"I sort of kept my hand in writing and went to work for the Sierra Club in '52, walked the plank there in '69, founded Friends of the Earth and the League of Conservation Voters after that"

David R. Brower’s statement conveys both a summary of his career and the evolving path of environmental activism in mid-20th century America. He begins by mentioning his ongoing engagement with writing, suggesting that his communication skills remained a crucial part of his professional identity. By “kept my hand in writing,” Brower acknowledges a consistent thread, emphasizing not just administrative or leadership roles but also the importance of advocacy through written word, whether in raising public awareness, fundraising, or shaping organizational missions.

His tenure at the Sierra Club, which began in 1952, marked a significant period in the organization’s history and in the broader environmental movement. The Sierra Club, the United States’ oldest and arguably most influential grassroots environmental organization, underwent considerable transformation under Brower’s leadership, expanding both its scope and its national impact. “Walked the plank there in ’69” is a metaphorical phrase, tinged with humor but grounded in the reality of his forced departure. “Walking the plank” is rooted in imagery from pirate lore, indicating expulsion under pressure or duress. Brower’s clashes with the Sierra Club board, over issues such as opposition to dam building and debates on fundraising and policy, culminated in his resignation. The phrase therefore encapsulates both his disappointment and resilience.

Rather than retreating, Brower responded with renewed vigor by founding Friends of the Earth and the League of Conservation Voters. These organizations expanded the frontier of environmental activism, introducing a global approach (Friends of the Earth) and a political advocacy focus (League of Conservation Voters), targeting lawmakers’ environmental stances. Brower’s narrative thus illustrates the adaptability of passionate advocates when faced with institutional constraints. His ability to reinvent his activism after setbacks exemplifies a broader lesson: meaningful change often arises not just from within established organizations, but from the persistent efforts of individuals willing to imagine and build new structures to confront emergent challenges. Brower’s trajectory highlights the interconnectedness of professional skill, personal conviction, and institutional innovation in the evolution of environmental advocacy.