Policy for Spokespersons, San Diego Chapter, Sierra Club
Policy for Spokespersons, San Diego Chapter, Sierra Club
Because of the growth of the local chapter in recent years and the complexity of the issues confronting the Club at the local, state and national levels it has been necessary to establish this policy.
Numerous issues concerning acid rain, agriculture, nuclear management, geothermal energy, global warming, ozone depletion, hazardous waste management, off-highway vehicles, population, rain forests and many others have been addressed in broad policy statements at the national level.
Many of these policies have been further definitized at both the state and local levels.
From the diversity of subjects and the very specialized nature of many of the topics it is readily apparent that no one individual can be thoroughly conversant with all of them.
Our chapter membership now exceeds 17,000. It is extremely difficult to communicate all of the nuances and subtleties to this broad membership base.
Within the Chapter we have numerous individuals who have studies the issues and understand the policy positions taken by the Club at all levels.
The Chapter wishes to capitalize on this broad knowledge base and assure that the most qualified spokesperson represents our positions on the issues.
This is especially critical when statements made by spokespersons might be quoted as Club position in the local media.
This policy seeks to assure that the most qualified spokesperson represents the Chapter when any group is addressed, especially when the outcome of that address may be quoted in the media.
This policy is not intended to prevent an individual from expressing their personal opinion.
It is intended to limit the number of persons who may speak for the Club or in the Club's name at any public forum and to assure that personal opinions are not confused with Club policy or positions.
The following is established as policy concerning spokespersons for the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club.
- The Chapter Chairperson and the Chapter Vice Chairperson are authorized to speak for the Club on any issues.
- The Chapter Director is authorized to speak for the Club on any issues.
- The Chapter Conservation Coordinator is authorized to speak for the Club on any conservation related issue.
The Chairperson of the Conservation Committee and the chairpersons of the issue subcommittees of the Conservation Committee are authorized to act as spokespersons.
This authorization extends only to the specific areas represented by that chairperson.
Example: The Chairperson of the Air Quality Committee may address issues concerning clean air in a public forum, but may not speak on other matters such as waste management, land use, water, etc.
- The Chairperson of the Political Committee is authorized to speak for the Chapter regarding political issues.
This authority is limited to those issues which have been approved in advance by the Executive Committee.
- The Chairs of the geographic Groups (North County, South Bay, East County, Torrey Pines Coastal, Cahuilla Desert) are authorized as spokespersons for issues within their geographic boundaries.
Additionally, they may designate the Chairperson of their Conservation Committee as a spokesperson.
All statements must be in accordance with policies and positions as established by the national, state and chapter bodies.
- An individual who is currently holding elected public office or is running for elected public office may act as a spokesperson for the Chapter only with the express permission of the Executive Committee.
- An individual not designated as a spokesperson who desires to make a public statement, which one could reasonably expect to be reported in the media, on behalf of the Club, must have the approval of the Executive Committee prior to making that public statement.
- The Chapter Chairperson or a designated alternate must be notified to calling a press conference or making a press release.
It is the responsibility of all spokespersons to keep the Chapter Chairperson apprised of activity involving the media.
Adopted 12/19/91
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