Chapter elections - your chance to help extend Club's tradition of democratic leadership

The Sierra Club has a unique tradition of volunteer leadership. Unlike practically any other large organization, our key decisions are made by volunteer leaders - not staff - and the key decision-makers at the local level are the Chapter and group Executive Committees, which are elected by a vote of our membership.

In November the San Francisco Bay Chapter will hold elections for the Chapter and its eight group Executive Committees (ExComms). We encourage you to consider running yourself, nominating another member, or volunteering for the Nomination/Elections Committee.

The Bay Chapter ExComm oversees a sizable annual budget, 20 full-time and part-time staff, and this newspaper, as well as facilitating the work of hundreds of volunteers. Every ExComm member is expected to be actively involved in some aspect of the Chapter's work - from administration and conservation to fundraising. Substantial time commitment between meetings is the norm. This is not an entry-level job; some knowledge of how the Sierra Club works is essential.

Group ExComm members organize meetings and activities for their members, no matter how large or small the group.

ExComm members at either level must attend regular meetings, determine Sierra Club positions on many critical environmental issues, and take an active part in making the Chapter or group function well.

Elections Committee

The members of the Chapter's Nominations and Elections Committee administer the elections, including:

• recruiting an appropriate number of qualified candidates for the Chapter ExComm;
• encouraging each group to recruit enough candidates;
• working with the Yodeler editor to prepare the Chapter election supplement;
• finding ways to increase member participation in the election.

You don't need to be an insider to fill these roles. The committee chair needs to be organized and detail-oriented, and a self-starter. All committee members need to be persistent and persuasive about contacting people and recruiting them.

It's a great chance to get to know lots of wonderful Sierra Club leaders and potential new ones.

It's already time to start planning this year's elections. Please call now to volunteer.

How to volunteer

To be a candidate, to nominate someone, or to volunteer for the Nominations and Elections Committee, contact Chapter office manager or call (510) 848-0800, ext. 315