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The Sierra Club’s California Members Are Torn Over Its Mission. Can a New Leader Forge Consensus?

Summary

Bobbi Jo Chavarria, the newly appointed acting director of Sierra Club California, faces the challenge of uniting a divided membership amid pressing environmental issues. While some members advocate for a stronger focus on environmental justice, addressing the impacts of pollution on low-income and minority communities, others believe the club should prioritize wilderness conservation, adhering to its traditional mission. The organization’s membership has decreased significantly, with many citing this shift in focus as a reason. Chavarria, who brings a diverse background and experience in community organizing, hopes to bridge these divides with an inclusive "big tent" approach to address both wilderness preservation and social equity in environmental policies.

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