With over 130 years of activism, the Sierra Club is a national, grassroots organization that allows local communities to celebrate the earth while also working to preserve it. Its mission statement — to protect, explore and enjoy the planet — guides it through local action against climate change.
Sierra Club has over 50 chapters across the U.S. Carolyn Amparan is the chair of the mid-Missouri group, and has been an environmental activist for 13 years, working to make change in Columbia.
“We frequently comment about land use, and development issues, and protection of green space, and protecting more parks,” Amparan said. “The Sierra Club was very involved in getting the first renewable energy ordinance passed in the city.”
In contrast to “big green” organizations like the National Resources Defense Council, Amparan says Sierra Club prioritizes reform at the local level through volunteer-driven work.
“Too many voters don’t think of climate change as a voting issue; they think when they’re asked about, you know, what we should be doing to fix climate change, they mention things like recycling and public awareness,” Amparan said. “And those things are good, but they’re not going to fix climate change.”
Statewide, the club works toward environmental legislation and endorsing candidates who will support climate awareness. In Boone County, members are encouraged to participate in sponsored events and take political action through attending City Council meetings, voting green and contacting representatives.
While this political action is a key value of the club, it also emphasizes enjoying the environment. Members of the mid-Missouri chapter participate in festivals, regular hikes and outdoor activities. Along with hiking and backpacking trips, the club hosts picnics, holiday parties and social events.
The mid-Missouri chapter has worked with the League of Women Voters, Mid-Missouri Peaceworks and Renew Missouri to integrate action into Columbia and central Missouri. It also co-sponsors the Walk for the Climate event in Columbia every September.
In 2012, the Sierra Student Coalition ran a nationwide campaign against coal burning on college campuses. The coalition, which has since disbanded, was present at the University of Missouri and worked with the mid-Missouri chapter to advocate for sustainable energy resources.
Amparan explained her concern for the current lack of participation in climate activism groups on Mizzou’s campus.
“It’s your democracy that’s at stake,” Amparan said. “I’m not going to be around that much longer, but as an older person … I recognize that what’s happening in government right now is not normal.”
Activism within Sierra Club extends past just environmental causes. The mid-Missouri chapter co-sponsored the most recent No Kings protest in Columbia on March 28. Amparan stressed the vital role that younger generations have in the current political climate.
“We would love to have more young people as members, but, you know, a lot of younger people just haven’t heard of us,” Amparan said. “Young people are really important to the future, not only of the Sierra Club, but of the planet.”
Edited by Ainsley Bryson | [email protected]
Copy edited by Avery Copeland | [email protected]
Edited by Chase Pray | [email protected]