Dear Pollinators,
With our present election cycle, we can celebrate the fruition of seeds that were planted over two years ago. In early 2018, the UCC’s Council for Climate Justice developed a partnership with the Environmental Voter Project (EVP), a non-partisan organization dedicated to reversing the lack of voter participation among those who care about the environment. EVP targets the states where it can make the most difference in turning out voters, and from early votes alone in the recent election, EVP’s efforts helped bring 69,332 first-time voters to the polls in Georgia, 56,990 in Arizona, 54,976 in Pennsylvania, and 20,705 in Nevada.
Over the past months, the Rev. Roberta Rominger organized over 40 volunteers across the country to form an online community dedicated to text banking with EVP. In August, EVP profiled Rominger’s inspiring work in a blog post. Notably, this election cycle is not over and neither is the work. Each of you is invited to join the current effort to turn out environmental voters in the state of Georgia for the runoff elections. Sign-up now to join this critical undertaking.
As we continue this work, we can also step back to realize an important lesson this moment is teaching us: In this pandemic era that compels physical separation, actions taken by and through community matter as much as ever. We do more and achieve more when we act together. These are the seeds we need to continue to water. We now need faith-rooted online advocacy communities to play a meaningful role in facing the greatest legislative challenge of our time which is moving congress to take effective action in addressing the inseparable issues of climate and inequality.
We will take our first step in preparing for the action needed with the next Creation Justice Webinar entitled “Prophets and Power: Compelling Congress to Act.” Join us for this webinar and join in creating a future that bears even more fruit!
With gratitude for your ministry,
Further Details for Webinar Focused on Compelling Congress to Act
Learn what faith communities can do to compel congress to pass climate legislation with Todd Fernandez from Climate Crisis Policy, Rabbi Daniel Swartz from the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life, and Shantha Ready Alonso from Creation Justice Ministries. Even if you can't make the webinar’s scheduled time on Wednesday, November 18th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording. Sign up now!
Webinar—How to Not Be an Individual in Taking Climate Action
This webinar from the UCC’s Council for Climate Justice focuses on shifting from individualistic responses to the climate crisis to responses that bring people together and build a movement. The three panelists are the Rev. Angel Luis Rivera-Agosto from Global Ministries, Garret Barnwell from South Africa’s environmental justice movement, and the Rev. Sam Chamelin from the farm church movement. Sign-up now to join the webinar on Wednesday, December 2nd at 1 pm ET!
Carbon Dividend Act Advocacy
In June 2019, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ voted in favor of a resolution to support House Bill H.R. 763, the “Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019.” Tom Rausch points to why December will be a critical period of advocacy in order pass carbon dividend legislation in 2021. Rausch suggests three specific actions churches can take. Read more in his reflection entitled “Time to Again Support the Carbon Dividend Act.”
Digital Potluck: Roasted Asparagus Quiche
Along with her wife, Hannah, the Rev. Dr. Deborah Conrad has created her own holiday traditions that feature vegan dishes. Some dishes are adaptations of recipes from their Southern families, while some are new recipes of their own choosing. Read as Rev. Conrad reflects on holiday food and shares a vegan Roasted Asparagus Quiche that has become a holiday favorite.
Permaculture as Climate Resilience Strategy
One of the strategies for capturing carbon through the church’s landscape is “permaculture gardening.” “Permaculture” may sound like an odd or foreign word to some, but the Rev. Meighan Pritchard and the Rev. Craig Schaub help introduce this important strategy for congregations in facing the climate crisis. Read what they have to say!
Win $1,000 with the Cool Congregations Challenge
The Cool Congregations Challenge is an annual national contest from Interfaith Power & Light to recognize congregations that are becoming energy efficient and sustainable role models within their communities. There are first place prizes of $1,000 for each category. There are no fees to enter. The deadline for entries is December 15. Learn more!
New England Environmental Justice Youth Summit: A Free Webinar for All
The upcoming New England Environmental Justice Youth Summit will feature the Rev. Gordon Rankin, the Rev. Dr. Jim Antal, Marla Marcum, and more. There will also be screenings of documentaries on the water protectors at Standing Rock and on the struggle to close a coal plant. Learn more about this 2-part summit on Thursday, November 19th from 7 to 9 pm and Saturday, November 21st from 9 am to 12 pm.
Survey on Desired Content for the Pollinator Newsletter
To better serve the needs and interests of our newsletter subscribers, this quick nine question survey seeks your input as to what kind of content you would like to read in this newsletter. Give your input now!