How to Join the Sierra Student Coalition

The Sierra Student Coalition (SSC) consists of high school and college students from around the country that share a common goal of protecting the environment. The SSC is the student group of the Sierra Club, the country's oldest grassroots environmental organization. High school and college students who are on the leadership team for their school's environmental initiative can join the SSC and benefit from the large network of contacts and access to resources.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Join and submit a membership fee to the Sierra Club, the national organization that supports the student-oriented chapter. The Sierra Club is a popular entity for anyone with a desire to improve the environment.
2. Check to see whether your campus community has an environmental group that is affiliated with the Sierra Student Coalition. Contact a representative for information on how to join. An existing group will allow you to become involved in active campaigns and make a difference on your campus.
3. Become a campus organizer at your institution. Campus organizers create or maintain a student group to run environmental campaigns on a local level. This is an opportunity for a leader of an existing environmental cause. The coalition requires proof of the organization and why it should be considered as a coalition affiliate.
4. Provide your name and contact information to the Sierra Student Coalition for participation in the SSC Leader List, which is a directory of campus organizers and other SSC personnel. This will help you share ideas, pose questions and discuss issues with others who have similar interests in the environment.
5. Register online as a Sierra Student Coalition activist. This will give you access to an online community for the SSC. As a member, you will be kept informed on the latest environmental issues, concerns and calls for action.
6. Consider participating in SSC training opportunities to network and learn about organization techniques from lobbying to campaign planning to recruitment. These training opportunities are offered over the phone and in person. A unique training experience, Summer Environmental Leadership Training, is a nationally recognized program that offers training in organizational development, campaign organizing, effective communicating and environmentalism. This is also a great way to network with peers who share your interests.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the Sierra Student Coalition online for a list of SSC groups in your area, the activist submittal form or the campus organizer application (see Resources below).