The Climate Connection Plan
CAN is embarking on a new project in conjunction with Rob Shetterly and Americans Who Tell the Truth. It is a complicated initiative that is thus far meeting with surprising and encouraging responses.
The project involves creating groups aligned with the different sectors of the community (such as environmentalists, artists, social service providers, spiritual/faith leaders, local food producers, elders and youth).
Each self-organizing group, using its unique perspective and gifts, will identify what it can contribute to
raising climate awareness
increasing local resilience
organizing for action
Community Climate Awareness Day
The next stage of the project is to bring the silos together in a conversation orchestrated by Dennis Kiley, the director of the Eco-Psychology Initiative.
Employing the eco-systems lens, which emphasizes diversity and interconnectedness, sufficient synergy can be created to bring our climate crisis center stage in a community Climate Awareness Day, replete with teach-ins, science presentations, art, music, rallies, etc.
Every attempt will be made to include individuals affiliated with organizations central to its respective sectors. For example, the environmental group will hopefully include individuals associated with marine protection organizations, conservation groups, and climate science educators.
Small groups are forming
Progress is being made in forming the groups, for example, the Food Provider Group is receiving a robust response from local farmers who appreciate the severity of the climate emergency and are invested in ensuring that our towns have local food security.
The Faith Group is well on its way with Christian ministers, Buddhists, Quakers and non-denominational seekers pondering how their pathways might inspire, challenge and model what justice, compassion and caring for the Earth might look like at this critical time.
Artists in all categories – graphic, performance, crafts, and virtual – are needed to take their rightful and creative place in this initiative, and environmentalists are being sought to constitute their group.
This could be the evolutionary moment of the fierce urgency of NOW. The community may be in readiness. The climate-induced grief and anxiety, coupled with love and compassion for our beautiful home, could be the beginning of a great turning from despair and apathy to hope and collective action.