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Bob Bingaman

Current Organization: 
Sierra Club
Current Position: 
National Field Director

What were some of your favorite memories and activities while attending Midwest Academy session or Internship?

Jackie will probably hate me saying it, but my fondest memories of Midwest Academy were the retreats/conventions Midwest Academy hosted in Chicago. It was an opportunity to refresh/learn new skills, get insights into the work of all parts of the progressive movement, be inspired by other organizers and great key note speakers, and it was like one big family reunion. I always came away from those events more informed, more inspired.
How has the training at Midwest Academy prepared you for your current position?
I would not be an organizer today, had it not been for the grassroots organizing training I received from Midwest Academy at the beginning of my organizing career. There are two key ways Midwest Academy prepared me for my current position. First, my brain is wired like a direct action organizing strategy chart. Midwest Academy, and the training I received, gave me the framework to plan, implement, and evaluate grassroots campaign work. Second, had it not been for a session led by Jackie Kendall and Steve Max on making organizing a life long vocation, I probably would have dropped out of organizing after my student organizing days. They really made clear, in a way not else had, that organizing is something we can (and should) do throughout our life.
Do you currently use the Midwest Academy Strategy chart in your current work?
When I came on as Sierra Club National Field Director, we were regaining our commitment to genuine grassroots organizing. I used my Midwest Academy training on the DAO chart to help inform and shape what became the Sierra Club model of grassroots organizing. We created our own grassroots campaign planning matrix, using the DAO strategy chart as the basis.
Do you have a success - that in part is due to your training at Midwest Academy?
Any successful grassroots campaign efforts I've been a part of traces directly back to my early Midwest Academy training. Midwest Academy taught me the craft of organizing. It provided a framework for how to plan, implement, and evaluate grassroots campaign work.
As mentioned earlier, it was because of the training I got from Midwest Academy that I am entering my 26th year of grassroots organizing.
Please tell us about your professional achievements and community involvements?
I've served for 13 years as the National Field Director for the Sierra Club. Before that, I was the National Field Director for NARAL. My introduction to Midwest Academy came while I was on the field staff of the U.S. Student Association. I serve on the board of Green Corps, the field school for environmental organizing (a great experiential learning opportunity for young people who want to organize in the environmental movement).
It is with a real sense of joy, that I get out of bed every morning going to work for the Sierra Club. I still cannot believe I can get paid as an organizer, to do what I would otherwise have done as a volunteer.
On the community level, for the past 12 years I have managed teams, been on the board, and served as the "Commissioner" of the Takoma Park-Silver Spring Babe Ruth (Baseball & Softball) League.
Anything you'd like to say to future Midwest Academy students?
Particularly to young people who come to Midwest Academy. . .think about making grassroots organizing in the progressive movement a life long vocation and take seriously the opportunity to get trained by the best, Midwest Academy. Lessons learned at Midwest Academy are lessons you will be able to draw on throughout your organizing career.
Final Thoughts?
Thanks for the honor. Midwest Academy is a special organization. I hate to think about how weak the progressive movement would be without Midwest Academy's training, networking and support.