Southern Sierran
News & Notes

OMC seeks volunteer representatives
The Outings Management Committee has the responsibility for overseeing all aspects of the Angeles Chapter’s outings program, including training, safety, and the outings conducted by the Groups, Sections, and Committees within the Chapter.

There is an outings representative on the Safety Committee, one on the Leadership Training Committee, and five on the OMC itself. These seven representatives are chosen each year at the Chapter Outings Assembly. Their duties are to attend their respective committee meetings and present their points of view on the topics discussed.

If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for the Outings Management Committee, contact John Hinz at 562-427-0809 for further details.

-Mike Adams
OMC Chairman

Congress passes CAFTA
Despite our best efforts, Congress ratified the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) on July 27 by a margin of 217-215.

Thanks to Rep. Hilda Solis, all California Democrats voted against, while all but one Republican voted in favor of the bill.

Our local Sierra Club activists, together with Central American allies in L.A., worked very hard to persuade Congress to vote against this extension of NAFTA. The efforts of the Palos Verdes-South Bay, Verdugo Hills, and Crescenta Valley groups in particular were crucial in getting pro-trade Democrats like Adam Schiff and Jane Harman to publicly oppose this treaty. Thanks also to the Sierra Club Field Office for organizing phone banks to swing districts across the country.

Our fight is not over. Activists in Costa Rica and Nicaragua are still fighting to stop their countries from ratifying CAFTA, and as a part of raising awareness of cross-border issues, the Sierra Club will hold events to publicize the activities of polluters like Glamis Gold.

To find out how you can help, e-mail stopcafta@angeles.sierraclub.org or call 626-443-0706.

-Faramarz Nabavi

Grassroots Action and Endorsement Workshop
Sierra Club activists and newcomers from the Angeles and San Gorgonio Chapters gathered at the Eaton Canyon Nature Center in Pasadena in July to learn about the Club’s political activism and endorsement programs.

The highlight of the workshop was the talk given by California Assemblywoman Cindy Montañez, who spoke of the importance of protecting the environment in urban areas.

Rafael Reyes from the Loma Prieta Chapter talked about the types of advocacy the Club engages in and how the political process helps to move the Club’s agenda forward.

Gail Prothero told attendees that they don’t need to be experts on an environmental issue or on the legislative process in order to be effective and get policymakers to take notice of our concerns.

Dan Sullivan also briefly discussed the complexities of how money can be used to help our endorsed candidates get elected.

-Howard Strauss

Chapter office support
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm. Volunteers at the front desk answer inquiries about conservation and political issues, membership matters, hikes, trips, publications, and meetings. They handle mail, learn to use the Sierra Club’s website and Chapter database and process donations. Shift: four hours once a week. Other volunteers support Chapter work with their skills in QuickBooks Pro, Excel, Access, or Word; learn to use Sierra Club database to make activist contact lists or research member information; and process grant requests.

• Be the live person on the phone: Open slots Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday.
• Donation processing: afternoons preferred. Short-term project in April and May.
• QuickBooks Pro: Set up the tracking of special projects. Short-term and sustaining help appreciated.
• Grants: Proficiency in Excel a plus. Four hours every two weeks.
• Disposal: Someone to take e-waste to recycle site. Two or three trips may be required.

Contact george.denny - at - sierraclub.org or 213-387-4287, ext. 205.

Chapter office seeks Conservation Program Coordinator
The Conservation Program Coordinator organizes and implements a major conservation program, campaign, or initiative such as land use management, air/water quality, wilderness management, transportation planning, wetlands, urban planning, etc. Send cover letter and resumé to Chapter Director George Denny at george.denny -at- sierraclub.org. Sierra Club is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce.

• 1-2 years experience in the environmental field, including research, campaign organization, press relations, and public speaking
• BA/BS degree in Environmental Studies, Political Science, or a closely related field
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficient computer skills (database, graphic design, web)
• Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus
• Demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with volunteers

[top of page]