The Loma Prietan
September 2002
Why Run for ExCom?
by Rafael Reyes
Chair of the Executive Committee
I just attended the Club's personnel training at the beginning of August. It's not generally a subject to inspire legions of activists to write letters, attend town hall meetings, or make phone calls. But in reality, it was quite interesting. How do we create a climate where people are encouraged to make a contribution? How do we build an organization that better addresses the many issues we struggle with? This is what this training is about.
The Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club is a remarkable organization. Someone can say to themselves, "Hey, I don't like what I'm seeing...I'm going to help do something about it." With that simple motivation they can join this venerable organization, run for office, become part of a great team, and do something. Those are the people we have on ExCom today and you can be one of them.
Better yet, the Sierra Club offers a tremendous avenue for professional development. The Club offers training on how to run activist campaigns, membership outreach, fundraising, strategic planning, and yes, even personnel. With this backing your Chapter Executive Committee makes the final decision on all our public positions, helps ensure our outings are safe, sets the direction for the Chapter, and ensures the foundations of the organization that support the many things we do.
Basically, your Executive Committee runs the grassroots non-profit which is your Chapter and Club. It enables and supports all the local outings and conservation activities which we all joined the Club to be a part of.
This is the time to consider joining ExCom and here are some of the many reasons why:
• It's an unique opportunity to contribute to the community.
• You will be part of the largest, most effective environmental organization in the country.
• You can influence Club policy and in turn, public policy.
• You will gain opportunities for leadership and professional development.
• You can network with other community organizations.
• You can meet elected officials and speak on behalf of the club.
• You will help build the local community through our wide-ranging activities.
• You can further critical local and national conservation issues.
• You'll be part of a terrific team that is 700,000 strong nationally!
If you're interested, or simply curious, email me at rkreyes@yahoo.com and I'll send you more information.
Submissions to the Nominating Committee are due by September 6 but
petition candidates may be received as late as September 27.