Dear Sierra Club Family,

Along with much of the world, Sierra Club volunteers and staff have
struggled to come to
terms with the tragic events of September 11th.  I am proud of how our
members have reached
out to comfort one another and to regain a sense of meaning and hope. As
individuals and as
an organization, we share in an awareness of the pain and suffering that
directly touches
many, and indirectly touches all.

Recently, the Board of Directors met by phone to discuss how these
events might affect the
Sierra Club, and I'd like to share some of that conversation with you
because it reflects our
common vision for how to proceed in these times of uncertainty.

September 11th is being called "the day that changed the world."  Even
if much is different
today, the core values that define us as Americans -- tolerance,
generosity, freedom and love
of country -- have not changed. Nor has the mission of the Sierra Club
changed. Now is the
time for these values to emerge stronger than ever as we pull together
to heal the wounds and
ensure that appreciation for community and our living planet endure.

As our nation makes plans for the future, environmental issues will
continue to arise. The
Sierra Club will engage in these discussions; we believe that protecting
our air, land and
water is a critical part of protecting our homeland. As policy-makers
take up the nation's
environmental agenda, we will continue to be vigorous, forceful and
effective advocates for
environmental protection.

And we will conduct our advocacy in a fashion and tone that helps
Americans unite around our
common environmental values. We can, and will, disagree without being
disagreeable, but our
public lands, waters, air and wildlife must not be sacrificed by those
who would choose to
exploit the recent tragedies for short-term gain. Now is the time to put
aside our narrow
differences and work to create a legacy for the world's children that is
safe, healthy and
just.

Preserving and protecting the quality of our natural and human
environments have been the
Sierra Club's mission for 110 years. Today we re-affirm our commitment
to this mission.  Now,
more than ever, we are dedicated to the defense of "America the
Beautiful" our communities,
our forests, wetlands and wilderness -- and to the values infusing our
international work and
human rights campaigns. As we redouble our commitment, I ask you to
share our resolve and to
join us in our vigilance as we stand watch to protect the environment
for our families, for
our future.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Ferenstein
President, Sierra Club
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