Chicago Enviro Groups Want Controls on Coal Fired Plants

Fisk & Crawford Plants

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was presented with a petition on Wednesday that included more than 6,000 signatures urging support for a proposed ordinance that would control the emissions from two coal-fired power plants that spew tons of contaminants into the air in Latino neighborhoods. The effort is being spearheaded by the Chicago Clean Power Coalition

The environmentalists are demanding an ordinance directed at the Fisk and Crawford plants, located near the Latino neighborhoods of Little Village and Pilsen, respectively.  Both plants are owned by Midwest Generation. The coalition notes that Fisk, built in 1903, and Crawford, which dates from 1924, "are subject to more lenient federal pollution limits because of their age."

The environmentalists cite a 2001 Harvard University study which found that pollution from Fisk and Crawford could be responsible for 42 premature deaths, 66 heart attacks and at least 2,800 asthma crises annually.

Chicago's proposed Clean Power Ordinance has not been resolved despite months of discussions within the 50-member City Council. The measure recently was returned to the Council's agenda on the initiative of Aldermen Daniel Solis and Joe Moore, but no date has been set for a vote on it.

Kim Wasserman-Nieto, executive director of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, demanded the mayor's intervention to "put this problem behind us once and for all."

The ordinance under study would obligate the plants to stop burning coal to generate electricity and to switch over to natural gas or stop operating.

It establishes that if an installation has a quarterly emissions average that exceeds the federal and state limits, it will be fined up to $10,000 and will have to suspend its operations until pollution controls are installed to ensure it complies with the standards. (Fox New Latino, 9/20/2011)

Greenpeace Needs a National Canvass Director

Organization: Greenpeace USA
Position Title: National Canvass Director
Location: Washington, DC or San Francisco (DC Preferred)
http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/en/about/jobs/National-Canvass-Director/

Summary

Greenpeace’s Frontline Canvass operation brings in over half of the organization’s income by recruiting more than 75,000 new members every year, increasing both the financial strength and political impact of Greenpeace by recruiting members who give automatic monthly donations. The National Canvass Director is responsible for the management of Greenpeace’s street and door-to-door canvass offices to ensure that each office achieves its financial and member recruitment objectives.

The best candidate for this position will be an experienced fundraiser, a seasoned manager, a strategic program planner, a motivating trainer and will have a deep understanding of the power the canvass builds for Greenpeace and its campaigns. This is a senior level position responsible for a multi-million dollar fundraising program. This is a full-time, exempt position located in Washington, D.C.

Responsibilities

Performance: Create annual budgets with the Development Director that set objectives for total money raised, total members recruited, net income, gross income and expenditures, and attrition. Set regional and office-level goals and parameters for the program, including quotas, staff number objectives, and more. Manage the program to achieve these objectives.

Staff Development: Manage the recruitment, training and development of Regional Directors, the Training Director, operations staff, and office managers.

Evaluation: Analyze national, regional, and office-by-office reports each week assessing performance with an eye on income, attrition, new members, members per hour, average donation, and other key factors. Highlight any key positive or negative trends and make changes to the program to maximize the income for the organization.

Supporter Management: Ensure that all member data is collected and secured centrally within 24 hours of receipt and that all membership data is secure at all times, that members are being debited in a timely manner signing up on the street, that all members are receiving thank you post cards and welcome calls, and that complaints are dealt with in a timely manner.

Innovation: Create, test and implement new methods of accomplishing programmatic goals while mitigating risk. Support staff in creating, testing and implementing innovative ideas.

Campaign Work: Collaborate with the Grassroots team to ensure that agreed upon campaign work in offices reaches campaign objectives and supports fundraising.

Program Management:

• Ensure that systems for developing and tracking fundraising locations are managed in each office and centrally.
• Work with Regional Directors to develop recruitment, retention, staff development plans and performance plans week to week. Manage the Regional Directors to those plans.
• Work with Regional Directors, Human Resources and Legal to enforce performance standards in offices, which may include issuing warnings and dismissals.
• Work with Regional Directors to ensure that all staff, offices, and regions meet minimum fundraising standards.
• Perform regular site visits to offices to support and train offices.
• Ensure Frontline materials, letters and general information are factually accurate and up to date. Work with internal campaign and communications staff to keep information up to date. Coordinate regular campaign briefings and provide other motivational materials for Frontline staff.
• Work with supporter services to monitor comments and feedback, track cancellation trends for indications of performance problems, and provide timely answers for supporter service staff on possible donor questions related to the canvass.
• Write, test and adopt “face to face” fundraising scripts to maximize effectiveness.
• Organize and facilitate national trainings for Regional Directors, City Coordinators and other canvass staff.

Experience & Qualifications

• Regional or National Canvass management experience required.
• A minimum of 3-5 years face-to-face fundraising experience, preferably in a canvass or other solicitation technique.
• Candidates with directly similar experience in national-level field management or political mobilization will be considered.
• Experience using appropriate data analysis to inform decision making.
• Proven ability to train and manage staff; ability to manage remote staff.
• Proven ability to inspire teams with proven leadership skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Experience in handling and resolving customer service issues in a timely manner.
• Experience analyzing data including affects of programmatic changes, scheduling, scripting and other program elements.

Skills & Characteristics

• Excellent interpersonal skills as well as verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage and motivate a large team of staff.
• Ability to identify, recruit, train and retain staff.
• Short-term and long-term strategic planning skills.
• Ability to analyze data, make recommendations and turn those recommendations into on the ground action.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, e-mail and database programs.
• High levels of integrity and a commitment to grassroots organizing and civil disobedience as a way to make change.
• Interest in innovative process design and goal oriented.
• Commitment to protecting the environment.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

To Apply

Greenpeace USA has engaged Koya Leadership Partners to help in this hire. Please send a compelling cover letter and resume to Molly Brennan at executivesearch@koyapartners.com .

Greenpeace is an equal opportunity employer .

About Greenpeace

Greenpeace USA is on the rise. From its early days of activism, it has become a mature, professional $30 million organization with staff in 30 U.S. cities. Greenpeace uses creative tactics to run effective and hard-hitting campaigns that inspire our members and make a global impact. Greenpeace has doubled in staff and funding over the past five years, growing to 23 offices throughout the United States.  For more information, visit http://www.greenpeace.org/ .

About Koya Leadership Partners

Koya Leadership Partners is a national retained search and consulting firm that works exclusively with non-profits and social enterprises. We deliver measurable results, finding exceptionally talented people who truly fit the unique culture of our client organizations. For more information about Koya Leadership Partners, visit http://www.koyapartners.com/ .

Andrea Cimino, Recruitment Fellow
Greenpeace USA, Washington DC
202-319-2477

Natural Resources Defense Council Midwest Advocacy Director

Position Description:  Chicago Office: Background:

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a global non-profit environmental organization with more than 1.3 million members and online activists. They have offices in New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Beijing, China. Their staff of over 350 includes lawyers, scientists, economists, and policy experts work to protect the environment and public health through advocacy and education.

Specific Role:

The Midwest Advocacy Director will be responsible for building public support to advance NRDC’s strategic priorities and our federal, state, and local policy agenda in the region. The Director will work to build relationships with elected officials, advocacy groups, and other potential allies; coordinate with NRDC programs; and will be responsible for the development and execution of NRDC advocacy, coalition building and grassroots activities in the region. Specific near-term objectives include promoting clean energy policies; protection of the Great Lakes; strong mercury, smog, and carbon standards under the Clean Air Act, and robust support of the Clean Water Act. The Midwest Advocacy Director will be based in NRDC’s Chicago office, and will report jointly to both the Midwest Program Director and the Government Affairs Director.

Major Responsibilities/Activities

• Develop and help manage a robust NRDC network in the Midwest, leverage influence of “Grasstop” supporters, allies and affinity groups on NRDC’s strategic priorities.
• Help develop and oversee strategies, including campaigns, to promote NRDC’s policy objectives in the Midwest.
• Foster a network of relationships with elected and appointed officials, businesses, civic leaders and advocacy groups, and build an advocacy structure to affect and influence decision-makers, opinion leaders and policy experts in the Midwest on NRDC’s strategic priorities.
• Work with NRDC’s government affairs, communications, development, program staff and policy advocates in planning and implementation of NRDC’s governmental and policy advocacy in the Midwest.
• Help foster effective connections between NRDC’s regional and national staff on campaigns and programs.

Specific Role: Major Objectives: Professional Requirements:

• B.S. or B.A. degree in public policy, political science government, or related area; Master’s or J.D. degree preferred;
• At least 10 years experience in government relations, political consulting or legislative practice; Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Demonstrated leadership, management, and administrative skills; and
• Excellent written and oral communications skills required.
• Work experience in government relations and legislative action;
• Practical experience with political campaigns, policy advocacy, or public interest campaigns;
• Practical knowledge of energy policy, public health issues, or environmental regulations desired;
• Practical experience with press and/or social media advocacy desired; and
• Practical knowledge of key political figures and issues in the region.

Personal Requirerments:

NRDC offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a pleasant working environment and is committed to workplace diversity. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with experience.

Interested candidates may send information to: Christine Boulware at chrisb@boulwareinc.com

Natural Resources Defense Council is committed to ensuring diversity in its workplace, and candidates from diverse diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. For further information about NRDC, please visit http://www.nrdc.org/

Environmental Justice Act: Chicago

Governor Pat Quinn has signed legislation creating a commission to ensure minorities and the poor aren't disproportionately affected by environmental pollution. The Environmental Justice Act was sponsored by Democratic Sen. Toi Hutchinson of Chicago Heights and Rep. Will Davis of East Hazel Crest.

It creates a commission that will analyze state laws and policies to ensure no population bears the brunt of pollution risks. The panel will make recommendations to the governor and Legislature.

The new law addresses concerns about rising asthma rates and other health problems. Race, income or nationality shouldn't determine whether a community has clean air and water.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will provide administrative support to the commission. Members will include lawmakers, the public and health, environmental and business advocates. (Chicago Tribune, 8/16/2011)

Natural Resources Defense Council: Job Announcement

NRDC Job Announcement - Legal Fellow - Chicago Office

Position Summary:

This is a two-year fellowship that will focus on projects designed to address global warming, improve air and water quality, and promote clean energy through litigation and advocacy in the Midwest. She or he will work primarily on state and federal litigation to encourage the retirement or clean up of existing coal-fired power plants, along with challenging proposed new coal facilities, and advocacy on legislative and regulatory proposals regarding air, water, and climate protection.

Essential Functions:

The fellow will work with NRDC’s lawyers in the Midwest Program and Litigation Team, along with allied organizations, to engage in all phases of litigation, from case development through trial and appeals. The fellow may also engage in some administrative advocacy and policy and legislative analysis. The fellow will also have some responsibility for building and maintaining relationships with advocates at other environmental organizations working on coal, climate, and air and water quality issues.

Skills and Knowledge Requirements:

The successful candidate will have graduated from law school within the past three years and must be licensed to practice law. Exceptional legal writing and analytical skills are required. Relevant litigation experience, such as a federal court clerkship, is a plus, as is a demonstrated commitment to public service or public-interest lawyering.

NRDC offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a pleasant working environment and is committed to workplace diversity. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with experience. To apply please visit www.nrdc.org/jobs. Please include a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, writing sample that demonstrates critical reasoning and legal writing abilities, and a list of references by February 14, 2011. No phone calls or faxes please. Please reference where you saw this posting. NRDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a global non-profit environmental organization with more than 1.3 million members and online activists. They have offices in New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Beijing, China. Their staff of over 350 includes lawyers, scientists, economists, and policy experts who work to protect the environment and public health through advocacy and education.

Hazel M. Johnson Dies: Mother of Environmental Justice



Hazel Johnson

 Chicago South Side environmental activist Hazel M. Johnson, 75, died of complications from congestive heart failure Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011. Mrs. Johnson a longtime resident of Chicago's Altgeld Gardens public housing development, was spurred into environmental activism after her husband, John, died of lung cancer in 1969.  She fought corporate polluters and rallied residents to protest contamination.

She founded a group called People for Community Recovery and put pressure on the Chicago Housing Authority to remove asbestos from Altgeld Gardens. Mrs. Johnson focused much of her organization's work on educating minority communities about urban environmental hazards. She became known as the mother of the environmental justice movement.

Mrs. Johnson was instrumental in convincing city health officials to test drinking water at Maryland Manor, a Far South Side neighborhood dependent on well water. After tests conducted in 1984 revealed cyanide and toxins in the water, officials installed water and sewer lines.

Her work in Chicago led to the national stage, where she joined a group of activists in urging President Bill Clinton to sign the Environmental Justice order. Ms. Johnson served on the U.S. EPA's first National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC), established on September 30, 1993.

Altgeld Gardens:Life in a Toxic Enviroment from Jennifer T. Lacey on Vimeo.

Mrs. Johnson was the eldest of four children born in the area of New Orleans now known as "cancer alley." Johnson would spend most of her adult life in the Calumet Region, the industrial area along Lake Michigan's southern tip that is one of the nation's most polluted areas. Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her son Michael. In addition to her daughter, Cheryl Johnson, Mrs. Johnson is survived by two other daughters, Yolanda Johnson and Valerie Johnson; sons John Jr., Johnny and Mark; 10 grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 22, 2011 in St. Ailbe Catholic Church, 9015 S. Harper Ave., Chicago. (Chicago Tribune, 1/16/2011,