Chapter Chair Update
Ann Gadwah
Greetings!
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Great things are happening at Sierra Club Connecticut. There are wonderful ways for you to get involved in exploring, enjoying and protecting our planet: from engaging events to environmental legislation; from conservation campaigns to upcoming outings.
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So far in 2019 we have held or attended eight important events. Clean Energy Lobby Day, February 21, offered our members an opportunity to learn from environmental activists who presented their tactics. With ideas and incentives, our voters spread out to the capitol to talk to their legislators about transitioning Connecticut to 100% clean, renewable energy.
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Our dedicated volunteers have tabled at several events already, including the Women’s March in Hartford, Water Awareness Day in Bristol and the NOFA Annual Conference in Bridgeport. At these sites, our volunteer leaders engage with attendees, inform them about our work, and try to recruit new volunteers. This is an intrinsic part of our grassroots development.
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We held Transit Equity Day in Norwich with SEAT (Southeast Area Transit) in honor of Rosa Parks’ birthday and our Ready for 100 campaigns kicked off in West Hartford and Milford. We had a very well attended film screening of “What Lies Upstream” in New Milford that will be repeated Wednesday, March 13 with Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) as co-host. To find future events, click here.
Our legislative team has been working tirelessly during this session. We have given spoken and written testimony on several bills and have had meetings with important legislators. The environment has truly taken priority at this year’s session, as never before. Find out more about the specifics in this month’s newsletter legislative update and on our legislative page.
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We had a victory on the conservation front. Governor Ned Lamont has stated that there will be no state police gun range near Pachaug Forest. This is a great victory for our Land and Water Campaign, and for our allies, Friends of Pachaug Forest. Thank you for your advocacy work on behalf of this important Connecticut treasure.
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The political committee reconvened for the special election on February 26 to fill vacant seats in the Connecticut General Assembly. We endorsed Josh Balter in House District 99 and Derek Slap in Senate District 5. The political committee reconvened for the special election on February 26th. We endorsed Josh Balter in House District 99, Rick Lopes in Senate District 6, Mirna Martinez in House District 39, and Derek Slap in Senate District 5. Derek Slap was victorious in his race and we know he will continue to be an incredible environmental champion in the Senate. Thanks to our team who continue to do a fantastic job.
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This has been an amazing first month for me as Sierra Club Connecticut Chair. I am surrounded by an incredible group of supportive leaders and volunteers who make this job a pleasure. I am encouraged and heartened by our supporters and members here in Connecticut who are impassioned to take on the environmental challenge we face. I am truly honored and blessed to be your chair. Let’s roll up our sleeves and take some action this month in the important work of protecting our environment.
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Thank you!
Ann Gadwah is Chapter Chair, Sierra Club Connecticut.