Sierra Club Florida

Florida Steering Committee

Charge

Rebuild and manage statewide Sierra Club functions in Florida, and rebuild trust among volunteer leaders and with the Board and staff. Prepare for a transition to a well-functioning member-elected Florida Chapter leadership as soon as possible.

In addition to handling basic statewide functions, consider and assess how statewide functions might be handled differently and propose how Sierra Club Florida might be structured differently from the traditional Chapter model, if appropriate, coming out of suspension. Take advantage of the opportunity to reinvent the Chapter.

Responsibilities

1. Be the decision-making body for statewide functions, including conservation, litigation, and political activities.
2. Establish new norms and operating procedures that build trust among volunteer leaders and staff, maintain intellectual honesty and respectful dialogue, and address disagreements constructively.
3. Establish a focused direction that engages people in statewide work that advances the Club’s mission.
4. Expand the volunteer leadership and improve leaders’ skills, including the ability to constructively resolve disagreements and address potential problems before they evolve into conflicts.
5. Build the strength of Florida groups and foster coordination and collaboration statewide, with input from a Group Advisory Council.
6. Ensure compliance with all applicable Sierra Club policies and requirements.

Authority and Accountability

The Steering Committee serves the Board of Directors in the interest of members in Florida during the suspension of the Florida Chapter. It does not ‘represent’ Florida groups, but consults and coordinates with the groups on statewide matters as appropriate. The Steering Committee cannot create or suspend groups, change the current group funding formula or establish statewide structures without Board Executive Committee approval. It reports to and takes direction from the Board Executive Committee and designated support personnel.

The Steering Committee will operate under a four-year phased plan approved by the Board Executive Committee, each year adding new responsibility and authority. The Steering Committee will move to the next phase when the Board Executive Committee has determined that specific benchmarks established for the current phase have been achieved.

Structure

A seven-member core decision-making team composed of experienced leaders with a statewide perspective. Committees, task forces, and other statewide structures that report to the Steering Committee may be established.

Terms of Appointment

Two years, with re-appointment for one additional two-year term, or until the suspension is lifted.

Re-appointments will be made by the Board Executive Committee. Vacancies will be filled by the Board Executive Committee.

Meetings

The Steering Committee will meet in person four (4) times per year, and conduct at least one conference call per month in between face-to-face meetings.

Operating Procedures

The Steering Committee will adopt norms of conduct and standard operating procedures with the guidance of support personnel. It will conduct the formal business portions of its meetings according to Robert’s Rules of Order.