THREE CHEERS FOR CHAPTER ENTITIES--TOGETHER WE MAKE THE CHAPTER STRONG!

BY RON SILVERMAN

CRESCENTA VALLEY GROUP, ORANGE COUNTY SIERRA SINGLES, GAY AND LESBIAN SECTION, SIERRA SINGLES, AND WEST LA GROUP ALL PRAISED FOR GENEROSITY

The economic downturn that has affected the country and the entire world has also resonated at the National Sierra Club and right here at the Angeles Chapter Headquarters. The National Office has been forced to cut back on the Chapter's yearly allocations asking us to do more with less. In order to ensure that we are able to provide the absolute best service to each group, section, task force and member that rely on us, we have had to all band together and pitch in so we all benefit.

The message has gone out that as the Chapter assists all entities, the entities can also assist the Chapter.

Kudos to those entities that have promptly stepped up to the plate. Hats off and a big shout out to the Crescenta Valley Group for a $10,000 gift to the Chapter. Also a round of applause to Orange County Sierra Singles for their gift of over $5,000 and the generosity of the Gay and Lesbian Section, the Sierra Singles Section and the West LA Group who have helped ease the strain of 2009!

Did you know...?

The Chapter oversees many functions that are pivotal and beneficial to all entities including the production of the monthly Southern Sierran Newsletter and the insertion of local newsletters and the incredibly important Calendar Section, the 3 annual printings of the Schedule of Activities and the Annual Review. The Chapter maintains the website along with the ever diligent webmasters, coordinates all payments of insurance for leaders, handles all group and Chapter elections and reimbursements and coordinates in conjunction with entity treasurers all financial statements for reporting to National. Chapter Headquarters is there for and available to every member, every group and every section. The use of the conference rooms, library, volunteer office and office computer, photocopier and fax. The ability to borrow the laptop, projector and projector screen and to use the conference call system, banners, tabling supplies and flip charts and easels are all available through the Chapter.

When entities pass on some of their reserves to the Chapter General Fund, they benefit the health and well-being of the Chapter. Now, let's be clear, some entities are more established and better funded than others, but if we all pitch in, our overall success can be measured by our ability to support our mission statement to explore, enjoy and protect the planet.

Did you know...?

When the National Office of the Sierra Club looks at the above mentioned Annual Financial Statement of the Angeles Chapter it does not see 62 separate entities - it sees one Chapter with one bottom-line dollar amount. It may seem misleading to some, but this is what they see and that is how they base our yearly allocations. National sees the Angeles Chapter as being more viable and stable then it actually is. Most other chapters have one central account. We at the Angeles Chapter pride ourselves on our uniqueness (and rightfully so!) and in most cases it serves us well, not necessarily in this case. So, in closing, again many thanks to those entities that have been gracious in their donations and a thank you in advance to all those others who will be joining in to help. All donations make a difference and are greatly appreciated.

As One Club we speak with one voice. We project a united front. This makes us strong and respected as an environmental organization. And don't forget all major donors of $250 or more have their names prominently placed in our 2009 Wall of Fame that graces the Chapter Headquarters Reception Area Lobby for all to see.

For more information on how you can help, please contact Ron Silverman, Sr. Chapter Director at 213-387-4289 or email to ron.silverman@sierraclub.org.