Chapter Leadership Academy Offers Training To Volunteers

How does one join the Sierra Club Activist Network? What is the Angeles Chapter doing to make its membership more diverse? What is the best way to make media contacts? How can one start a blog? What is a 'presentation in a can'?

These and other questions were answered at the Leadership Academy Volunteer Training Workshop at Eaton Canyon Nature Center in May. The first session, 'Beyond Email,' demonstrated the Activist Network Online Community. Jennifer Waggoner explained how easy it is to join an action team or even start a new team. Each team plans actions relating to a specific environmental issue, say, preserving wetlands. On the website-sierraclubactivistnetwork. org-one can search for events, post comments and find a group dealing with a particular concern.

Next, Peter Gaspar told about a new committee in the chapter- the Diversity Committee. He pointed to the changing demographics in the U.S. and led a discussion about ways to make the Sierra Club membership better reflect the population. Peter also handed out party favors and door prizes. With his glorious long dark hair, Peter was an alternative Santa Claus distributing gifts to delighted recipients.

A workshop on Communications followed. Organized by Sandra Cattell and Kathy Murphy, panel members explained how to increase community awareness of Sierra Club activities and causes by developing media relationships, writing news releases, using TV and radio, producing flyers, getting speakers and contributing to the Southern Sierran. Next year, our story will also be told in a series of video presentations.

A delicious lunch prepared attendees for a visit by special guest Paul Krekorian, LA CityCouncilmember for the second district, which includes Lake View Terrace, La Tuna Canyon, North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sunland, Tujunga and Van Nuys. Previously a member of the California State Assembly, 43rd District, Krekorian is a third-generation San Fernando Valley resident who has been a strong advocate for environmental causes.

Darrell Clarke showed us how to set up a blog; then Mary Morales talked about membership. The day ended with a raffle. Special thanks to Mary Morales for all the work she did to make the event a success.

After stashing notes, handouts and raffle booty in my truck, I toddled up one of the nature trails to visit the Eaton Canyon chickens. I addressed the caged hens: 'Free the Eaton Canyon Four!' They clucked their assent. I unclenched my raised fist, pivoted and returned to my tiny white pickup truck.