News
Expert Q&A with Judith Robinson, Coming Clean
Judith Robinson, Executive Director of Coming Clean, spoke with Rachel’s Network members about how Coming Clean has built an effective coalition of nonprofits, policy makers, business leaders, and scientists to work together to reform the chemical and fossil fuel industries. We recently followed up with Judy to learn more about her work, and what makes her optimistic about chemical policy reform.
2012 Annual Report
Within Rachel’s Network, women are carrying on Carson’s bold legacy of leadership and advocacy through their transformative philanthropy. Members’ work on the local, national, and even international level is an inspiring testament to the value that women hold not only as funders of environmental causes, but as true guardians of the planet. We are pleased to report on our work throughout 2012, realizing that women’s voices lend vitality and strength to issues that concern us all. To tell that story, we turn to our members, whose reflections you will see incorporated throughout this report.
Expert Q&A with Annie Leonard, The Story of Stuff Project
Annie Leonard, founder and president of The Story of Stuff Project, spoke to Rachel’s Network members about promoting sustainability solutions through citizen action. We followed up with Annie to learn more about the issues that keep her up at night, what trends give her hope, and much more.
Compassionate Capitalism with Stephanie Tobor
Green Apple Supply is part of a larger movement toward “Compassionate Capitalism,” a model for both nonprofit and for-profit entities that prioritizes passion over profits in order to make a more just, socially-responsible economy the norm, rather than the alternative. I’m striving to make Green Apple Supply a case study for how the healthiest, most environmentally friendly products on the market can also be the most economical. I have faith that businesses can leverage their influence to be a force for good.
Women in Politics: The 2012 Project
Our collaboration with The 2012 Project helped recruit women from fields largely underrepresented within policymaking bodies – including health, science and technology, energy, and the environment. Efforts like The 2012 Project contributed to a record-setting year for women’s participation in races for the U.S. House and Senate.
Rachel’s Network Works with Evangelicals to Promote Creation Care
Through a multi-year grant from Rachel’s Network, the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) was able amplify its message of creation care and climate action within the evangelical community.
Suzanne Ehlers on Women Working from the Periphery
The reminder: Together, we must give a face and a voice to the women and children whose decisions impact the world’s future. Currently, women are forced to walk farther for kindling and water, work harder for the same crop yield, and make choices between their children’s education or keeping them at home to assist with the burden that environmental devastation has already caused for rural households. These impacts are not isolated to rural areas; urban areas are now burgeoning with environmental migrants whose farms could no longer produce enough income due to unpredictable rainfall and desertification.
Loren Blackford on Jump-Starting the Clean Revolution
The role of investments and markets has become a primary focus for me. During my time as chair of the Sierra Club Foundation board, we’ve transitioned as much of our portfolio as possible to asset managers who are aligned with our priorities. Convincing investors that coal is a bad investment has been a key component of the Club’s campaign success. Now the Club is partnering with clean energy leaders to convince investors, policymakers, and the public that renewables and efficiency are a good bet.
2011 Annual Report
In 2011, Rachel’s Network encompassed an extensive array of women from over 20 states, with outreach to educational outlets, advocacy groups, and grantmaking institutions. A retention rate of 93 percent affirmed the Network’s value as a tool for maximizing their impact. Though diverse in age, region, and political affiliation, members remained connected by a shared commitment to philanthropy, women’s leadership, and conservation. A variety of relationships also enhanced our roster, including multi-generational family ties, professional colleagues, and fellow community leaders.
Linda Campbell’s Reflections on Being a Candidate
I had never been particularly politically active before. My previous activism was limited to volunteering for candidates, making phone calls, and posting yard signs. But the Preschool Matters campaign pulled me further in. I was recently divorced, so I had time on my hands and loved the positive energy of the young paid staff. I immersed myself in every aspect of the campaign. I walked precincts, reached out to media outlets, spoke at Rotary clubs, and stuffed mailings. I was the chair of the campaign and a tireless volunteer.