What's the best way to become an Angeles Chapter volunteer?

All of us want to leave the world a better place, but how? 

Volunteering with the Sierra Club is a fun way to make a real difference. Whether you enjoy hiking and backpacking, fighting to preserve wilderness, or finding better ways for us to live more sustainably, the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club has a range of great opportunities for people like you interested in exploring, enjoying, and protecting the planet.  

A good first step to finding out how to get involved is to attend Newcomer/Member Information Event that are held throughout the year. The next event will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 30,at Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey 90292. For more information, e-mail David Haake. Click here for full list of upcoming events.

Here's a sampling of the many volunteer possibilities you can raise you hand for at the local level:

Become a Sierra Club leader: Share your enjoyment of the outdoors with others as a Sierra Club Outings Leader. The Leadership Training Committee can give you the preparation you need for certification by the Angeles Chapter Safety Committee as a qualified leader of safe, enjoyable outings. The next leadership training seminar is April 13, 2013. Click here for more information.

Help rebuild trails in the Angeles Forest: Join the Angeles Forest Restoration Project to volunteer with work crews to restore hiking trails in the burn areas of the Angeles Forest that remain closed due to damage. E-mail Bob Cates if you want to get involved.

Santa Monica Mountains trail work: Volunteers are needed every Saturday through June to help build and maintain trail in the Santa Monica Mountains. Work crews hit the trails from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  For more information, click here.

Political action volunteers: Work in L.A. County or Orange County to promote environmentally sensitive candidates for public office. Be part of the endorsement process, help campaign for candidates and maintain relationship with elected officials. E-mail Howard Strauss for L.A. County and Sharon Koch for Orange County.

Become a conservation activist: Volunteer activists promote livability in their communities by organizing to promoted everything from land preservation and public transportation to air quality and sustainable consumption. Click here for a complete list of projects the Chapter is working on. To get involved, e-mail conservation coordinators Jennifer Robinson or George Watland.

Communications team: Volunteers with an interest in writing, editing and desigining web pages are needed to help members stay informed about the important work of the Angeles Chapter. You can create content for the Southern Sierran newsletter and work on the Chapter website. E-mail Mary Forgione or Susan Heitman.

San Onofre Task Force communications coordinator: Volunteer to produce and post messages, notices,and articles on the Listserv, Facebook, Twitter, and Angeles Chapter website about the task force activities related to the San Onofre Nuclear Facility, including results of hearings by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission. E-mail Glenn Pascall to get involved.

Photo: Angeles Chapter hikers and leaders atop Sandstone Peak in the Santa Monica Mountains. Credit: David Haake