“A man of deep intelligence and kindness”
One of the founding members of Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) Alameda, Lee Ballance, died on June 1st after a short illness. Lee and his wife, former CCL Board member Mary Selkirk, were driving forces in the establishment of our chapter and in fact, early meetings took place at their house. He had stepped back from CCL in recent months but those of us who knew Lee will miss his kind, knowledgeable and enthusiastic guidance. As Mary says, “He was a beautiful man full of life and joy, a man of deep intelligence and kindness.”
Lee was involved in CCL’s lobbying efforts, supporting our trips to Washington, DC and at home. When lobbying, Lee’s calming presence and quiet encouragement moved CCLers–especially new lobbyists–from intimidation to empowerment.
He also worked hard to raise money for a youth conference scholarship fund so that young people could lobby in DC. Because many youth cannot afford the expense of the trip, they might never have the opportunity to experience such a direct role in the democratic process. The financial support, therefore, could be truly empowering.
In consideration of that, our chapter has decided to name the scholarship fund after Lee. See below if you wish to donate to this fund.
Another area where Lee made a big impact was the Media Watch, a collaboration of three CCL chapters. Media Watch volunteers would monitor local newspapers for climate change articles, then send summaries and links to those article to team members to write about. Many letters to the editor came out of it.
Member Harry Chomsky relates Lee’s involvement – “Our chapter’s Media Watch newsletter was a product of Lee’s vision. As I helped him keep it running for years, I was amazed by his quiet persistence, and also by his continual questioning. Could we find a way to make the process more efficient? Could we raise our ambition somehow? Without the slightest note of criticism, he would shine a light on where we were falling short, and explore how we could do better. He always made me feel like our work and my contribution to it were valuable.”
As a physician, Lee was very concerned with the health impacts of climate change. He and fellow physician Cynthia Mahoney, the leader of CCL Contra Costa, worked together to get support for CCL’s climate policies from local medical societies. Says Cynthia:
“Lee was a mentor and a friend, at the forefront of the movement to connect Climate and Health. He and Dr. Don Gaede convinced the Fresno Madeira Madera Society to pass a resolution in favor of carbon pricing.
“Lee then suggested we approach the Alameda Contra Costa Medical Society. With his wisdom about how things work in the society and eye for opportunity, we gave three talks and wrote 3 newsletter articles on climate health impacts over the course of the next year. The carbon pricing resolution passed.
“Lee was a truly fine human being, a wonderful colleague; a joy to collaborate with. When he said “Let’s talk” I knew we would consider new angles and come up with a better solution. And have fun doing it.”
Here are other comments from chapter members who were fortunate enough to work with Lee over the years:
“When I came to CCL Alameda, I felt lost and disempowered. I wanted to work on climate, but didn’t know where to start. Lee encouraged me right off to go to the Conference and Lobby Day in DC. My reaction was ‘Who, me? I just got here!’ to which he responded with a clear ‘Yes, you!’ Yes, now!’
“Lobby Day was surprisingly empowering. I saw how all of us can connect with and influence policymakers. When I returned, he again encouraged me to step up – now into team leadership, which led to chapter co-leadership. I am forever grateful for his warm, firm guidance and encouragement. I hope that I can pass that on that confidence to others in the chapter so they, too, can find themselves doing more than they thought possible.”
– Ted Obbard
“I was new to CCL the first time I lobbied in D.C. — and a bit anxious about it. Soon after registering I got an email from Lee. He said he’d been planning to be on the lobby team for our congressperson but a change of vacation travel arrangements meant that he would arrive in D.C. a day later than planned. Therefore, could I take the Leader role on the lobby team? What!? My reply must have carried a strong whiff of insecurity.
“He wrote back, ‘Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll do fine.’
“I felt his vote of confidence made a difference. I did do fine. Not because I was particularly adept but because the entire team worked toward a common goal. We supported one another and kept the ball rolling. Of course, Lee understood that.”
– Nick Despota
“I appreciated his tabling a number of times in the earlier years of my working on tabling. Of course, I could count on him to show newer members how it’s done. He created and event for doctors at Kaiser Permanente where he then tabled.
“Later, when I started editing the Briefing, I invited him many times to send a blurb and again I could count on him to promptly provide an article. I so appreciated his good-natured willingness to help. I’ll miss him.”
– Lin Griffith
“Lee served as our chapter’s first treasurer, establishing the foundation for the work I do today. I deeply appreciate all of the time and effort he contributed to helping all of our work in so many ways.”
– Ben Keller
“Lee was always welcoming and warm to me…always encouraging me to engage in the various CCL activities…I will indeed miss him, as will those climate activists whom he mentored and inspired.”
– Mike Broad
In memory of the hard work he did giving young people the opportunity to be heard, please consider donating via either Venmo or PayPal to Citizens’ Climate Lobby Alameda Chapter.
Put ‘Lee Balance conference scholarship fund’ in the comments section to properly route your donation.
Trish Clifford