sierraclub.organd contact her with any questions; and/or click the links above to apply. |
Sierra Club On Lookout for
Outings Leaders Who InspireDo you love the outdoors as well as a challenge? Ohio's outdoors are calling you! Sierra Club needs bold, community-driven leaders who aren't afraid of a challenge; leaders who see the outdoors not just as a place to explore, but as a space for connection, rejuvenation, and advocacy. As an Outings Leader, you'll do more than guide hikes; you'll inspire a new generation of environmental changemakers, build inclusive outdoor experiences, and teach others to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly.
Learn more about this exciting opportunity at our Outings Leader virtual open house on Tuesday, May 5th, at 7:00 PM.
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 JOIN the Sierra Club Ohio Chapter —
TAKE ACTION FOR OHIO TODAY!
 If you’re not a Member yet, now is the moment.Ohio’s air, water, climate, and communities need powerful advocates — and your membership helps fuel this work.This is your chance to step in, stand up, and strengthen a people-powered movement for real environmental change. Your Membership Directly Supports: Clean energy campaigns  Water protection + Lake Erie resilience  Forest and habitat conservation  Sustainable transit + climate-ready cities  Environmental justice in frontline communities  Outdoors for All and local Outings programs  Already a Member? Multiply Your Impact.
Invite one person — a friend, coworker, neighbor — to join us.
Just one new member can amplify our voice in policy fights that shape Ohio’s future.  Why It’s Urgent
Polluters and bad actors are more organized — and better funded — than ever.
To win clean energy, clean air, and climate justice in Ohio, we need a bigger, stronger movement.
Membership = Power.
Membership = Protection.
Membership = Action.  Make the Move. Make it Today.
Become a Member — or invite someone to join.
Your action fuels the campaigns, the organizing, and the victories Ohio needs right now.
JOIN NOW! SHARE WITH A FRIEND |
Great Ohio Climate MarchA group of Ohioans concerned about our environment is hosting a 100+ mile hike from the hills of Appalachia to the Statehouse in Columbus to call for a sustainable future for all Ohioans. The hike will start in Athens, Ohio, on Saturday, May 16, and will conclude on Thursday, May 28 at the Statehouse in Columbus.
When: May 16-28 of 2026 – participate in all or part of it!
Where: Southeast and mid-Ohio, Athens to Salt Fork to Columbus
Who: The Great Ohio Climate March is being organized by Third Act Ohio, with the help of many other organizations and individual friends
Why: To draw broad attention and public awareness to: - Fracking on Ohio public lands & parks
- Ohio politicians are making greedy deals with the oil & gas industry that have turned our beautiful state into a sacrifice zone
- Environmental justice for Ohio communities
- Impacts of the climate crisis globally, as well as in the US, Appalachia, and Ohio
- The benefits to all Ohioans of clean, renewable energy
- How: Register online by April 16.
- Scholarships: The Ohio Sierra Club offers young adults aged 18 – 30 scholarships to pay fees. Apply online by April 15 before registering.
Awards for use at registration will be made before April 16. |
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Scholarship ApplicationThe Baldwin Wallace University Jacket Philanthropy Program, The Ohio Sierra Club and Third Act Ohio are pleased to offer scholarships for young adults aged 18-30 to cover or subsidize the cost of the involvement in the Great Ohio Climate March (May 16 - 28th, 2026).
We will be accepting scholarship applications through April 15th, 2026.
Please fill out this form and wait to hear back from our selection team before officially registering for the Great Ohio Climate March. |
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| How Sierra Club LobbiesSierra Club lobbies by meeting with lawmakers, sharing research, and mobilizing public support for environmental policies. Volunteers are essential—they bring real stories and community power that influence decision-makers. After major events like the Great Ohio Climate March, coordinated lobbying efforts help turn momentum into policy change. Advocacy works best when people show up and demand action directly from elected officials.
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| Clean & Renewable
Energy in OhioClean energy produces little pollution, while renewable energy comes from sources like wind and sunlight that never run out. In Ohio, expanding these resources can lower energy costs, create jobs, and improve public health. For individuals, it means cleaner air and long-term savings. One Cleveland family reduced bills and improved their child’s asthma after switching to electric appliances and solar—showing how clean energy directly improves lives.
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Why Are More Gas Stations Popping Up? |
| | Gas stations are expanding due to subsidies and outdated infrastructure priorities. This slows progress toward transportation freedom—where public transit, EVs, and bike infrastructure are funded equally with gas vehicles. Instead of expanding fossil fuel systems, investment should shift to sustainable transportation options that provide cleaner, more equitable mobility for everyone. |
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Money Has Corrupted the EnvironmentCorporate money has influenced environmental policy by funding lobbying, weakening regulations, and delaying climate action. This has harmed communities and protected profits over people. Solutions include campaign finance reform, transparency, and grassroots organizing. But money can also be used for good—investing in clean energy and community programs can shift public perception and deliver real benefits, aligning economic power with environmental justice.
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| Where Has the Water Gone?Fracking and data centers are draining and contaminating water supplies. Fracking uses millions of gallons per well, while data centers consume massive amounts for cooling. In Ohio, this threatens water availability and safety. Solutions include demanding transparency, enforcing water limits, regulating wastewater, organizing community monitoring, and holding officials accountable through advocacy. Protecting water requires urgent, collective action. |
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 The Sierra Club Ohio Chapter has
a New Address
Please direct all correspondence, donations, and other mail to:
PO Box 37269
Cincinnati, OH 45222-0269
Please take a moment to update your address book so we stay connected—and so your donations and messages reach us without delay. We’re grateful for your continued support as we join forces to safeguard Ohio’s environment!
Thank you for helping us keep our records up to date. We look forward to hearing from you soon! You're the Heart of This Movement — Thank You!Every action you take brings us closer to environmental justice for all. Your commitment makes our progress possible. We’re excited to connect with you through our campaigns and continue advancing our shared mission for a cleaner, greener Ohio. Sign up to volunteer with us or join one of our upcoming events! |
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