For any DU'ers who are Sierra Club members, could you fill me in

[mtnsnake]

on whether or not they've satisfied your expectations after joining them? The environment is tops of my list of priorities, especially with what's going on with this current waste of a president, and I've thought about becoming more active environmentally. Is joining the Sierra Club as good an approach as it seems from reading their website?

[jody]

1. I've been a Sierra Club member for a long time and they are among

the leading organizations in protecting our environment. I don't agree with the club on all issues but that's true for every other organization to which I belong.

On balance, I believe you'll get your money's worth for a membership. In addition, you'll get to meet other people interested in outdoor activities in a local chapter if one exists in your area.
:hi:

[AmandaRuth]

2. my husband picked up one of their old magazines

a few weeks ago, read it, and immediately joined. He said it was the best environmental coverage he had seen anywhere, and wanted to support them. We have not received our membership package, so I can't really answer your questions, but I am looking forward to getting the monthly magazine.

[lukasahero]

3. Yes

They work at all levels to protect the environment - from national awareness to local legislation. I had to limit my affiliations this year and chose SC as "the one". You can be as involved or uninvolved as you want and there are very active local chapters around to join.

I closely followed the elections last year due to the attempted "hostile take-over" (over the immigration platform) but the members of SC came through and didn't let the bums co-opt a great organization.

[wuushew]

4. Why is immigration not a valid environmental concern?

environmental degradation stems from either over population or overconsumption. Unless that controversy was a stealth right-wing attempt at implementing racist ideas in the sierra club I don't see why it should be off limits as a topic.

[lukasahero]

7. stealth right-wing attempt at implementing racist ideas in the sierra club

That's exactly what it was.

[crispini]

8. I followed the debate as well, and the impression I got was

that it was, in fact, a stealth attempt by some johnnie-come-latelies to co-opt the Sierra Club's cred for a much more RW agenda. It was quite a kerfuffle -- but, when a *bunch* of people who have fairly recently joined the organization, some of whom didn't appear to have all that much environmental activism experience on their resume -- well (snif snif), smells like troll to me. :7

[crispini]

5. I was really impressed with their awareness and coverage

of environmental issues. They also have a really great outings program. To be honest, I don't do much besides send them my $$ and read the magazine, but I think that's something in and of itself. The "environmental scorecard" in the pre-election magazine really showed exactly where W went wrong ... (everywhere) and I am impressed with their lobbying effort.

[NoSunWithoutShadow]

6. I think they're a great organization

We've been members for many years and have participated in three of their "volunteer working vacations", rebuilding trails in wilderness areas in NM and Utah. We met very nice,fun and interesting people.

Also, I believe they were one of the organizations who sued Dick Cheney's Energy Committee to try and find out who attended. I don't think the issue has been resolved yet.

If you have the energy to become more active environmentally, I'm sure they would love to have you. It's worth it.

[Viking12]

9. Like most things in life, you'll get from the SC what you put in

The national SC does some very important lobbying and education. However, local chapters of the SC do some important groundwork and have a good time doing it together. Besides sending a few bucks to the national group, check out your state/local chapter and get involved.

[mtnsnake]

10. Thanks!

From the sounds of your replies, I guess I can't go wrong.