Minutes of the Sierra Club, Niagara Group Meeting of April 26, 2005

Sierra Club, Niagara Group
Minutes of Monthly meeting - April 26, 2005

United Methodist Church Community Room, Main Street, Williamsville, 7 PM

Jane Jontz, Chair, Presiding

Present: Jane Jontz*, Art Klein*, Steve Burns-Treasurer, Mike Stroh*, Larry Beahan*, Robert Ciesielski*, Liz Kaszubski*, Paul Maine*, Ginger Ursitti*, Richard Lippes*, Charles Lamb*, Genevieve Robins*, Carl deVyver, Jane Sheldon, Jean Palas, Maxine Insera, Marian Owczarczak, Joan Herold, Virginia Snider, Ian Frank, Jo Anne Bonsach (*Indicates member of Exec. Committee)

1) NEWSLETTER - C. Lamb: Trailblazer submissions accepted until June 10, 2005, for July mailing.

2) BUSINESS REPORT - S. Burns: Balance of $126.07. Requests have been submitted for reimbursement for Trailblazer printing and contribution to Residence for Responsible Government (RRG). Expenses paid include checks to Matt and Steve Ross for Trailblazer, expenses and facility payment for Strategic Planning Retreat, and payment for Blake Reeves award.

3) MEMBERSHIP REPORT - Genevieve Robins: No membership report as no information received from National.

4) ATLANTIC CHAPTER REPORT - L. Beahan: Atlantic Chapter meeting was held on April 8, 2005 on Long Island. Hugh Mitchell gave a report for the Conservation Committee. Each Group will be asked to supply representatives for Chapter Great Lakes Committee.

Three proposals were approved at the meeting: 1) Atlantic Chapter will support zero waste generation for NYC; 2) The Chapter may assist a Group in running a fundraiser. The Chapter will receive a small percentage of the money raised. The NYC Group will run the first fundraiser of this type. Steve Burns of the Niagara Group initially proposed this fundraising assistance proposal; 3) The first Sierra Club Summit will be held in September in San Francisco, CA. Each group may send a representative. The Chapter will approve all group representatives.

L. Beahan was elected representative for the Central Committee of the Chapter's executive committee.

5) FOREST COMMITTEE - L. Beahan: City of Buffalo and David Franczyk continue to oppose sale of 458 acre Perrysburg forest and buildings to private interest. City of Buffalo is requesting SEQRA review of the property. D. Franczyk acting to have Perrysburg property purchased by DEC through their Open Space fund.

Region 9 of the DEC will have an Open Space committee meeting on April 27, 2005 at Woodlawn Beach at 6:30 pm to review possibilities for open space purchases. Perrysburg to be discussed.

L. Kaszubski mentions that the Hemlock Forest in Evans is also on the agenda. Grant application to purchase forest being considered.

6) STRATEGIC PLANNING RETREAT - J. Jontz: Niagara Group's Strategic Planning retreat was held April 15 and 16, 2005. Jane referred to outline of Strategic Planning Retreat in agenda of today's meeting (see Supplement to today's minutes). Participants at Friday's session chose two conservation priorities- 1) grassroots coalition to address urban sprawl issues, tailgate reduction, alternative transportation, site specific threat to wetlands; and 2) importations of toxics affecting Lake Ontario/Safeguard Great Lakes eco-region. Motion made to adopt these two priorities for Niagara Group. Motion unanimously approved by Exec. Comm.

Six Action Plans were also recommended by the Strategic Planning attendees on April 16, 2005. These Plans are listed in the agenda for April 26, 2005 as: 1) establish committees focused on action, 2) improving our interaction, 3) outings, 4) new member engagement, 5) political, and 6) outreach to other groups. Each Action Plan has its own goal, objectives and time line. Motion to adopt six Action Plans for Niagara Group made by Richard Lippes, seconded by Ginger Ursitti. Motion unanimously approved by Exec. Comm.

Paul Maine mentioned that Strategic Planning session had presented the discussion concerning conservation priorities and the action plans as training exercises. Ginger Ursitti mentioned that the retreat participants had actually adopted the priorities and action plans.

7) PUBLIC EDUCATION PLANNING SEMINAR - J. Jontz: John Stouffer of the Atlantic Chapter and Northeast staff will aid Group in developing campaign planning process. Interested Exec. Comm. members and other members to attend session given sometime in summer of 2005. This seminar is to train participants to develop a strategic plan for any conservation priority. Wetland and recycling issues appear to be high priorities in the Atlantic Chapter, and may be picked as sample projects for the seminar. It is hoped Wetland will be one of the topics, to help develop plan for our Group's urban sprawl/wetlands conservation priority.

8) IMPLEMENTING ACTION PLANS - J. Jontz: The three immediate activities required under the Action Plan are development of an outing program, creating a protocol from improving our interaction as a group, and development of a survey to send to our members concerning interests. Larry B., Mike S., Art K., Jane J. will be involved in the outing committee. Mike S. and Jane J. will be involved in establishing protocol for interaction. Survey will be developed by S. Burns, P. Maine, A. Klein, R. Ciesielski, and J. Jontz by June 10 for mailing with Trailblazer.

9) ATLANTIC CHAPTER MEETING - R. Lippes: The Atlantic Chapter will have its quarterly business meeting on June 18, 2005. The Chapter supplied a $2,000.00 budget. Discussion of possible events and where the delegates will be lodged. Art Klein to chair meeting, obtain lodging and set activities.

10) ACTION PLAN:OUTREACH TO OTHER GROUPS - C. Lamb: Notes that objectives of plan in April 26 meeting agenda are misnumbered, and that wording of plan differs somewhat from that discussed at Strategic Planning seminar. S. Burns notes that all Action Plans were reviewed before presentation to Executive Committee at suggestion of strategic planning leader Greg Casini. S. Burns and C. Lamb to review wording plan.

11) EARTH DAY TABLE - A. Klein: Sierra Club will have table at Buffalo Zoo on August 14, 2005. Art has set up file cabinet to keep informational brochures, literature and items for table. Art suggests if anyone has an interest in a particular activity that they should contact the National Sierra Club to obtain the items, as general requests for information do not seem to work. Jane Sheldon volunteered to help at table. Video maybe shown at table. It was noted that one of the Action Plans includes development of a "cool table" for use at functions. The use of the videos could be part of the table development.

12) POLITICAL INDORSEMENTS AND COMMITTEE - Paul Sullivan has asked for endorsement by Niagara Group. Noted that Jim Hufnagel had been in charge of our political endorsements but is no longer on the Exec. Comm. Endorsements fall under our Political Action Plan. Art K. will obtain more information about P. Sullivan. Joanne Bonsach and Carl deVyver volunteer to serve on political committee. Richard Lippes will act as advisor. A questionnaire for candidate should be developed. Carl deVyver mentions discussions with Congressman Brian Higgins concerning Arctic drilling-Higgins voted against Arctic drilling. Noted that Group may only give endorsements in local races, but may make recommendations for state and federal endorsements to Atlantic Chapter.

13) SURVEY COMMITTEE - Committee will meet to develop membership survey for Trailblazer. Marian Owczarczak, who has had experience with developing surveys, volunteers to serve on committee.

Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. (See Supplement Below)

Treasurer's report, Steve Burns

Membership report, Gen Robbins

Trailblazer, Charles Lamb

Perrysburg, Atlantic Chapter Executive Committee, Larry Beahan

Atlantic Chapter meeting June 18, Richard Lippes

Strategic Planning Retreat, Jane Jontz
Questions about the easel sheets, action plans, etc.
Executive Committee approval of conservation priorities and action plans
Public Education Campaign Planning, determine who is interested and which weekends they are available
If the action plans are adopted the committees/task forces which need to begin work are: Outings, Interaction and Survey
We need to see which other individuals are interested in working on these committees/task forces.

Strategic Planning Retreat easel sheets
What would you like to achieve?
Mike: game plan, organized
Joe: where toxics issue fits, actions
Art: structure, priorities
Paul: strategy for sprawl
Bob: pick two to three things to work on
Steve: organizational plan to generate volunteers
Jane: focus on what is most important and make a difference
Ginger: stop putting out fires
Richard: engage the membership
Charles: focus, toxics

Strengths of the Niagara Group
Sierra Club credibility
Structure to affect statewide policy
Cluster of activists everywhere
Member's expertise
Congeniality/rapport
Accomplishments
Collaboration with other groups
Experience
Enthusiasm/passion
A large membership
Tolerance
Commitment
Energy
Knowledgable on local issues/subject experts
Great website: Mike rocks!

Weaknesses of the Niagara Group
Lack of ways to involve people
Lack of volunteers
Good people have left over issues
Lack of leadership development
Lack of engagement of non-active members
Not enough new attendance at meetings
Not reaching out to members and activating them
Lack of coalitions
Need more political savvy/lack of local political support
Lack of focus/no strategic plan/involved in too many issues
No outings/only conservation programs
Lack of money
Need to thank/follow up with meeting attendees
Making decisions on email
Communication problems in meetings and on email
Lack of diversity
No voice as an educating body
Lack of public awareness of Sierra Club

Environmental Opportunities
Educational Campaign on global warming
Importation of toxics affecting Lake Ontario/Safeguard Great Lakes eco-region - 8
Establish Niagara River Greenways - 1
Grassroots coalition to address urban sprawl issues, tailgate reduction/alternative transportation, site specific threats to wetlands - 10
Commercial extraction in county and state forests/parks
Make economic/jobs case for environmental protection - 2
50% renewable energy for state agencies
Elect Eliot Spitzer Govenor in 2006

Working Effectively Together
+Procedures for online discussion and voting
+Procedures for decision making: meetings and online
Improve report on Chapter activities/resources
+Excom meeting protocols/agenda
Establish committees focused on action
+Create a code of conduct
Leadership training
+Follow through and accountability

Working effectively together - summarized
Meeting interaction protocol/improve reporting on Chapter activities and resources - 6: Jane, Mike, Gen, Charles
Establish committees focused on action - 6: Steve, Bob, Paul, Art
Leadership training -2

Connecting with our communities
+Public Radio/Public and Cable TV
oPartnering with other NY environmental organizations
*Developing relationships with politicians: dinner/social event
*Educating the public about legislation and politicians in WNY
+Develop a press release list
Organize programs for schools
Public visibility events
Develop a cool booth and tabling program
oIdentify non-traditional allies for partnership
oIdentify opportunities with groups that we usually don't agree with

Connecting with our communities - summarized
Greater utilization of media
Strategic partnerships with other potential allies - 4: Charles, Steve, Mike, Art
Develop relationships/accountability system for politicians - 6: Jane, Paul, Gen, Bob
Programs for schools - 2
Program of public visibility events - 1
Create a cool booth and strategic schedule of tabling events - 1

Building relationships and involving people
+Call meeting attendees and involve them
Send out a member survey
+Personal contact to new members
Phone tree
Develop a Group Outings Program
Public Education Guest Speaker Series
+New member orientation/materials/point person
+Mentors for new members
Social events/food
(List 2) Listserve/enhancing e-communications/specializing

Building relationships and involving people - summarized
New member engagement - 7: Steve, Gen, Bob, Charles
Develop a group Outings Program - 7: Jane, Mike, Art, Paul
Educational speaker series
Membership survey/phone activation - 2

WE WORK WELL TOGETHER AS LEADERS AND ACTIVISTS

Action Plan: Establish Committees Focused on Action

GOAL: By October 2005, establish two committees focused on action to achieve the Group's environmental priorities

Objective #1:
What: Authorize one committee for each conservation priority and appoint committee chairs; complete training for committees to produce Campaign Plans for each priority.
By Whom: ExCom and other interested members
Resources: John Stouffer or Mark Bettinger for training delivery
By When: Establish the committees at the May meeting
Identify and complete training by August 2005

Objective #2:
What: Survey the membership through a Trailblazer insert to identify committee volunteers; input data from survey returns to MUIR; recruit committee members by telephone solicitation of survey respondents.
By Whom: Trailblazer report re: Strategic Planning and member survey: Charles
Cost estimate for survey integration with Trailblazer: Charles
Survey development: Art, Paul, Steve, Bob, Jane
Telephone calls to recruit committee members: ExCom, Committee chairs and other interested members
Resources: MUIR; Trailblazer printer and bulk mailing service; Gretchen White
By When: Cost estimate: April 30
Survey development: June 10
MUIR input: August 31
MUIR Data to ExCom/Committee Chairs: September 1
Telephone calls to committee volunteers: By October 1

Objective #3:
What: Conduct initial committee organizational meetings
By Whom: Committee Chairs with ExCom support
Resources: Meeting location
Refreshments
Campaign Planning
By When: October 31

GOAL: Create a protocol for improving our interaction as a Group

Objective #1: Create a strategy for maximizing the experience of new members and visitors at meetings.
What: Form a task force to consider routine practices, including but not limited to: reviewing our standard operating procedures at the beginning of each meeting; using a buddy system to pair up veterans with new members; providing refreshments; providing up-to-date literature so visitors can better understand what Sierra does and how they can get involved; new member door greeters.
By Whom: Task Force including Jane, Mike, other volunteers
Resources: Refreshments, literature from National
By When: July 2005

Objective #2: Develop a procedure for decision-making at meetings, online and by phone.
What: Research how the Atlantic Chapter and other groups do it. Customize their procedure for our needs.
By Whom: Task Force including Jane, Mike, other volunteers
Resources: Materials from Atlantic Chapter, other groups
By When: August 2005

Objective #3: Create a meeting documentation protocol to include agendas, minutes for our group meetings and from our Chapter Delegate and increase accountability.
What: Research how other groups do it. Customize their procedure for our needs.
By Whom: Task Force including Jane, Mike, other volunteers
Resources: Materials from other groups
By When: August 2005

Objective #4: Create a Code of Conduct
What: Obtain and read the National and Atlantic Chapter Standards of Conduct. Customize them for our needs. The intention is to establish a level of respect in how we communicate with each other creating bureaucracy.
By Whom: Task Force including Jane, Mike, other volunteers
Resources: Materials from National, Atlantic Chapter
By When: September 2005

GOAL: Develop more active Niagara Group Outings in line with the Sierra Club Mission

Objective #1: Implement a monthly outings program.
What: Outings to be more than recreation. The theme of each outing will have either significant natural, environmental or historical focus. Monthly outings determined to be a good start.
By Whom: Larry Beahan, Mike Stroh, Art Klein and Jane Jontz
Resources: Sierra outings leader training resources, committee experience, Robin Drake and general membership
By When: Advertise the first three outings in the June 10 Trailblazer. First outing: July 16, hike in Allegheny State Park.

Objective #2: Make sure leaders and participants are prepared.
What: Identify and utilize national criteria for safety training and activity level for outings.
By Whom: Outings committee
Resources: Sierra release forms and guidelines for skill level designation.
By When: June 10 for guidelines; training must be completed before any leader conducts an outing.

Objective #3: Involve members in the Outings Committee
What: Conduct initial committee organizational meeting with volunteers
By Whom: Outings Committee
Resources: Include Outings involvement as an item in the Trailblazer survey for any interested members.
By When: September 2005

GOAL: Increase new member involvement in the Group

Objective #1:
What: Have each new attendee at ExCom meeting called by an ExCom member after meeting to thank them for attending and to see what projects they may be interested in.
By Whom: One ExCom member to call one attendee on rotating basis, as assigned by the Secretary before each adjournment.
Resources: Sign in sheets
By When: June 2005

Objective #2:
What: Send letter of greeting from Group chairperson to each new Group member within 2-3 months of receiving address. Each letter will include copy of survey of interest. (See Action-Focused Committees Plan, Objective #2.)
By Whom: Steve Burns or volunteer to future Membership Committee
Resources: Bulk mailing, minimum of 200 letters.
By When: September 2005

Objective #3:
What: Creation of Membership Committee for Group. Membership development plan.
By Whom: Volunteers. Survey of interests will be sent to all Group members in July 2005 newsletter. Survey to include question – Would you like to serve on Membership Committee. Areas of interest on Committee, e.g., volunteer to set up potluck dinner at your home for new member orientation in your area, help recruit new members, mail letters of greeting to new members, work at informational table or booth.
Resources: Membership survey
By When: Organizational meeting of Committee by November, 2005

Objective #4:
What: Orientation brochure for new members about Group, opportunities for involvement and activities.
By Whom: Ask Mike Stroh re: website; Gretchen White re: brochure; both with ExCom input.
Resources: Printed and website versions
By When: 2006

Objective #5:
What: Have orientation meetings for new members. Utilize potluck dinners at homes. Select attendees by zip code or towns.
By Whom: Members, including new members, who volunteer their home. Volunteers to be solicited by survey.
Resources: MUIR
By When: 2006

GOAL: Develop relationships and an accountability system for politicians who are on the fence.

Objective #1: Meet face to face with two politicians regarding our issues twice in the next twelve months.
What: Ask our conservation priority experts who are the two most important politicians for creating a positive change for our two conservation priorities.
By Whom: Executive Committee and conservation priority chairpersons
By When: August 2005
What: Research our positions and what we want to communicate. Prepare our spokespersons.
By Whom: Political committee chair
Resources: Political committee
By When: November 2005

Objective #2: Set up phone tree. Contact all Sierra Club members in the targeted representatives district. Decide what medium to use: phone, postcard, house parties and letter writing parties with refreshments.
What: Phone tree with members asking them to call politicians to request that they vote a certain way. Send in constituents to meet with politicians, phone them or mail. Non-constituents can write letters to the editor.
By Whom: Political committee chair
Resources: Political committee, materials, postage, MUIR
By When: March 2006

Objective #3: Involve the politicians in an activity.
What: What will have the most impact with the politician? Take them to the place we want to preserve, have a big public forum, a panel discussion, etc.
By Whom: Political committee chair
Resources: Political committee
By When: Election Day 2006

Objective #4: Identify people who deserve awards and give them on our targeted issues. Partner with other key constituencies that the politician wants in their court during the election. Make it a coalition event.
What: Give an award to deserving individuals and bring them to a dinner. Network with Greg Casini and John Stouffer for ideas.
By Whom: Political committee chair
Resources: Political committee
By When: Election Day 2006

Objective #5: Generate volunteers to help with the politician;s campaigns.
What: Knock on doors for politicians during the election, staff the phones, be a help.
By Whom: Political Committee Chair
Resources: Political Committee
By When: Election Day 2006

GOAL: Build capacity with other traditional and non-traditional allies around conservation priorities

Objective #1:
What: Once our conservation priority campaign plans have been created, network closely with other allies, e.g., the Network of Religious Communities, Residents for Responsible Government; and ask for their endorsement and support. Also ask them to ask their individual members for their endorsement and support.
By Whom: Charles Lamb, ExCom, conservation priority chairpersons, other volunteers.
Resources: Subject experts
By When: December 2005

Objective #2:
What: Research the website of the Regional Information Network (RIN) to learn the names and locations of other groups in our area with which we may share some common interests, and then reach out to them to see if they are interested in dialogue and cooperation in shared goals.
By Whom: Mike Stroh
Resources: RIN website
By When: As soon as the RIN website is back on line

Objective #3:
What: Research the cost of a professional "cool booth" so that when we are invited to other places we will have an up to date and appealing presentation of our goals and campaigns.
By Whom: Mike Stroh
Resources: Suppliers concerning the exhibit
By When: By July 31

Sierra Club, Niagara GroupMinutes of Monthly meeting - April 26, 2005

Sierra Club, Niagara Group
Minutes of Monthly meeting - April 26, 2005