The Sierra Club shares many priorities and goals with the NAACP, including environmental protection, social justice, and voting rights. Three speakers from the NAACP and one from the Sierra Club addressed the Sierra Club York River Group, explaining these commonalities and how our organizations work together.
On April 19, 2023, three speakers from the NAACP joined with with the Sierra Club York River Group to discuss issues that are important to both organizations. Kicking things off, York River Group president Tyler Matteson reminded the attendees about some of the policies and values of the Sierra Club, including anti-racism and the right to a clean and healthful environment for all people.
Karen Campblin, Virginia NAACP Environment and Climate Justice Chair, addressed legislative priorities for the Virginia NAACP, with a focus on environmental and climate justice. Gaylene Kanoyton, Virginia NAACP Vice Chair Region 1 and President of the Hampton NAACP Branch, then talked about general priorities for the Virginia NAACP, especially voter registration and voting rights. Lynn Godfrey, Just Transition Program Manager of the Virginia Chapter Sierra Club, described where the Sierra Club and NAACP are working together. Jennifer Brooks, President of the Newport News NAACP Branch, talked about issues specific to Newport News (including voting rights, voter education, and gun violence). Finally, Robin van Tine, Environmental Justice Chair of the VA Chapter Sierra Club, provided closing remarks, highlighting our commonalities and stressing the importance of working together going forward.
Some links of interest:
Sierra Club environmental justice policy