The UCC Environmental Justice Minister, Rev. Brooks Berndt, in response to concerns about insufficient legislation addressing the climate crisis and no legislation addressing the needs of environmental justice communities, is starting Climate Hope advocacy groups in faith communities around the country. These “Climate Hope Affiliate” chapters aim to catalyze local communities, the media, and elected officials to champion efforts addressing climate change and environmental justice communities. They seek to protect existing climate legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act, and promote future legislation aimed at addressing the climate crisis and the needs of environmental justice communities. Climate Hope advocates will be using the proven-effective “Transformational Advocacy” method developed by Sam Daley-Harris and the RESULTS social justice activism group over the last 40 years.
This approach is called “Transformational” because it not only changes legislation and people’s lives, but the advocates themselves report feeling empowered and energized by the work. Transformational advocacy requires an opening of one’s heart, recognizing a common humanity with those of differing opinions, allowing the possibility of forgiveness, and building positive relationships with those in a position to effect change. Shockingly, this unusual approach of “leading with love” has proven to be quite effective.
Meanwhile, here at Edwards, over the last year or more, the Environmental Justice Team has continued their activism to “be the change we wish to see in the world.” Our social justice activism includes, but is not exclusive to, our role as stewards of the earth. We decided our Spring / Lenten project would be to encourage the congregation and other folks to engage in social activism as well.
Consequently, the EJT sponsored the February book discussion of Sam Daley-Harris book, Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen’s Guide to Transformational Advocacy. The EJT also agreed Ronda would host a Climate Hope Transformational Advocacy Affiliate chapter here at Edwards and Mary would participate and provide support. Since late February, Rev. Brooks Berndt has led several meetings with our group and provided outside “check ins” to help us get our Climate Hope chapter up and running. Climate Hope advocates are drawn from “people of faith and conscience” and so include both people within and outside of our congregation, and of different faiths or spiritual leanings.
Climate Hope meetings include a prayer, inspirational reading, presentation of the method, and opportunities to practice skills in a supportive and respectful atmosphere. Each week’s action item is followed by a check in with one’s “buddy” to promote accountability. Our chapter decided on specific behavior expected in group and signed up for individual roles such as “Liaison to Senator Warren” so that work would be shared, and no one would feel undervalued or overwhelmed.
At the remaining training session in May, we will learn how to develop relationships with members of the press, how to prepare for and manage meetings with federal level elected officials, among other things. Chapter members will also begin ongoing monthly Zoom meetings with the members of the other chapters across the country to report successes, challenges, ask questions, hear speakers, and receive feedback and action items. While we currently have a core membership of about 11 people in our chapter, the group is open and welcomes new members. For more information, text Ronda Yeomans at 508-843-9410 or email mrce.yeomans@verizon.net.