Community MAPPING?! Yes, and It's How We Win. Register

Date and Time:
Thu, Oct 29, 2026; 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM  (Eastern)

Organized By: Tennessee Chapter

Location: Virtual

Sierra Club Tennessee Chapter | Community Mapping & Organizing Training

Are you an expert who has been organizing for years? New to the Sierra Club and not sure where to start? Full of ideas for your community but lacking the tools to make them happen?

This training is for ALL of us.

Why This Matters

Tennessee's biggest wins didn't come from one person, social media tools, or sending emails. It takes people like you and me with intentions and years of pressure from people showing up, talking to neighbors, and organizing together to help retire TVA's Bull Run coal plant, one of ten TVA coal plants retired since 2012. Change happens when people build relationships, find shared values, and take action together.

That's the first step in movement work: build community, work with what we have, and create solidarity around what we care about. Our power comes from our people, and the more people we connect with, the more we can protect the places we love.

Here's how it works:

1. Map where your community gathers and who's already there.
2. Connect through listening and one-on-one conversations.
3. Invite people into action, whether that's an outing, a meeting, or a campaign.
4. Build power together to win for Tennessee's air, water, and public lands.

This training gives you the skills for each step.

What We'll Do

Join us for a hands-on virtual session for chapter members, new members, and volunteers ready to take action. Experienced leaders will share knowledge and build community with newer members, and every level of experience is welcome. No experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to try.

• Map your community. Find places where you can meet people, and spot neighbors and groups who might want to get involved. Outings are a great way to connect.
• Practice 1-on-1 conversations. Learn how to invite someone outdoors, make a real ask, and build authentic relationships rather than just making a pitch.
• Share your strengths. Everyone brings stories and knowledge that can inspire others to act.
• Get comfortable being a little uncomfortable. Growing as an organizer means stepping outside familiar roles, and we'll do it together in small groups.

You'll Leave With a Plan

By the end, you'll have a draft community map and a first step to try within the week, such as identifying three people or places to reach out to, or inviting one person to an upcoming outing.

TAKE ACTION: Bring a friend. Invite one person who cares about Tennessee but hasn't gotten involved yet. Their first step could start with you.

Questions? Contact Riley Douglas at Riley.Douglas@sierraclub.org or 865-566-1873.

We hope to see you there! 🌿

Cost: FREE

Signup Instructions: Please Register HERE!