Community action

rethren Disaster Ministries volunteers replace insulation on a damaged house
Photo by Ed Hendrickson
Brethren Disaster Ministries volunteers replace insulation on a house damaged by storms and flooding in Eureka, Missouri.

Your actions have an impact well beyond your congregational community. Some of those impacts, such our contributions to climate change, can be negative, but we can choose to take positive action as well. This action may include advocating for state or national legislation, educating your neighbors and coworkers, or projects with community benefits.

Advocacy

Our individual actions to reduce our fossil fuel use are important, but we can have an even larger impact by advocating for legislation that reduces greenhouse gas emissions while creating jobs and making sure that our most vulnerable citizens are protected.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a non-partisan organization working to create the political will to pass national carbon fee and dividend legislation. Locally organized groups train citizens to be effective lobbyists and to approach all relationships with appreciation, gratitude and respect. Learn more at citizensclimatelobby.org

Interfaith Power and Light also provides relevant information for advocacy

Events, outreach, and service

Weatherizing old homes: Weatherizing a home saves both money and energy. If there are people in your congregation with these skills, why not share them with the less fortunate in your congregation and community? One example of this is the Weatherization First program in State College, Pennsylvania.

Spread the light of Jesus by donating energy efficient LED light bulbs to low income families. Here’s one example of how it was done, or create a model that fits your own community.

New Community Project: Sustainable Living Centers

NCP manages a number of initiatives to help congregations and individuals educate and be educated. Their Sustainable Living Centers provide congregational energy audits, community education, weekend seminars, and other group activities.

Community support

Do you depend on the fossil fuel industry?

In rural Appalachia, many people depend on coal, and not just to keep the lights on. The mining industry in Appalachia has long been the dominant employer, creating an unstable and company-dependent economy. The long downward trend in coal production in this region has left a gaping hole in rural economies, leading to chronic unemployment and pervasive childhood poverty.

These regional groups work to support a just, people-centered and diverse economic transition for Appalachia. If you have been laid-off, work for the fossil fuel industry, or are concerned about your job security in this changing economy, these groups have the resources to help:

 

Contact us

Brethren Creation Care Network

nhosler@brethren.org