Message from Ranel Porter, Santa Lucia Chapter Chair
One of the small but steady traditions of our chapter newsletter has been something called the “Chapter Chair Chat.” As I step into this role, I find myself asking a simple question:
Why do we do this, and is it still useful?
I don’t believe in doing things simply because they’ve always been done. At the same time, I don’t believe in fixing things that aren’t broken. What I do believe in is making sure we’re doing things for good reasons, especially in a volunteer-run organization, where time and energy are precious.
When I asked a few people what they valued about the Chapter Chair Chat, I heard two things: it’s one of the few steady elements in our newsletters, and it’s a place where the chair can speak directly to the community. I’m still deciding whether this space is useful for me, and I’d genuinely like to hear what would be useful to you.
What Happens When People Say “Yes”
One of the things that continually impresses me about this chapter is how much creativity and momentum appear when people bring their ideas forward.
Over the past year, we’ve seen Action Hours that make advocacy feel social and empowering, Hike + Dines that turn time outdoors into community-building, and general meetings that connect local issues with expert voices. None of these started as a grand plan. They started because someone said, “I have an idea! Can we try it?”
And here’s the part I love most: when more people get involved, the work doesn’t just get easier. It gets more fun. Ideas bounce. Energy grows. And we end up protecting more of the environment we all care about.
More People, More Possibilities
Every additional volunteer unlocks new possibilities. It might mean:
- More outings and creative events
- More timely and effective advocacy
- More connection between environmental protection and everyday life
- More laughter along the way
You don’t need to lead a committee or attend every meeting to help. Sometimes the most important step is simply raising your hand and saying, “I could help with that.” (We are very friendly to raised hands.)
Things You Might Not See
I want to start including a small section in these Chapter Chair Chats to highlight some of the work that happens quietly behind the scenes. This isn’t meant to be a complete list—there is always far more good work happening than can fit in one column—but rather a way to make sure care and effort don’t go unnoticed.
To get us started, I want to thank Mila for her continued work with the chapter. Although her term as Chair has ended, her leadership certainly hasn’t. I think of Mila as a true partner, mentor, and steady presence, and I’m deeply grateful that she continues to share her time, wisdom, and heart with our community. I’m very much looking forward to working alongside her for many years to come.
I can’t see everything that happens across the chapter, so I’m asking for your help. If you notice someone doing thoughtful or behind-the-scenes work for the club, please send a note of appreciation or a shout-out to me at SantaLuciaChair@gmail.com. Sharing gratitude is one of the ways we build the kind of community that people want to be part of.
An Invitation
This Chapter Chair Chat is part reflection and part invitation. If you find it useful, interesting, or even mildly entertaining, please tell me. If you think something else would be more valuable, I want to hear that too.
And if you’re looking for a way to protect more of the places and communities you love, while having some fun along the way, I hope you’ll consider getting involved with our local Sierra Club.
However you connect with the Sierra Club, through events, advocacy, volunteering, donating, or simply showing up, thank you. This work is more effective and more joyful when we do it together.
— Ranel