New Executive Director On The Job!

Michael Brune’s first week on the job was, not surprisingly, packed – introductions, staff meeting, briefings, conference call with Club leaders, donor meetings, and more briefings. He has emphasized the importance of developing, enhancing and advancing relationships -- which is so fundamental to who we are and how we achieve the Club’s mission. Michael may have been sleepless in San Francisco before his first day, but I bet he slept well after his first week!

Countdown to Earth Day

As the 40th anniversary of Earth Day approaches, a lot of outreach and activities are unfolding. The Sierra Club joined with over forty other groups to call on the U.S. Senate to take swift action on clean energy and climate change. Events were held around the country to launch Earth Day Revolution on March 11, including one in which I participated at the Capitol, to kick off 40 days of action. I am sure that many of you are busy planning local events.

Leaders signed up to host over 600 house parties to launch the Discovery Channels new series LIFE, which follows up on the successful Planet Earth series.

Don’t forget, if you’re 18 to 25 years old, or encourage others to apply for “The Best Internship on Earth” -- eight weeks outdoors with the Club’s youth programs. The deadline is fast approaching on March 31.

Clean Ports

The Teamsters helped form the Coalition for Clean and Safe Ports with the Sierra Club and over 100 other environmental and community groups around the country to come up with a comprehensive solution to the environmental, safety and labor challenges associated with port trucking. Earlier this week I urged congressional leaders for their support on clean port truck legislation, along with Dick Gephardt and our friends and allies from the Teamsters (President James P. Hoffa and Vice President /Director of Ports Fred Potter), Los Angeles Ports community (Mayor Antonio Villaraigos and LA truck drivers Jose and Rudy), Change to Win (Nick Wiener). Our Angeles, Bay, New Jersey and Cascade chapters’ campaigns on clean ports were highlighted.

Board of Directors' Memorial Resolution Noting the Passing of Dr. Edgar Wayburn

Over the past couple weeks board members, past and present, have shared reflections on how Dr. Wayburn inspired, befriended, and mentored them. The Sierra Club Board of Directors notes with sadness, honor, and awe the passing of our dear friend and Honorary President Edgar Wayburn on March 5, 2010 at the grand age of 103.