Sierra Service Project

2021 will bring lots of new, impactful SSP programs. To continue reimagining and bringing to life ways to foster community, we need the sustained investment of our generous donors! We are 20% to our $30,000 winter goal. Please consider supporting SSP's mission with a year-end gift: SierraServiceProject.org/Donate

Our next HQ Spotlight is Robert Elam, Project Consultant! Bob has been with the team since 2009, supporting programs and staff through his technical experience. If you've ever used a tool from an SSP trailer, you probably have Bob to thank! Q: Tell us a bit about your SSP story. A: I was introduced to SSP by Rick Eaton, former Executive Director. Many years ago our sons attended the same elementary school and became very good friends. One summer, Rick needed someone to haul a... tool trailer to the SSP site in Bishop, CA. He asked and I obliged. After a couple more trailer trips, Rick asked for help finishing some incomplete summer projects. I have been volunteering and working with SSP for a little over a decade. Q: What are some of your favorite SSP memories? A: My favorite memories are the times when youth attempt something they did not believe they could do - when they absolutely knew it was past their skill level, but completed the task and grew newfound respect for themselves and their capabilities. Q: How are you involved in your local community? How has this changed through the pandemic? A: My involvement in serving the community by volunteering and working with SSP, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento, and UC Davis Putah Creek Reserve has been significantly curtailed due to the physical contact required in volunteering with those organizations and the need to protect volunteers, staff, and beneficiaries. Q: How has SSP impacted your life and career? A: SSP has been one of the biggest eye-openers in my life and career. It is a great example of how a dedicated, small number of caring and committed people can make significant improvements in others' lives. I work for SSP to be involved with the SSP community and to continue to contribute to SSP's mission. Thank you for your passion and expertise, Bob. You're such an important and impactful member of our team as you teach and guide summer and HQ staff. To support SSP, consider an in-kind vehicle or tool donation. SSP works with the vehicle donation program, CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) to process the donation of a vehicle that we are not able to add to our fleet. Sedans, older vehicles, boats, motor homes and motorcycles can be donated through CARS which picks up the vehicle and sells it, with the proceeds going directly to SSP, and the tax-deduction to you. Learn more on our website: SierraServiceProject.org/Donate-a-Vehicle

Interested in finding new ways to serve others? Check out these great organizing opportunities from The Direct Action & Research Training Center and visit SierraServiceProject.org/DART-Job-Openings to learn more!

If your love language is a gift giving, visit to SSP's online store this month and use coupon code "DECEMBER10" for 10% off your order. Proceeds support our mission and new 2021 programs! SierraServiceProject.org/Store

Our next HQ spotlight is Program Manager Sarah Reynolds! Sarah was a youth participant with Church of the Good Shepherd, staff alum, and former Leadership Academy fellow who joined the HQ team in 2019. Q: Tell us a bit about your SSP story. A: I first attended SSP with my youth group in 2011. Despite the outdoor showers in Wautec, I felt radically accepted and fell in love with the community. I participated the next four summers, taking any SSP opportunity I could, and appli...ed for summer staff in 2016. I served in Chiloquin, Tsaile, and Spokane as a Construction Coordinator, and as a Site Director in 2019. Q: What are some of your favorite SSP memories? A: My favorite memories involve laughing while working through challenges. Whether it was rushing to put tarps on a roof in Chiloquin, waiting in line for water in Tsaile, or being stuck inside during a thunderstorm in Spokane, we made it through together. Life may not always go to plan, but it’s a lot easier when you have friends working alongside you. Q: How has SSP impacted your life and career? A: SSP instilled in me a deep love for people and justice. I have met amazing friends and mentors who keep me centered and inspired. SSP has helped show me how important it is to keep my values at the forefront of my life, learning continually from those who are experts of their own stories and communities. Thanks to SSP and the community we form, I see how I can make an impact in the world and wake up every day working to live into that. Q: Why do you work for SSP? A: SSP and our community has invested and believed in me even when I haven’t believed in myself. I’ve seen incredible examples of women in leadership roles and have been empowered to lead as a young woman myself, hoping to inspire others in the same way. Working for SSP is working for the future - a better and brighter future with young leaders at the helm. Thank you for your passion, Sarah! You're such an important part of our team. SSP invests in the development of young leaders through our Leadership Academy, hosted in partnership with Wesley Theological Seminary. We are accepting applications for fellows, mentors, and facilitators. Get involved with the Academy: SierraServiceProject.org/Leadership

Our next Youth Advisory Council (YAC) spotlight is Meilin Jokela! Meilin has served as a volunteer with Epworth UMC Berkeley in San Diego and Smith River. Q: Tell us a bit about your SSP story. A: I first heard about SSP from my church, and went with my youth group as soon as I was old enough. My first year was the summer before 6th grade, and I am now in 9th grade, so I have gone to 4 SSP sessions.... Q: What are some of your favorite SSP memories? A: My favorite part of SSP is always Spirit Walk. It is so amazing to hear the staff's stories and meditate in nature. I especially love the Spirit Walk in Smith River, walking through the forest and sitting on the beach is a magical experience. Q: How are you involved in your local community? How has this changed through the pandemic? A: I was in the process of training to be a volunteer at the Berkeley Humane Society. However, when the pandemic hit, I had to pause this process. I am also a member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Berkeley, and volunteer with my youth group. Q: How has SSP impacted your life? A: SSP has shown me the beauty of connection and community. I have gotten to know so many people through SSP that I feel a deep connection to, even if we haven't stayed in touch because of all we shared during a week. SSP has also shown me I can make a difference in the world and other people's lives. Thank you for joining us as a member of YAC, Meilin!

A sticker is a great way to take the spirit of SSP with you anywhere! Our 2020 'Grounded' sticker makes a great addition to water bottles, travel mugs, guitar cases, and more. Now on sale for just $1 plus tax and shipping! SierraServiceProject.org/2020-Grounded-Sticker

It's been six months since our nation took a magnifying lens to systemic racism - but inequities for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) haven't gone away. At Sierra Service Project HQ, we have been learning and unlearning as a team to address the ways SSP can become a more safe and inclusive space. We know that process is incomplete without direct feedback from you! Help us do better by completing our survey on diversity, equity, and inclusion at SSP, and sharing the survey with another friend of SSP: bit.ly/DEIatSSP

Our next Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is Claire Kosek, participant with Valencia United Methodist Church! Q: Tell us a bit about your SSP story. A: I first learned about SSP through my youth director, David Stradling. Little did I know a single conversation would change my life so immensely. I went to SSP for the first time in 2018 to Tsaile, AZ, and loved it so much I started making my packing list for the next year the day I got home.... Q: What are some of your favorite SSP memories? A: My favorite SSP memories are both from Tsaile, my first SSP. I remember the Spirit Walk vividly, the cliffs, the colors, the clouds. Seeing the world in such a beautiful form, so peaceful and full of opportunity made me want to live life for the beauty of nature and start appreciating little things the world provides that I took for granted. My second favorite memory was my last day on the worksite, when we were sitting in the back of the van eating our sandwiches that were cut into butterflies and hearts, even an octopus, and I just remember sitting there and thinking how amazing our world is, that I could meet four kids and five days later be sharing abstract art sandwiches and talking about our most wild experiences with religion. Q: How are you involved in your local community? How has this changed through the pandemic? A: I volunteer with Common Cents Mentors as well as leading Students Demand Action and Energy & Holistic Medicine Clubs on my high school campus. I volunteer as much as I can with my church in events such as the Nativity and our drive-through Trunk-or-Treat. However, during the pandemic my opportunities to help have become limited. I still work through Zoom raising money for Ryan’s Case 4 Smiles and figure out de-stressing activities for E&HM club, but a lot of the social aspects and bonding experiences are few and hard to come by, so for groups like Common Cents Mentors we hold Zooms just for the freshmen to check in or ask questions. While the pandemic has seriously realigned the world in terms of volunteering, I still find myself in situations where I can help others and I am always striving to find more online initiatives that I can help with. Q: How has SSP impacted your life? A: SSP has definitely changed the way I view my life. Before SSP, I had so many conflicting ideas about my future. Now I know that whatever I choose, I want a career to which I have the time and resources to better the world and help strangers. I want a career that will morally check my boxes and allow me to dedicate time to working for the greater good. Thank you for your time and energy, Claire! We are so happy to have you join us as a part of YAC.

Our next Youth Advisory Council (YAC) spotlight is Dani Berg, youth participant with First Presbyterian Church of Bozeman in Bozeman, Montana. Q: Tell us a bit about your SSP story. A: I've been involved with SSP the last three years with my church, once in Spokane, once in San Diego, and this past summer at home in Bozeman where we did local service projects in our community and participated with the Tsaile staff team with the online summer program. My youth leader attended... SSP with our church many years ago, and decided that restarting the tradition would be a good way for us all to connect. Before my first experience, I had no idea SSP would become such an influential piece of my life. Q: What are some of your favorite SSP memories? A: A really distinct memory that stands out is playing the card game 'Rat Slap' with a bunch of friends in Spokane, but I had found a fly swatter and was using it to win the game. Another is visiting Friendship Park in San Diego, with some of the participants from our week right on the other side of the wall in Mexico. I treasure the personal change that SSP has given to me, in my own spirituality and character. Q: How are you involved in your local community? How has this changed through the pandemic? A: In Bozeman, I'm involved with choir at school. Singing is one of my hobbies, and I'm constantly trying to improve. Sharing that with others in my community at choir in school, or at church, or with my family is how I express myself and connect with others. Singing in the pandemic has definitely changed. At school, we have special masks that cover a larger amount of your face than typical masks, and online church has taken out many opportunities to sing. Q: How has SSP impacted your life? A: SSP has made me realize that although I'm striving to study science, service will always be a part of me. The profound feeling of community SSP provides while giving back is one I want to share and spread with others. Thanks for joining us in this exciting new way, Dani! We are so happy to have you join us on SSP's Youth Advisory Council.

Our community partners in Chiloquin, OR were recently impacted by a large wildfire that threatened homes and burned 14,000 acres, including over 80% of Collier Memorial State Park. Hear about their recovery efforts from Ranger Terra Kemper, a friend of SSP.

Today is the day! Whether you vote safely in person or take your ballot to a dropbox, make sure your voice is heard. To review your voting rights, visit aclu.org/know-your-rights/voting-rights. If you run into any problems or have questions, call the Election Protection Hotline: - English: 1-866-OUR-VOTE / 1-866-687-8683 - Spanish: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA / 1-888-839-8682... - Arabic: 1-844-YALLA-US / 1-844-925-5287 - For Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Urdu, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, or Vietnamese: 1-888-274-8683 See more

Last week we announced our new Youth Advisory Council (YAC), eight high school students who will bring youth voices to SSP's decision-making. Our first YAC spotlight is Madison Gallardo. Madison has been a participant with First United Methodist Church of Lodi for several years, including last summer's online program! Q: Tell us a bit about your SSP story. A: Over the years I've been encouraged to attend SSP from the stories that were told by older youth from my church who ha...d participated previously. I went the first summer I could in 2018, and have been participating ever since. Q: What are some of your favorite SSP memories? A: My most memorable moments stem from the new people I meet, and getting to build stronger relationships with the people from my church. Especially at the worksite with my work team or any down time. Q: How are you involved in your local community? How has this changed through the pandemic? A: Once a month my church would make breakfast and lunch to take to the Salvation Army, but we have not been able to since March. Hopefully soon that can change, but we have been collecting non-perishable food for those who need it. Q: How has SSP impacted your life? A: I walked away from my faith for the most part before my first SSP experience, and over the past couple of years participating has brought me back to it. Finding my faith again has helped mold me into the person I strive to be, and that has change me for the better. Thank you for your passion and thoughtfulness, Madison! We are so excited to have you join us as a leader with YAC.

Do you have a plan for Election Day? Make sure you know your rights and are prepared to cast your vote!

Our final board spotlight is staff alum Sean Patrick Murphy! Sean was a youth volunteer with Temecula United Methodist Church and staff member for many years, even contributing a favorite to the songbook! Q: Tell us a bit about your SSP story. A: In 1999, I was a shy middle schooler whose family had just moved from Montana to California. That summer, my parents told me I was going on a week-long trip with other high school kids to do service work. That week at SSP's site in ...Fallon, Nevada was the first time I really bonded with other youth my age since moving. I was hooked after that. After five consecutive years as a youth, I spent five summers on staff where I learned a lot of skills that I still use in my personal and professional relationships today. Q: What is a favorite SSP memory? A: Writing the lyrics to "One Jedi Soldier" with Rob Pedersen in Chiloquin Oregon, 2005. Q: How has SSP impacted your life/career? A: Working for SSP as summer staff gave me the foundation and confidence I needed to apply for the Peace Corps and to work as a community organizer in different capacities here in the US. Thank you for your passion and continuing support of SSP and our mission, Sean. We are so glad to have you join us on the board!

Our next board spotlight is Kelly Stockton, former youth participant, liaison, and staff alum! Q: Tell us a bit about your SSP story. A: I started with SSP the first summer I could, in 1996. I participated with an amazing group I consider as my second family, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Sacramento. Our incredible youth leader, Christy Stoughton, gave us awesome opportunities to serve and SSP was by far my favorite. I continued every summer through high school and ...Continue reading

Don't forget to sign up for our first ZZP with SSP event, today at 3:30pm Pacific! Grab a friend to join you for a free 'spooktacular' Halloween Kahoot and other activities led by our new Youth Advisory Council. Register now: bit.ly/ZZP-with-SSP

You won't want to miss our first "ZZP with SSP" free event, tomorrow at 3:30pm Pacific! Our new Youth Advisory Council will be leading a Halloween-themed Kahoot, and participants will receive a seasonal sticker. Register now: bit.ly/ZZP-with-SSP

Don't forget to join SSP virtually today at 3:30pm Pacific to hear about our upcoming programs! Watch the October Town Hall here on Facebook, or register directly for the webinar:

Join SSP tomorrow, 10/28 at 3:30pm Pacific, as we share about upcoming programs! Watch our virtual October Town Hall here on Facebook, or register to participate directly in the webinar: bit.ly/OctTownHall