The Loma Prietan - November/December 2009

"Go out and see what's outdoors; see what we could lose easily, what needs to be preserved." — John Wilkinson. Photo: Tina Schiffman

For John Wilkinson, what started out as just a hobby turned into something much bigger. John joined the Sierra Club in 1994 as a hike leader for the Gay & Lesbian Sierrans, but the next 15 years saw him get passionately involved with conservation issues and spearhead motions to gather public support. Among the causes John has given his time to have been closing Black Sands Beach in Humboldt County to off-road vehicles, stopping a dam proposal on Pacheco Creek that would have flooded part of Henry Coe State Park, and the struggle to keep the state parks open. Today, he chairs the Chapter's Wilderness Committee, of which he is the founder.

What attracted John to the Sierra Club from amid the plethora of other environmental organizations? He immediately stresses the tremendous work that the Club is involved in. The effectiveness of this organization is that through its chapters, it can affect global issues at local levels. John feels that the Loma Prieta Chapter in particular is doing exceptional work in conserving open spaces, campaigning against the closure of state parks, and reducing global warming.

Not only is John an active volunteer, he is also a generous donor to the Chapter. He regards the Club as "one of the best causes going" and considers it totally worthwhile to donate money to it. He has no doubt that his dollars are being put to good use. Like any nonprofit organization, the Chapter depends largely on donations; unlike many nonprofits, most of its work is carried out by dedicated volunteers, leveraging the small budget. Any amount of monetary help is not quite enough because, as John puts it, "We have a lot of things to do." He also points out that people who have good jobs but very little time for volunteer work can feel assured that donating money to the Chapter makes a positive impact.

John urges everyone to donate but at the same time warns that one should not feel obligated to do so. In fact, he encourages you to "go out and see what's outdoors, see what we could lose easily, what needs to be preserved." He emphasizes the educational value, the health benefits and the spiritual enrichment that comes from visiting and preserving wild places. For John Wilkinson, "The struggle to protect wild areas never ends — there are always going to be more attacks."

Nafeesa Ahmed is a Chapter member and serves on the Editorial Board of the Loma Prietan newsletter.