Sierra Club Information
The Sierra Club boasts of being the most influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. With 1.3 million members, they also lay claim to being the largest group of their kind. The Sierra Club's Climate Recovery Agenda calls for protecting the environment from global warming, expanding the use of clean energy, reducing carbon emissions and helping the United States become less dependent on foreign oil. The club stays in contact with members through blogs, newsletters, online communities and their magazine to ensure the success of their endeavors.
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History
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Naturalist and conservationist John Muir founded the Sierra Club to protect Yosemite Park in 1892. He continued as president of the club until his death in 1914. Nature photographer Ansel Adams used his work to help improve national parks and keep nature pristine. He was a member of the board of directors for the club for 37 years. The Sierra Club Bulletin, the first informational work about the geography, scientific discoveries and natural history of the wilderness, was published in 1893.
Goals
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The Sierra Club states that their purpose is to help people explore and enjoy the wild places of the Earth while also protecting it, to ensure the responsible use of the Earth's resources and ecosystems and to get humanity to help protect and restore the natural and human environment by any lawful means necessary.
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Outings
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Members and non-members of the Sierra club can take advantage of outings provided by volunteers of the organization. Local, national and international outings are available. The outings offer a way for the club to expand its mission of protecting wildlife and conservation. There are outings for people of all abilities and ages. Information about trips can be found on the Sierra Club website, along with email addresses of the volunteer guides.
Considerations
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A New York Times March 2009 article by Mireya Navarro states the need for more racial diversity in conservation groups. According to the article, Carl Pope, executive director for the Sierra Club, said cultural barriers have shut the door to non-whites, no matter how good the club's intentions. He further states the makeup and argumentative style common at Sierra Club meetings may not be welcoming. Even though the club has incorporated social justice work since the 90's, they concede that efforts have not been as effective as hoped.
Website
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The sierraclub.org website offers information about the club's goals, career opportunities, press releases, outings, membership levels and prices, along with information about the history and culture of the organization. The website along with other venues for information make the Sierra Club very user-friendly.
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