Because of the growth of the local chapter in recent years and the complexity of the issues confronting the Club at the local, state and national levels it has been necessary to establish this policy.

Numerous issues concerning acid rain, agriculture, nuclear management, geothermal energy, global warming, ozone depletion, hazardous waste management, off-highway vehicles, population, rain forests and many others have been addressed in broad policy statements at the national level. Many of these policies have been further defined at both the state and local levels. From the diversity of subjects and the very specialized nature of many of the topics, it is readily apparent that no one individual can be thoroughly conversant with all of them.

It is extremely difficult to communicate all of the nuances and subtleties to our broad membership base. Within the Chapter we have numerous individuals who have studied the issues and understand the policy positions taken by the Club at all levels. The Chapter wishes to capitalize on this broad knowledge base and assure that the most qualified spokesperson represents our positions on the issues. This is especially critical when statements made by spokespersons might be quoted as Club position in the local media.

This policy seeks to assure that the most qualified spokesperson represents the Chapter when any group is addressed, especially when the outcome of that address may be quoted in the media. This policy is not intended to prevent an individual from expressing their personal opinion. It is intended to limit the number of persons who may speak for the Club or in the Club’s name at any public forum and to assure that personal opinions are not confused with Club policy or positions. The following is established as policy concerning spokespersons for the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club.

1. The Chapter Chairperson and the Chapter Vice Chairperson are authorized to speak for the Club on any issues.

2. The Chapter Director is authorized to speak for the Club on any issues.

3. The Chapter Conservation Coordinator is authorized to speak for the Club on any conservation related issue.

4. The Chairperson of the Conservation Committee is authorized to speak for the Club on any conservation related issue.

5. With the approval, which may be written or oral, of the Chairperson of the Conservation Committee, the chairpersons of the issue subcommittees of the Conservation Committee are authorized to act as spokespersons. This authorization extends only to the specific areas represented by that chairperson. Example: The Chairperson of the Air Quality Committee may address issues concerning clean air in a public forum, but may not speak on other matters such as waste management, land use, water, etc.

6. The Chairperson of the Political Committee is authorized to speak for the Chapter regarding political issues. This authority is limited to those issues which have been approved in advance by the Executive Committee.

7. The Chairs of the geographic Groups are authorized as spokespersons for issues within their geographic boundaries. Additionally, they may designate the Chairperson of their Conservation Committee as a spokesperson. All statements must be in accordance with policies and positions as established by the national, state and chapter bodies.

a. Written comments to be submitted to a governmental body by a geographic Group must first be approved by the Chair of the Chapter Executive Committee.

b. The Chair of the Chapter Executive Committee shall be notified either in advance or as soon as possible after any public oral comments by a geographic Group on an issue.

8. An individual who is currently holding elected public office or is running for elected public office may act as a spokesperson for the Chapter only with the express permission of the Executive Committee.

9. An individual not designated as a spokesperson who desires to make a public statement, which one could reasonably expect to be reported in the media, on behalf of the Club, must have the approval of the Executive Committee prior to making that public statement.

10. The Chapter Chairperson or a designated alternate must be notified prior to calling a press conference or making a press release. It is the responsibility of all spokespersons to keep the Chapter Chairperson apprised of activity involving the media.

Adopted 12/19/91
Revised 09/09/2015

The following norms are adopted for all Chapter Leaders:

Discussion and Decision-making
Always Do
Engage in open, honest debate
Ask great questions
Balance advocacy with inquiry

Never Do
Fail to listen to what others say
Engage in personal attacks
Jump to conclusions

Meeting Management
Always Do
Start on time; stay on time
Be fully present throughout the meeting

Never Do
Come to meetings unprepared
Answer cell phones or do email

Accountability
Always Do
Clarify understanding
Provide follow-up on action items
Offer support when there is a need

Never Do
Assume you have agreement
Assume tasks are getting done
Commit to a task that you know you won’t do

Adopted: January 20, 2010

The following process has been established by Sierra Club San Diego when nominating new committee members:

1. Motion to nominate.
2. Second to the motion.
3. Statement from the nominee.
4. Questions from the committee.
5. Ask the nominee to leave the room.
6. Discussion.
7. Vote.
8. Ask nominee to return and give results.

Adopted on 09/09/2015

As members of the San Diego Chapter Executive Committee, we recognize that fundraising is an integral part of our duties to the Chapter. It is also our duty to lead the organization. One way we do that is through our direct actions and demonstrating our commitment to ensuring the Chapter has sufficient financial resources. This commitment includes making an annual financial donation that is appropriate to our capacity for giving. If we do not donate, then why should our members or others?

We also recognize that part of our individual commitment as Executive Committee members is that each of us will actively support and participate in a fundraising program.

Adopted: December 4, 2011

Although non-Sierra Club members may actively participate in the Chapter’s committees, only members in good standing may be allowed to vote. Any person whose membership has expired shall be prohibited from voting on any issue. Voting
rights shall only be restored upon verification from National that membership is in good standing. Any person who has failed to become a member in good standing within 1 month after notification shall be removed from any position of leadership. It shall be the responsibility of Committee Chairs to ensure that all voting members of the committee are in good standing.

Adopted April 21, 2004