All across America, the Sierra Club is hosting workshops for staff and volunteers to transform the organization to one that is more equitable, just and inclusive. Recently 4 volunteers, Mayela Manasjan (North County Coastal Group), Kelly Conrad (North County Group), Bobbi Jo Chavarria (San Gorgonio Chapter) and Stefanie Maio (San Diego Chapter) attended the Growing for Change Workshop in Denver, Colorado. At the workshop the representatives from Southern California had the opportunity to meet people from across the country who were interested in learning how they could be part of the club’s transformation.
Over the two days, participants learned more about the history of the Sierra Club including the founding of the club by a group of privileged individuals and how the club is looking to incorporate the Jemez Principles in this journey of transformation.
The Jemez Principles have been endorsed by the Sierra Club Board of Directors as a set of guidelines designed to help people from different struggles and communities work together in solidarity.
Each of attendees are sharing what they learned at the Growing for Change workshop with their respective Executive Committees or Steering Committees to encourage everyone to incorporate the Jemez Principles in transforming the Club.
How can you make a difference? Learn more about the Jemez Principles and try to incorporate them in your daily lives.
Jemez Principles:
• Be Inclusive
• Emphasis on Bottom-Up Organizing
• Let People Speak for Themselves
• Work Together In Solidarity and Mutuality
• Build Just Relationships Among Ourselves
• Commitment to Self-Transformation
