What if we all volunteered?

Last year over 1,000 San Francisco Bay Chapter members volunteered in our conservation and political campaigns. We made a big difference in several elections around the Bay Area, and contributed significantly to statewide and national efforts.

On the other hand, our Chapter has over 40,000 members! If only 5% of us volunteered, we could double our impact on Bay Area conservation campaigns.

In cities and counties where we have an active volunteer base, we are often able to elect an environmental majority to the City Council or the Board of Supervisors. El Cerrito is a good example where we have an active membership base and have seen all five of our endorsed candidates elected. This 5 - 0 majority has supported transit-oriented development, creek and tree protection, and other environmental campaigns. In San Francisco, the majority that we elected to the Board of Supervisors, and successfully defended in last year's hotly contested election, put a check on San Francisco Airport's expansion plans, and has been advancing on a myriad of less conspicuous but important decisions that can shape the city's future for decades.

Just think what we could do in your community with an active member/volunteer base!

Our goal at the Chapter is to keep increasing our member/volunteer base each year. We have gone from depending on a few leaders and a few dozen volunteers to last year's fantastic participation rate. We can do even better.

And by the way, it's a lot of fun to volunteer. You meet like-minded people (and others!), learn more about environmental issues, and make a difference for your community and the planet.

What You Can Do

To volunteer, call the Chapter Office at (510)848-0800. Our volunteer receptionists can put you in touch with the right person to help you fulfill your interest and desired commitment level.

Mike Daley, Chapter conservation director