Dear Friend,

We know these are challenging times. Now more than ever we acknowledge our interconnectedness and our commitment to caring for each other and the community. Read the letter to our community from FACS’ Board of Directors and staff.

On March 23rd and 30th FACS held a program of reflection and sharing in order to support one another during these trying and difficult times. Rev. Jean Wright led the first by sharing the poem, “In the time of Pandemic” and each participant was invited to share their reflections. Don Craig led the second session, and shared “Prayer for A Pandemic”. We are offering an additional Reflection and Support Gathering on Monday, April 6 at 10:00. Click to join by Zoom.

Advocacy

FACS response in this time of crisis

The health and economic impacts of the virus is expected to dominate public discourse over the coming months. On March 12, 2020 in response to the growing threat of the coronavirus, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency, and on March 16, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay did the same. The health and economic impacts of the virus will be massive.

FACS remains committed to carrying out our mission to advocate for equitable, local actions to address the growing threat of climate change and to place those most vulnerable at the forefront of our actions. Now, more than ever, these populations are facing challenges that are unprecedented.

At this time we ask that you support the calls to action of FACS partners serving the local community found in this list. Read FACS Response to COVID-19 and find links to community partners who could use your support right now.

Fairfax County 2021 Budget

At the Tuesday, March 31 Budget Committee meeting, which is recorded and available here,

potential revenue implications and adjustments to the FY 2021 Budget will be discussed. An updated proposal will be sent to the Board of Supervisors no later than April 7. We will discuss the budget adjustments and their implications for our funding priorities at the April Advocacy Teams Monthly Meeting on April 8 at 1:00. If you would like to be on the Advocacy Teams mailing list please email rebecca@faithforclimate.org.

You will find the FY 2021 Advertised Budget Plan here as originally presented. The Updated FACS 2020 Spring Advocacy Talking Points include our current response to the immediate health crisis, as indicated above.

FACS still plans to testify at the public hearings April 14-16, which are being held virtually with a few exceptions. FACS will testify on April 15th. More information will be available soon on the Fairfax County Budget website.

Upcoming Events

FACS Monthly Advocacy Webinar

All are welcome to participate in FACS’ monthly advocacy webinar on Wednesday, April 8 at 1:00 p.m. The webinars are a great opportunity to quickly get up-to-speed on FACS’ advocacy initiatives and opportunities for action to bring back to your faith communities. Click here to join the webinar and use this meeting id.869-346-113. Note: no pre-registration is required. Bookmark the link and add to your calendar.

FACS Tree of Life Launch

Join us April 23rd at noon by Zoom as we bring together Faith Communities who have joined the Tree of Life Program and all those who are interested. Here is the Zoom link.

At this moment, the COVID-19 crisis has our focus on protecting the most vulnerable and adjusting our own lives to the new realities to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

There will come a time when you and your community are ready to regain some sense of the normal and find ways to carry on with community and your commitment to earth stewardship. This is a very good time for learning and planning, two key components of the new Tree of Life Program.

Bring your Green Team or some friends together on the phone or by Zoom and take a look at the Tree of Life program. See where you can learn and where you can lead as part of the program. Send in your registration form and we can start working with you to build your program to be in action virtually and in person after this crisis has passed.

Join us for the Launch webinar on April 23rd as we explain how the program works, walk you through the resources and discuss how you can participate. We have had a very positive response to the launch of the new Tree of Life program with a core of early adapters ready to work with us.

Earth Day Goes Digital

While our celebrations and actions for this years’ 50th Anniversary of Earth Day won’t be held in person, there are plenty of virtual activities during the week. Check www.earthday.org,

Amid the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, Earth Day Network, the global organizer of Earth Day, is postponing its live 50th anniversary of Earth Day event, originally scheduled for April 22, 2020. Instead, April 22 will mark the first Digital Earth Day, a global digital mobilization to address the most urgent threats to people and the planet.

Postponed: FACS Sustainability Awards Breakfast

FACS’ Sustainability Champions Awards celebration, originally scheduled for June 11th, is now postponed following Governor Northam’s stay-at-home Executive Order which extends through June 10th. The awards are still open and we encourage nominations through April 10th. We will reschedule the event later this year and look forward to celebrating in person.