Thinking big

That���s where it happened for me...

Dear ________, That image below? That's my moment. That's where it happened for me -- when I knew that I would spend my entire life fighting for this planet and the people and animals who call it home. I was 13 years old and had never been west of the Appalachians. I still remember walking to the rim of the Grand Canyon and being blown away. The next day, we hiked to the bottom and my life was changed. I know you had a moment too, ________. It's why you're here and why I hope you'll commit to the Sierra Club's work by making a generous year-end gift today. We have a big action plan for 2016: Wolves. We can save gray wolves from extinction, but it won't be easy.  Fracking. We can't let big oil and gas from fracking decimate our most beautiful wild places.  Whales. Seismic Blasts in our oceans torture whales. We must stop it and keep the oil in the ground.  Coal. We have to close in on our 2017 goal of securing the retirement of one-half of the nation's electrical coal production.  Monuments. Designating millions of new acres of national monuments. Respond today with a gift of $15 of more and we'll send you this Sierra Club expedition backpack featuring three zippered compartments, two large mesh pockets, padded shoulder straps, and a cushioned back. I'm counting on you to start the new year stronger than ever. Will you help us reach our $150,000 year-end goal? It's the only way we make all these plans a reality. Donate now and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $150,000! We've had quite a year. Closing our 200th coal plant. Shell bailing on their plan to drill the Arctic Ocean. The Keystone XL pipeline finally rejected. In a word: WOW. Here's the other crazy, wonderful, amazing thing about 2015: our work together, our movement, the tiny actions of millions of people worked. The $50 donation one day and the five minutes taking action on another. The dinner conversations, the Sierra Club membership renewed, the moment spent explaining to your kids what "Keystone XL" is (WAS!)...all of it made a difference this year. I've been an activist my whole life and have always believed in the power of collective action. But...it's more than nice to be reminded of that truth once in awhile. This is what happens when people stand strong, act, and give. And yet, we can't afford to celebrate. As I recently told a group of activists gathered to discuss plans for next year and beyond, "Let's remember how we won. Because there are a lot more fights to win. Let's think big." And, really, that's what this letter is about. I'm writing today to ask you to think big with the Sierra Club. What can we do next year? That's up to you. This is the time of year when we plan for next year -- and much depends on how much we can raise this week. I urge you to dream big, think big, and give as big as you can. And right now, your gift will be matched by another generous donor, up to $150,000. I know what we can achieve together. Let's get to it. Thank you, as always. Michael Brune Executive Director P.S. -- Our matching gift is available for just a few more days. Please, donate now and help us make 2016 as amazing as 2015.