Prior to the Event
Once on the Event
After the Event

Prior to the Outing

• Research Trip
• Scout the Trip
• Evaluate Difficulty
• Choose Date(s)
• Highlight Natural, Historical or Conservation Features
• Avoid Conflicts with Hunting Seasons, Maintenance Closures
• Get Required Permits/Permissions
• Trips over 10 days, outside the U.S. or Canada, or involving watercraft, rock climbing, mountaineering, or aircraft require Sierra Club approval
• Choose Maximum Group Size
• Make Contingency Plans
• Identify Co-leader(s)

Newsletter Write-up Checklist

• Date (Day to agree with date)
• Destination
• Event Type
• Meeting Place(s)
  • Carpool number to correspond to description
  • Alternate carpools for "geographically undesirables"
  • Directions
• Meeting Time(s) - for each meeting place
• Estimated Level
  • Mileage
  • Elevation gain
  • Pace
  • Difficulty
• Rain or other incident cancels?
• What to Bring
  • Water
  • Food (to share?)
  • Clothing
  • Boots
• Equipment (when necessary)
  • Bike, backpack, camping equipment (as needed)
  • Safety equipment
  • Sunblock
  • Water and/or filter
  • Money
• Reservations Required?
• By Phone, Mail, Electronic?
• Standard Information Notes
• Fees - checks payable to leader
• SASE
• Deadline
• Group size - minimum and maximum
• Central, potluck, individual, per-carpool or hot-water commissary
• Cancellation and waiting list policies
• Estimated End Time
• Leader and Co-leader(s) Contact Info

Participant Screening (when necessary)

• Inquire about Applicant's Experience, Physical Condition, and Equipment
• Fill Openings from Waiting List by Order of Sign-up or by Lottery

Trip Letters (when necessary)

• Time and place to meet
• Equipment requirements
• Leader furnished food, equipment
• Participant contact list for carpooling
• First Aid Kit

Welcome Checklist

• Arrive Early
• Introductions
  
  • Leader(s)
  • New members
  • Guests
• First Aid qualified, kits
• Instructions
• Hazards
• Check equipment
• Limits for fast and slow participants
• Rear leader
• Publicity
  • Announcements
  • Get people involved in running and advertising the Section
• Sign-in Sheets

Educate and Learn from Participants

• Environment
• Leadership
• Safety
• Natural History
• Conservation Issues
• Equipment
• Identify Potential Leaders and Activists
• Closure Checklist
• Check that All Participants are Accounted For
• Invite Nonmembers to Join Sierra Club and/or Sierra Singles
• Get Feedback on How to Improve Event and Leadership Skills
• Be Sure that Participants Depart Safely

After the Event

• Follow Up with Participants Who Want to Join or Become Leaders
• Report Incidents to EXCOM
• Complete Accident Reports
• Trip Report for Newsletter
• Retain Sign-in Sheets for 3 years
• Plan Your Next Event!