Volunteer opportunities

Regardless of your Sierra Club or related experience (or lack thereof) - have we got something for you to do! Volunteer opportunities abound, from helping lead outdoor adventures (big and small) to lobbying on important local environmental issues, to lending a hand at our Chapter Office. You decide - it all depends on your interests and how much time you can spare from your busy life. You need no special expertise to get started - only a genuine interest in getting involved. For ideas, check the examples below. For more opportunities (many more!), contact Chapter administrative assistant at the Chapter Office or call (510) 848-0800, ext. 315

Carpentry

In the late fall the Chapter Office will get some renovations. Our kitchen/storage room needs some help: expanded kitchen counter and cupboards, and altered storage shelves. If you have the skills and want to volunteer for these tasks, please call Joanne Drabek at (510)848-0800, ext. 315.

ExComm secretary

The current secretary of the Chapter Executive Committee is getting ready to step down, and we are looking for someone to step into her shoes. The secretary attends ExComm meetings (second Monday evening of each month) and takes minutes, later writing them up in final form. This volunteer gets a ringside seat as Chapter policy is made, plus the opportunity to be part of the "inner circle" of Chapter leaders. It's perfect for a member who is already familiar with the Bay Chapter, or for one with a strong interest in learning more. The ideal ExComm secretary has had previous minute-taking experience and has access to a word processor. ExComm minutes serve as a crucial communications link among Chapter activists, so you'll be a star! Time commitment is 8 - 10 hours per month; minimum six-month commitment preferred. For more information, contact Chapter chair Juliet Lamont at (510) 909-5403 or email jlamont -at- creekcats.com

Marin Group webmaster

The Marin Group seeks a volunteer webmaster - needed as soon as possible. You can see our current web page.

If interested, please contact Gordon Bennett at (415)663-1881 or email gbatmuirb -at- aol.com

Receptionists

The Chapter Office in Berkeley needs additional volunteer receptionists who are energetic team members, service-oriented, and gracious. You will be directing calls, greeting guests, responding to inquiries, and providing general office support. Regular four-hour shifts are available weekdays, 10 am - 2 pm or 1 - 5 pm. We request a weekly commitment for a minimum of four months. Training and ongoing support are cheerfully provided. If you have a predictable schedule and would like to support the Chapter by helping in the office, call Joanne Drabek at (510)848-0800, ext. 315.

Writer

The Yodeler is looking for one more writer with skills for writing occasional feature/human-interest sorts of

articles. You must be an empathetic interviewer and accurate about factual details. Send writing samples to:

Sierra Club Yodeler
2530 San Pablo Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94702
yodeler@sfbaysc.org

Graphic design

The Bay Chapter seeks one more volunteer with professional graphic-design skills for occasional projects. Send samples of your work to:

Sierra Club Yodeler
2530 San Pablo Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94702
yodeler@sfbaysc.org

Energy Committee

The Bay Chapter Energy Committee needs volunteers to help us keep abreast of energy issues affecting the Bay Area and to work with other Sierra Club entities to encourage renewable energy and energy conservation. Current needs include:

• following local efforts and clean technologies;
• implementing a plan to educate local communities about energy efficiency and conservation;
• exploring ways locally to move towards sustainability and to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.

We meet monthly, on the fourth Wednesday, 7 - 9 pm at Sierra Club Headquarters, 85 Second St. in San Francisco (near Montgomery Street BART/Muni), to discuss these and other local energy issues, and to hear presentations from energy experts. Experience in the energy field is helpful, but more important is an interest in learning the details of specific technologies and legislation. Sign up for our e-mail listserv for meeting and event announcements.

For more information, contact committee chairs Doug Beach (San Francisco/Marin Counties) at (415 )608-1439 or email dbeach7 -at- mac.com or Aaron Israel at izzinsf -at- gmail.com or (415) 515-2683.

Alaska volunteers needed!

The Bush administration is attacking the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the western North Slope, and the Tongass National Forest all at once. Help the Sierra Club's Alaska Task Force and the Alaska Coalition defend Alaska's unique lands! To volunteer, contact Vicky Hoover, Sierra Club Alaska Task Force, at (415)977-5527 or email vicky.hoover -at- sierraclub.org

Retired? Want a challenge?

Volunteer at the Club's national headquarters in downtown San Francisco (one block from BART and Muni); contribute your experience to help us come to grips with the environmental problems of the next century. You'll meet new people with similar interests; have access to computers, the Internet, and one of the best environmental libraries in the country; and expand your own interests while sharing your time and skills. Experience is useful in just about any field. We can use skills at translating from English into a wide range of languages. In addition, we need a volunteer to help with administrative support including filing, copying, and some light correspondence and Internet searches. For details, call Michele Perrault at (415)977-5670.

Brighten a child's life (and yours!)

Have you ever seen a child's face light up during their first real experience with nature? Join the Club's Inner City Outings Program and open new eyes to the wonder of day-hiking, backpacking, and car-camping. ICO provides outdoor experiences for those who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity. Diverse volunteer opportunities exist throughout the year. Most needed are volunteers interested in mid-week day hikes. No prior experience is necessary, but a love of the outdoors and comfort with children are highly recommended. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org/ico/sfbaychapter/index.html or contact Sadie Rabe at (925)768-2242 or email sadierabe -at- yahoo.com

Outings Office assistant

Every month Sierra Club's Outings Department in downtown San Francisco receives hundreds of requests for information. We need a few volunteers for about three or four hours every couple of weeks to help mail out responses. The hours can be any time between 9 am and 5 pm, Mon. - Fri. To help, call our volunteer coordinator at (415)977-5686.

Help stop clearcutting

You can help to stop massive clearcutting in California. Join other activists to work on this issue. You could help make phone calls, write letters, speak to other groups, help with mailings, collect signatures, create flyers, attend Board of Forestry meetings, or donate money to help support these activities - whatever your interest! Contact Patricia Jones at (510) 548-2204 or email StopClearcutting -at- motherlode.sierraclub.org