I started volunteering for the Sierra Club in 2016, just before the November election. I was a student and passionate about the environment. One day my professor shared an opportunity he had come across for an internship position with the Sierra Club. I had never heard of the organization, but was looking to gain some experience with an environmental nonprofit and decided to check it out. The position was for an administrative intern, working a few hours per week providing fundraising and administrative/in-office support. It was not exactly what I was looking for but I thought ‘Hey, why not.’ After my interview and speaking to Jacinda and Cassie on staff, it felt like a good fit. They must have agreed, because I was offered the position for the next few months, and I accepted.
Then came the November 2016 election, and in the days following the results, I was a little out of sorts. I couldn’t understand what had just happened or why, and I had no idea who I could even talk to about it. When I came in for my shift that week, I felt the mood, saw the faces, heard the tone, and I knew one thing was certain: that I was in the right place.
I finished my internship and continued as a weekly volunteer in the years that followed. Fast forward to 2023 when I (still volunteering) applied for and was given the awesome opportunity to join the staff as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Wisconsin Chapter. In the past two years since being hired, I’ve spoken with more than 200 new, prospective, and returning volunteers on the phone, by video and in person. When I talk to people who are looking to get involved as volunteers with us, I am able to offer a genuine glimpse into what volunteering with the Sierra Club looks like and in turn, I have learned an incredible amount about what drives volunteers our way.
I talked with volunteer Deb Martin to see why she chose to volunteer with the Sierra Club and what she likes about it– here’s what she had to say:
Why did you want to get involved with the Sierra Club?
“I care about animals and the environment.”
When it comes to what people care about, there is something here for almost everybody. We have six conservation and issue teams, each with its own area of focus and set of goals. Team members work together long-term to achieve substantial campaign goals, and the opportunities to learn and contribute within your own schedule are endless. Joining a team can mean anything from helping plan an event, strategizing, writing a petition or preparing a press release. No experience is needed–just a passion for the issue and a willingness to to contribute as you are able. Our Teams are: Coal to Clean, Forest & Lands, Tar Sands, Transportation Equity & Access, Water, and Wildlife.
What have you enjoyed so far?
“The staff are always so appreciative. They make it really easy to volunteer and I like to stick with organizations that make it easy. There is always action involved and I like taking action.”
We could not do what we do without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers and each and every role, project and action is important to the work we do. Whether you are looking for a flexible volunteer position or interested in utilizing a specific skill set, we have a support team that is right for you. We post projects to the support team and if you can help, cool! If you aren’t able to help this time, that’s cool too– maybe next time. Our Support Teams are: Data Entry, Social Media, Amplify, Texting, Phone Banking, Graphic Design, Photography/Videography, Writing & Research, and Spanish Translation.
Is there anything you would like potential new volunteers to know?
“You can be as involved as you want or you can start slow. There’s always opportunities to do more. For example, I am on the Transportation Team but also can get involved in other areas and use my voice in any way I care about. I have submitted comments to support wildlife and helped with the origami fish campaign and efforts to shut down Line 5–there’s always something more you can do if you want to.”
From attending an event, an outing, writing a letter to the editor, submitting a public comment, joining a support team, an issue team or participating in a volunteer night. If you want to take action, there is always something to do! If you’re interested in volunteering and want to learn more, visit our volunteer page on our website at https://www.sierraclub. org/wisconsin/volunteer. Not sure what’s right for you? Email Heather at heather.wittrock@sierraclub.org and I can help you find the best fit.