Originally published in winter 2010
The leaders of the governing faction of the NYC Group are at the center of the controversies cited by the Sierra Club National President. Sierra Club members in New York State should be very concerned about the conduct of the volunteer leaders who act in their name. However, since so few members are aware of Group and Chapter volunteer activities, let alone vote, Club leadership in NY State tends to be a self-perpetuating oligarchy.
----- Original Message -----
From: Robin Mann, Sierra Club
To: Sierra Club Activists
Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 2010 8:00 PM
Subject: Letter to Atlantic Chapter leaders from Sierra Club President Robin Mann
November 3, 2010
TO: Atlantic Chapter & Group Leaders
FROM: Robin Mann, Sierra Club President, on behalf of the Board of Directors
RE: Please Address These Matters Promptly
Dear Chapter and Group Leaders,
We know that there has been a lot of great conservation and electoral work going on in New York. We thank you and congratulate you for that.
There are, however, also some red flags emerging including recent chapter committee resignations, group election conflicts, and reports of some interactions between leaders and public officials reflecting poorly on the Sierra Club - in our experience, all potential warning signs of escalating factionalism. We are sharing our concerns with you at this time in order to encourage you collectively take steps to proactively and constructively resolve your disputes and avoid further deterioration that may necessitate national Club intervention.
The Board of Directors expects all of the chapters to participate in building and maintaining a vibrant grassroots organization that advances the Club's mission. As Chapter & Group leaders, you all have an obligation to protect the Club's name and reputation, ensure a safe and productive working environment for members and staff, and foster a Club in which people want to participate.
The two recent resignations from the Chapter Political Committee and a NYC Group election that had to be rerun and still resulted in negative, disputed campaign mailings to local members call into question the ability of Chapter & Group leaders to work together effectively and provide the kind of leadership the Club expects of its chapters.
Due to these concerns, we have asked the Volunteer Leadership Advisory Committee and staff in the Office of Volunteer and Activist Services to offer support to the Atlantic Chapter to help address these concerns. Greg Casini will be the lead staff for this effort, which will continue until it is evident the following has occurred:
WHAT WE EXPECT TO SEE:
+ A welcoming and respectful environment for all volunteers and staff
- No basis for requests to suspend or remove leaders
+ Sincere efforts to involve new volunteers in meaningful ways
- No reports of factionalism or cliquishness
+ Positive public relationships with elected officials and other community leaders
- No reports of behavior that harms the Club's reputation and effectiveness with public officials
+ Chairs fostering productive and satisfying teamwork for their committee members
- No angry resignations
+ ExCom elections viewed by all as fair
- Complaint-free elections
Collectively, all chapter and group leaders are responsible for the vibrancy of the organization. All of you are responsible for the leaders you appoint, the ExCom officers you select, and the authorization of individuals to speak publically on behalf of the Club.
As we do with all chapters, we expect you to work together to build a strong, healthy chapter and vibrant groups. When this is accomplished, we have great confidence in your ability to achieve even more important conservation victories.
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