Building people-powered environmental victories

Learn the skills to be an environmental champion at the Grassroots Organizing Trainings!

So you've written your annual Sierra Club check and gone for a few hikes - but this year, you've resolved to do more to save the planet. You're outraged about global warming, and want to know how to actually do something about it. Or maybe there's a huge sprawl development proposed in your neighborhood, or a power plant, or an incredible open space you'd like to see protected. Maybe you had such a great time seeing Richard Pombo booted from office, that you'd like to take on more anti-environmental politicians! Maybe you've got some free time on your hands, and you're looking to meet like-minded folks, or would simply like to see what the Sierra Club is up to locally.

Then the Grassroots Organizing Trainings are for you! The Bay Chapter has created a fun, interactive, classroom-style series of workshops to teach you the basics of building people power in your community. We've got big environmental problems out there and need effective, tried-and-true ways to solve them! The Intro to Grassroots Organizing is a great place to start, and the Advanced Grassroots Workshop allows you to pick and choose different skills you'd like to learn. Whether you're brand new to activism or a seasoned pro - we'd love to have you join us! We have dates and locations around the Bay Area to suit your schedule.

Last year's trainings were a great success, with over 100 attendees. This year's will be even better!

Intro to Community Organizing

Thursday, May 17, 7 pm, Red Cross (downstairs from Sierra Club Headquarters), 85 Second Street (near Montgomery BART/Muni), San Francisco.

Thursday, June 14, 7 pm, Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley.

Wednesday, July 25, 7 pm, Marin Conservation League, 1623A Fifth Avenue, San Rafael.

So what exactly is organizing? The short answer is: talking to people to get them together to speak with a common voice in a common cause. Here's your chance to learn tested techniques for using grassroots community power to win campaigns. We'll have a hands-on skills training and discuss proven techniques that lead to environmental victories.

Advanced Grassroots Organizing Workshop

Saturday, August 4, 10 am - 5 pm, Red Cross (downstairs from Sierra Club Headquarters), 85 Second Street (near Montgomery BART/Muni), San Francisco.

Saturday, September 8, 10 am - 5 pm, Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter Office, 2530 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley.

These will be action-packed, fun days! Join us for all or part of the day! There will be several sessions at a time so that you can choose the topics you want (or come both days to get them all!) Definite topics include:

• Grassroots lobbying: making your voice heard at City Hall. Learn how grassroots lobbying, letterwriting, attending hearings, and meeting with our elected officials create environmental victories. Get skills training on lobbying your elected officials!
• Elections: getting out the environmental vote. Learn how get-out-the-vote (GOTV) works to win campaigns for environmental initiatives and environmental leaders. Get skills training on neighbor-to-neighbor voter education.
• Building a community organization. Learn the why and how of getting people involved in community organizations, including how to recruit your neighbors, build community support, and manage volunteers. Get skills training on phone outreach to environmental activists.

Other potential topics include: Media how-to, Running for city council, and Becoming a leader in the Sierra Club.

RSVP to or call (510) 848-0800, ext. 307

Let her know which topics you're most interested in for the advanced trainings.