By Connie Schmidt
I’d like you all to meet Mike! He wanted to volunteer with an environmental group, and the River Prairie Group of Sierra Club is very happy to welcome him. Here is an interview with Mike Ondek, a relatively new volunteer with RPG.
How would you introduce yourself to new friends? I love nature. It is
amazing to me that I can still watch a nature documentary, or read a research
article, and be utterly surprised and impressed about something new I just
learned of the natural world. I like public service. I volunteer at the
Northern IL Food Bank, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Sierra
Club, and a few other groups when I can help.
What brought you to engage
with the Sierra Club? I’ve always loved the outdoors. Whether that be snorkeling
in John Pennekamp State Park, walking in Starved Rock, or biking through the
trails of DuPage County. I love that we have public lands that have been
preserved and protected for all to enjoy. I was looking for a place that is a friend to
the natural world, and I found that at the Sierra Club, River Prairie Group.
What are your interests in helping the SC campaigns or
activities? Feel free to include your strengths or experiences that you
bring. I am still trying to find my way. I am in my trial phase
to see how different activities fit. So far, I’ve tried a little bit of water
testing, water permit violation tracking, lobbying, phone banking, community
outreach, and providing public testimony. Professionally, I’m currently a
data analyst, but I have just been trying things out at work, too. I started as
an install/repair technician in the telecom industry, went to technician
dispatch operations, vendor management, and now data analysis. I want to do
what needs doing. Of course, I don’t want it to be a drudge, but I really just
want to make a positive impact. I have been feeling more of a draw to some sort
of organizing or political activities, though.
Will you tell us about a formative experience you had
involving the environment or nature that brought you to advocacy? I was privileged to be able
to travel a bunch when I was young. My number one, favorite place in the world
was Maui. I used to be a great swimmer, and decent diver, and snorkeling just
felt like home. When I was a child, the coral reefs of Maui were an incredible
experience. Being able to dive and see fish, crabs, eels, rays, and all sorts
of amazing creatures in one place is astonishing. There is a reason people call
it paradise. Then later, as I read of coral bleaching, it occurred to me that
not only the paradise of Hawaii, but many natural splendors would not be
available to the upcoming generations of children. That sad realization drove
me to seek ways to be a better steward to the planet.
Lastly, Mike and I had a conversation about why people
are not more involved with advocacy and volunteering. People don’t know how to help. They don’t
feel comfortable or empowered. There is a sea of anger and fear right now. I
think we should reach out to other organizations and cross coordinate our
efforts more. This is the time, and we need to take advantage of this moment.
Mike Ondek is now volunteering with multiple committees of
the River Prairie Group. Among his
activities, he has lobbied his state senator on our priority issues, helped as
a water tester for our river monitoring program, and worked on membership
programs and organizing. Mike found the
River Prairie Group and is now determining how to best use his skills, talents,
and interests to make a difference. Be like Mike: get involved, and you can
make a difference too! Contact Jeff Gahris jgahris@gmail.com,
or Connie Schmidt cschmidt527@gmail.com
if you want to chat about how to get more involved.
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