Sierra Club's new post-election mantra: resist, recruit, train and sustain

Over the days since Nov. 8, we've had to accept a tough reality. Although it's definitely going to happen, a Donald Trump administration will never seem normal, nor should it. We already know that the corrupt, cynical, and racist values that he and his inner circle bring to the White House will challenge everything the Sierra Club stands for.

As we move forward with a new Congress and this new administration, here are some early thoughts on how the Sierra Club will confront the reality of president-elect Trump. In 2017 and beyond, the Club's priorities, challenges and opportunities fall into four areas:

Resist: We will draw considerably on the talents and experience of our Sierra Club staff and volunteers to fight Trump, Congress, and the growing number of anti-environmental governors every step of the way. (And in my opinion, we will need every tool, including civil disobedience, at our disposal.) This defensive work will play out in the courts and in Congress, in statehouses, the marketplace and in the streets - and will involve nearly every part of the Club. Part of this defensive includes standing strongly with our allies, particularly communities of color, and speaking out against racism, xenophobia, sexism, bigotry, and hate. 

Recruit: Recently, the Club has seen an outpouring of support from the public in the form of donations, memberships, volunteer recruitment and social media posts at the national and chapter levels. We will continue to aggressively recruit new donors and new activists. Our grassroots are the foundation of our strength, and we will work to engage and activate a new generation of Sierra Club members, supporters, and champions.

Train: Having a larger membership and a deeper pool of activists helps, but it’s not sufficient. In 2017, we are going to invest more deeply in staff and volunteer training than we have ever done before. Every manager will undergo a formal management training. Every staff member and lead volunteers from each chapter will undergo training on equity and inclusion. We must double down on training and accountability for staff and volunteers, and accelerate our anti-racism work.  We must make more intentional efforts to eliminate toxic behaviors that are rooted in “-isms” and privilege, across staff and volunteers.

Sustain: Sierra Club has tough fights ahead, but we refuse to be in a defensive crouch for years to come. We will continue to make progress in cities, in the private sector, with PUC’s and internationally, and will increase our investments in those areas where we can stay on the offensive. We must be relentless in our fight against fossil fuels and for clean energy and transportation policies at the city and state levels.

One last thing: Donald Trump may be president for the next several years, but the Sierra Club has been doing this work for nearly 125 years. We'll still be here when he is gone, and our movement will be bigger, stronger, and more innovative than ever for having opposed him. For many of us, these will be the biggest environmental fights of our lives, but they'll also be the most meaningful. We're ready to give it everything we've got.

--Michael Brune, executive director of the Sierra Club

Our national election is over, and our road forward as protectors of the environment has become more difficult. 

Now we have to get back to work, and move forward in a strategic, thoughtful manner. The first step is remembering that we are all members of the largest and oldest environmental movement in the country, and share common goals. We need to treat one another with civility, and find a path forward together. It's time to redouble our support for those elected officials who share our love of nature, and to reach out to those who have opposed our goals. 

Bridges need to be built. We can find common ground, and strive for a diverse, equitable and inclusive community united by a love of our country and the beautiful land we inhabit. Everyone is entitled to clean air, clean water, and access to open spaces.  Let's continue to work together to make that happen. Please help the Angeles Chapter win this environmental fight – your donation now can make a difference.

--Sharon Koch, Chair of the Angeles Chapter Sierra Club

How you can make a difference:

1. If you aren't a member, join now.

2. Volunteer to help in Southern California and beyond. 

3. Make a donation to support our important work.

Please help the Angeles Chapter win this environmental fight – your donation now can make a difference.