Volunteer opportunities

Yes, we want you to volunteer! What would you like to do? Your options are many: from envelope-stuffing to working on local environmental issues, from helping in our Berkeley office to leading hikes. The list below includes just a sample of current possibilities. A few of these would take advantage of your special skills, but for most volunteering no special expertise is needed; your genuine interest and commitment are far more important. For more ideas, contact Chapter administrative assistant at the Chapter Office or by phone at (510) 848-0800, ext. 315

Sierra Club Calendar sales team

Starting Tue., Sep. 4, the Chapter Office will be selling 2008 Sierra Club Calendars. In 2006 we netted $4,000 to support Chapter conservation efforts. To make this year's sales even stronger we need your help filling the following volunteer positions.

• Marketing manager. We need a sales-oriented volunteer with creative ideas to find new ways to promote and sell the Sierra Club calendars, and to develop a base of business customers. We need you right away.
• Regional-group reps. Help your regional group raise money by selling calendars at local meetings and events, through December.

To volunteer or get more information, call Joanne Drabek, (510) 848-0800, ext. 315.

Plan to support the Sierra Club this holiday season by ordering your 2008 Sierra Club Calendars from the San Francisco Bay Chapter. Calendars are available through mid-December; see ad below.

Count ballots

The ballots from the Chapter elections will be counted on Sat., Dec. 1, at the Chapter Office, 2530 San Pablo Ave. in Berkeley. To volunteer to help count, contact Nominations and Elections Committee chair Becky Evans at (415) 775-3309 or Joanne Drabek at (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.

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.

ExComm secretary

The current secretary of the Chapter Executive Committee is stepping down, and we are looking for someone to step into her shoes, possibly on a rotating basis (say, every other month, or for alternating six-month periods). 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 or call (510) 909-5403

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 by email sadierabe -at- yahoo.com

Proofreader

The Yodeler needs one more regular proofreader. You would come to our Berkeley office for several hours every two months (roughly the middle of even-numbered months). You should be detail-oriented and flexible. If interested, call editor Don Forman at (510) 848-0800, ext. 305.

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 visit StopClearcutting@motherlode.sierraclub.org

Calling on Sierra Clubbers ages 18 to 35!

Help organize Sierra Club outings and activities for yourself and your peers!

The Chapter Activities Committee is looking for a handful of organizationally minded people between 18 and 39 who love the outdoors and who would be willing to help brainstorm activities, both outings and social events, that would appeal to members in this age range. This could lead to a new Chapter activity section or expanded offerings from our existing ones. The rewards: the knowledge that you will have helped create the opportunity to take part in Sierra Club events with other folks in your age range - and to know that you have helped perpetuate the Sierra Club's traditions of enjoying and protecting the outdoors.

The Chapter Activities Committee has lots of resources and experience to share. Come take up the Sierra Club torch from the Club's graybeards (and have some great times in the wild). If you are interested in helping in this effort, contact or call (510) 848-0800, ext. 306