Sometimes the most important environmental work happens behind the scenes, in the careful crafting of words that connect with real people.
That's exactly what Emily Ellis has been doing as our TennesSierran Editor and Chapter Webmaster. Every two months, Emily takes on the massive job of wrangling stories from across our state, working with volunteers (and staff like me) to polish their writing, and putting together what has become the best chapter publication in the entire Sierra Club. Not that I’m biased… Nearly 6,000 members read the TennesSierran, and we're hearing from volunteers everywhere that it's their number one way to stay connected with our work.
And then there's the website work. While most of us are focused on the events and campaigns happening right in front of us, Emily is making sure our website is up and running. From leaders to blog posts to calendars, she's the reason people can find what they're looking from for when they visit our site, with plenty of ways to engage and feel welcomed.
Here's the thing about Emily's work—it's the kind of behind-the-scenes effort that makes everything else possible. When our members feel informed and connected through the TennesSierran, they show up. When our website works smoothly, people can find ways to get involved. Emily's quiet dedication creates the foundation that lets all our other organizing flourish.
That's exactly why we're working to get Emily some help this year. No one should be carrying this much communications work alone, especially when we keep doing more and more great work in Tensessee.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming our News Content Manager, Emily would appreciate the help just as much as we all appreciate everything she does. The role involves identifying story topics by connecting with club leaders and activists, sending reminders to group leaders, contributing to our shared editorial planning, and giving our volunteer writers the encouragement they need to keep telling Tennessee's environmental stories.
Email whmoll@aol.com or call (404-401-7899) our Chapter Chair Bill Moll if interested.
Thanks to Emily's commitment, our chapter has a voice that reaches thousands of Tennesseans every other month. That's exactly the kind of practical communication work that builds the environmental movement here in Tennessee, one story at a time.