2010 brings a new statewide chair to NC Sierra club
1. When did you become part of the Sierra Club and what roles have you played in the organization since you joined?
I
joined the Sierra Club in 1990 and was drawn to the outings program. I
first became involved by signing up for a number of National outings
and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting like-minded people from all over the
country. When my husband and I moved to Greenville in 1998, we
immediately became involved with our local group. I was the Outings
Chair for the Cypress Group for four years and also attended a couple
of Sierra Fests before I volunteered to organize a Sierra Fest in
2004. I subsequently took on the job of Chapter Treasurer, became a
member of the Chapter Steering Committee and the Chapter Fundraising
Committee. A big reason why I became a member of the Sierra Club is
because the possibilities for involvement are endless.
2. What are your goals for the NC Sierra Club in 2010? What are your personal goals as Chapter Chair?
This
year I take on the daunting task of becoming Chapter Chair. One goal
that I have is to strengthen our groups by helping them develop better
core leadership and to get volunteers excited about the Sierra Club. I
would also like to bring some National programs to North Carolina so
that our state becomes a leader in the Southeast for clean energy. The
stage has been set. The efforts of Sierra Club volunteers have
convinced many of our elected officials to declare their city as a
"Cool City." Now we need to take the next step and bring energy
efficiencies, conservation and renewables to the local level.
And many thanks to outgoing Chair Pat Carstensen for her years of service.
Outings
Neusiok Trail (North Section) | January 16-18
Croatan NF. North end beginning at Pine Cliff on the Neuse River. (Easy for flat and distance). We will pack in appx 2.5 miles and tent in the area of the Copperhead Shelter on Cahoogie Creek for base camp. The second day we will day hike appx 8.0 to 9.0 miles to NC 101 and back. The trail meanders from a cypress-lined beach along the Neuse through bottomland hardwoods, loblolly pine plantations, longleaf pine savannahs and thick pocosins. Sign up.
Bolin Creek Trail | January 16
Service project. Work is continuing on the Bolin Creek habitat restoration project. After the initial pilot project is complete, other sections of the creek will be targeted. Sign up.
Birkhead Dayhike | January 23
Join us for a winter dayhike of the Birkhead Wilderness Area in the Uwharrie. We will meet at the trailhead at 9:30 am. This will be a 7 mile loop with a stop for a bring your own lunch. The hike will be dog friendly. Dogs must be well behaved and on leash at all times. Sign up.
Lisa Renstrom has moved to Washington, D.C. to become Executive Director of Rachel's Network.
We were proud to see Lisa serve as the Sierra Club National President
and member of our Board of Directors. Her many other Sierra Club
volunteer positions included 4 years as the Group Chair of the Central
Piedmont Group. Lisa and her husband, Bob Perkowitz, have also been
very generous financial donors to our Chapter. Rachel's Network
connects women philanthropists who share a commitment to protecting the
environment and amplifying women's voices. We wish Lisa the best in
her new position!
2010 Resolutions:
Work to develop NC into a clean energy success story in the South.
Move NC "Beyond Coal"
Identify and remove barriers keeping our state dependent on dirty fuels.
Increase availability of clean energy funding mechanisms
Advocate for policies that encourage ordinary citizens to produce their own renewable energy and sell the excess back to the grid.