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From the Chair by Dick Graefe
Nothing is forever. "The only thing that is permanent is change," as the old adage goes.
The big change for our chapter is that Chris Wilhite has taken a new job. Notice that I did not say that Chris has left. His new job is local, and his dedication to the chapter remains strong. He continues as an active volunteer and is running for the Executive Committee (ExCom) in the upcoming chapter election. Thank you, Chris, for your outstanding service to the chapter and for your ongoing involvement.
What does this mean for the chapter? It doesn't mean we will be staff-less for long. We are already interviewing for a Program Manager for the chapter's programs, and we hope to have that person on board by January 15. The position differs from Chris's, not just in its title but also in its level of responsibility. Financially, we are taking a conservative approach, being careful not to over-extend our resources.
Does this mean our chapter is shrinking in its mission, goals, and accomplishments? I can confidently say "no." But what it will mean is an even stronger need for volunteer involvement, and that is already happening. I'm excited about the results of our November 14th strategic planning session for the Transportation 2020 program, which drew new and enthusiastic volunteers who will be leading teams for the activities and events planned for 2010. Also, I'm pleased to see new names on our ExCom ballot; people are "stepping up to the plate."
Does our change in staffing mean that our financial needs are less? Again, the answer is "no." We will spend less on staffing, but will also receive less from the National Sierra Club, which is facing its own cutbacks due to shrinking donations. Also, we are considering our new staffing situation to be temporary. After 6 months we'll re-assess our resources. The better they look, the more likely it will be that we can return to having a Chapter Director. In any case, we need to continue to support a staff-person, either as a Program Manager or Chapter Director.
We are a strong chapter, but we need YOU to keep us strong.
Linking to the 2010 Green Transportation Campaign
by Jonathan Harris
I am happy to report that a group of interested volunteers gathered on November 14th to strategize and plan our effort to provide all Rhode Islanders with true transportation choices. The 5-hour long session brought to light our goals, strengths, weaknesses, and tactics.
The day's program began with a listing of our goals, which included: improvements to our bicycle infrastructure, improvements in public information, expansion of employer transit programs, creation of transit-oriented developments, and funding that grows with demand, to name a few. After listing our goals, we proceeded to define our primary strategic outcome, the vehicle that would best drive these targets forward. I am excited to announce that the winning strategy for 2010 is the metro mayors’ signing of a Complete Streets Agreement.
What is a Complete Streets Agreement, you ask? A complete streets program is a set of rules and guidelines that need to be followed in the rehab of existing streets and the construction of new ones (RIDOT assures us that no new streets are on the docket). The rules and guidelines are designed to increase equity among transit modes. No longer will the automobile be the primary concern in the movement of Rhode Islanders; bicycles, pedestrians, and public transit will be weighed equally. It is our intention that such a document will be signed by our metro mayors of Providence, East Providence, Pawtucket, Cranston, Warwick, Woonsocket, and the municipalities on Aquidneck Island. You can find out more about "Complete Streets" at www.completestreets.org.
How will we accomplish this? That took the remainder of the session and produced four easel pages of ideas on how to get the word out and how to hold our legislators accountable. We suggested a YouTube contest on the public transit experience, promoting alternative transit at major events such as the CVS 5K, tabling, car-free street days, Town Hall meetings, phone banking, and service outings. And that only covers one sheet.
You ask how you can help? Each of the ideas listed above will need at least three volunteers working together with a team leader to be successful. That's the minimum. But it plays to the strength of the Rhode Island Sierra Club and our ability to activate our members and neighbors around the issues. In 2009 we held 9 house parties and 4 community meetings, 185 people took action via email or by coming to an event, and 496 emails from Sierra Club members were sent to Rhode Island decision-makers.
What did we get for our effort? $11 million new for Rhode Island's transit system, signal prioritization, construction of a multi-modal terminal at T.F. Green airport, and the establishment of a new Coalition of organizations and community groups working on improving transportation choices in Rhode Island. These are among many other smaller battles. This year we are going to expand. We need to in order to accomplish our goals. As a civic organization we call on our membership to respond to the challenge to bring true transportation choices to our state.
Every Sierra Club chapter has an Executive Committee to provide guidance and leadership, in essence fulfilling the functions of a local Board of Directors. The Rhode Island Chapter Executive Committee currently consists of seven members, though ideally there would be nine. All members are elected by Sierra Club members in Rhode Island In the event of a mid-term vacancy, the seat is filled by a vote from the Executive Committee. Below is the list of candidates with biographical information. There are five candidates for five seats, as well as a place to write in a candidate. Please vote and send in the ballot by January 30th, to the Sierra Club office at 17 Gordon Ave., Suite 208, Providence, RI 02905. Call (401) 521-4734 if you have questions. Please make your vote count!
December Green Drinks
Thursday, December 17
5:00 - 8:00 pm
17 Gordon Avenue, Providence 02905
The green groups and organizations of the Gordon Avenue Business Incubator are hosting Green Drinks this Thursday, December 17. Join the Apeiron Institute for Sustainable Living, People's Power & Light, the Sierra Club and Ecotope Landscape Architects & Artisans for music, local beverages, and food in the atrium of one of the state's first "green" buildings.
Thanks to Bill Mott and crew. We'd love to take five minutes to honor our long-time Executive Committee members, Alison Buckser and Barrett Hazeltine who are stepping down at the end of their current terms this year.
The Providence Green Drinks monthly gatherings (always held on "Thirsty Third Thursday") provide a great opportunity to meet with people in the region who are personally and/or professionally interested and involved in a variety of environmental, conservation, and sustainability issues. It's an informal and fun time and usually draws an eclectic group of several dozen people over the course of the evening.
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