Thank you to the places of worship that participated in Climate in the Pulpits! This Fall pastors, rabbis, imams, and other clergy in congregations across the region raised up Creation Care and climate change as part of their sermons at weekly services and through other learning programs. Together, we were able to raise up faithful voices across Fairfax County!
As we work together to repair our damaged climate, we affirm that every person has an equal right, as the old song says, “to the Tree of Life.” We must make sure that everyone most impacted — including low-income people, people of color, the vulnerable, and those on the frontlines — are part of every solution. You can learn more about our advocacy work in Fairfax County here.
We hope that these conversations will continue at your place of worship. Learn more about programming we offer year round! Additionally, you can find other resources for programming and education for your place of worship here. As always please reach out with questions or more information!
Below are steps on how to create a Facebook Fundraiser for Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions on Giving Tuesday. Remember to choose Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions as your charity of choice.
Remember, you can create a fundraiser at any time for FACS – not just Giving Tuesday!
Pope Francis, in his “Laudato si” asks; “what kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up?” We appreciate your gifts and support!
Advocacy
2020 Advocacy Kickoff
FACS’ Annual Advocacy Kickoff Meeting and Workshop will be held on Friday, January 10th. Kick off the new year by diving into local solutions to climate change and brushing up on your advocacy skills. You’ll hear from speakers that will prepare you and your faith community to take advantage of new financing opportunities for energy efficiency and clean energy; guide us in our pursuit to become a net zero community; share opportunities for action in the 2020 Virginia General Assembly; and inspire through the impact local businesses are making through their sustainability initiatives. You will also participate in a hands-on training to practice your skills speaking with elected officials. REGISTER TODAY!
Date: January 10th
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Location: Little River United Church of Christ (8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003)
Advocacy Webinar
Our next advocacy webinar will be held on Wednesday, December 11th at 1:00 p.m. To join an advocacy team or ask questions, please contact Meg Mall at Meg@faithforclimate.org. Bookmark this link to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/552681028
EQAC 2019 Annual Report on the Environment
Each year, EQAC holds a public hearing to obtain input from interested parties on issues of environmental concern. It is anticipated that the next public hearing will be held on January 8, 2020. The public is encouraged to attend and share views on the state of the environment and to identify any environmental issues applicable to Fairfax County. The 2019 EQAC annual report will be presented at the December 3rd meeting of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors at approximately 10:00 a.m. Join FACS at the meeting!
Date: January 8th 2020
Time: 7:30 PM
Location:12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax
2020 Virginia General Assembly
The Virginia General Assembly begins on Wednesday, January 8th, 2020. FACS is advocating for The Solar Freedom Bill, which would remove barriers to customer solar, including reforms related to net metering. Check out thefact sheetfor more information. Stay tuned for how you can take action to promote the growth of solar in Virginia.
Take note of upcoming opportunities related to the VA General Assembly:
As environmental issues continue to escalate, we find ourselves wondering, “What can I do as an individual?” Now for the first time in Virginia’s history, we can invest our dollars to align with our values through a solar investment crowdfunding campaign with Secure Solar Capital.
The Faith Alliance will co-host an informational webinar with Secure Futures Solar, the manager of the crowdfunding initiative. We will talk about where these investments are going (like to Temple Rodef Shalom) and walk you through the invest process – it’s friendly to both first-time and experienced investors.
Join us on one of the two dates below to start making your impact! To register, please email info@faithforclimate.org or click on the links below to join directly.
Date: Thursday, December 12 or Friday, December 20
Disclosure: Secure Solar Capital is making a donation to support FACS’ work as part of a partnership to share this information with our network of faith communities.
Youth Climate Rally in Vienna
Join with Youth in Fairfax County to urge policy makers to act on climate change. With the consequences of climate change becoming ever more clear and dire with each passing day, a new powerful wave of the climate movement has been swelling up over the last couple of years. Young people around the world have been rising up to defend our future, and have been going on strike – every week, all over the planet – for months. In the September Climate Strikes alone, 7.6 million people took to the streets with us.
Location: Vienna Town Green, 144 Maple Avenue E, Vienna Virginia 22180
FACS Award
Leaders in Energy has awarded FACS Board Chair, Eric Goplerud, as a Leader in Clean Energy and Sustainable Solutions in the Baby Boomer category.
“You are receiving this award on behalf of founding the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions which is helping people of faith develop local solutions to the climate crisis. Your work in bringing together a coalition of religious leaders to make progress on energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives in addition to partnering with others in coalitions on waste, healthy communities, etc. exemplifies the theme of our award this year on “Alliances for Action: Coalitions, Collaborations, and Partnerships.”
Peace Lutheran Church was in a dilemma, they had lots of plates to wash after events but two dishwashers from the 80’s that were guzzling energy and weren’t getting dishes clean. The church was often forced to use plastic plates, cups, and silverware as using the dishwashers was time consuming. Members of the Kitchen Committee had to fully wash the plates and silverware before they were put in the dishwasher, meaning a significant amount of water and energy were being used.
The Cool Congregations Challenge, is an annual national contest to recognize “Cool Congregations” that are becoming energy efficient and sustainable role models within their communities. The contest is brought to you by Interfaith Power & Light, a nonprofit organization working to inspire and support a religious response to global warming. Get ready to enter the Challenge! A winner will be selected in each category and will be awarded $1000. Entries are due December 15. Read more here.
There are five entry categories:
Energy Saver: Lighting, Insulation, Windows & Doors, Heating & Cooling Systems
Renewable Role Model: Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Solar Water Heating
Sacred Grounds: Native landscaping, Organic Gardening, Water Conservation, Bike Racks, Wildlife Habitats, Recycling & Composting
Community Inspiration: Inspiring Congregants to Reduce at Home, Helping Communities Transition from Fossil Fuels to Clean Energy, Helping Communities Prepare for the Impacts of Climate Change
