ED Newsletter- May 2023

May 12, 2023 · 1 reaction

Invest in Our Planet

Dear Friends,

Due to technical difficulties, we were unable to send you April’s ED Newsletter. This month we are back with a new and improved template and a lot of great news to share.

Last month, Earth Week celebrations took place globally, centred around the theme of Invest in Our Planet. At the same time, Canada released the 2023 Budget, and although it includes significant investments in renewable energy and electrification, the support allocated to climate solutions is still a fraction of dollars for subsidizing the gas and oil industry. You can read reactions to the budget from experts at Environmental Defence and The Energy Mix.

What does investing in our planet look like to you? Across our network and with our collaborators and partners, we invest our creativity, time, energy, and dollars toward co-creating sustainable, resilient, thriving communities for all. From sustainable gardening practices to reducing our carbon footprint, renewable energy projects, policy, climate justice advocacy, responsible investing, and more, our May updates and upcoming events reflect our commitment.

I encourage you to join us in asking, “What does the Earth ask of us?” (with thanks to Robin Wall Kimmerer) and work together for a better world. We welcome your investment in us to support our mission and the impact we make.

In peace and solidarity…

Michelle Singh, Executive Director

HIGHLIGHTS

Remembering Dr. John Dorner

Dr. John Dorner

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. John Dorner, former Ottawa coordinator of FCGs Greening Sacred Spaces Program and member of the Mouvement Laudato Si' Movement - Canada (MLSM Canada) Advisory Circle. John will be remembered for his leadership in faith-based environmentalism, his kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness as a friend, colleague, and mentor. His funeral will be held on May 13 at the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church in Ottawa.

Faithful Footprints

Our partners, the Ecology Action Centre have launched In Our Power, a series of stories about ordinary people and diverse communities in Atlantic Canada working to create a just transition to a green economy. Enjoy two recent stories about Faithful Footprints program participants, Windsor United Church in Windsor, NS, and How Centennial United in Robert's Arm, NL Reduced Its Carbon Footprint and their work to decarbonize their buildings.

Credit: Ecology Action Centre

United Church of Canada’s Second Sustainability Report

As part of its Faithful Footprints team, we are honoured to have written The United Church of Canada’s second Sustainability Report Deepening Climate Integrity. The report highlights the Church’s commitment to investing in climate, ecological, and social justice, and showcases the incredible work communities of faith are doing across the country. It is a testament to the Church’s dedication, resilience, and creativity in finding solutions to our world's intersecting crises. Stay up to date with the climate action leadership of United Church faith communities through the Faithful Footprints newsletter here. Read other Faithful Footprints inspiring and educational blogs here.

Greening Sacred Spaces — Ottawa

Ottawa Faith Community Capacity Building Program

GSS Ottawa's first Faith Community Capacity Building Program (OFCCBP) project took off in March. Congratulations to Ascension Anglican Church for installing their new water heater.

Photo credit: Monica Seidel.

Trinity United Church, Ottawa, had a significant upgrade this month with its three new heat pumps, made possible by the Ottawa Faith Community Capacity Building microgrant, the United Church Faithful Footprints program, and a generous donation.

EV Chargers

Kanata United Church installed two new electric vehicle chargers. In addition to generous grants from The United Church of Canada Foundation and the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program delivered by Hydro Ottawa, Kanata UC received a loan through Sustainable Capacity Foundation and GSS Ottawa’s Faithfully Green Fund to make this possible. Learn more about the program.

Green Youth Leadership Program

From educating children about fracking (Nazareen Evangelical Church) to hosting a games night using recycled materials for Earth Day (St. Joseph Catholic Church) and improving recycling and compost (Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centre), Green Youth Leaders have been hard at work on their projects! Read more here.

Photo Credit: GSS Ottawa

OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE

May 25: The Letter: An Interfaith Conversation on Care for Our Common Home – Mary Ward Centre, Toronto, ON

The Letter: A Message for Our Earth is a recent film that tells the story of a small group of frontline leaders from around the world who journey to Rome to dialogue with Pope Francis. Our collaborative conversation on Care for Our Common Home will feature portions of the film.

Speakers include:

Kehkashan Basu, United Nations Human Rights Champion; Founder & President of Green Hope Foundation
Noah MacDonald, Canon Lawyer with the Archdiocese of Toronto
Emilio Rodriguez, Policy Analyst at Citizens for Public Justice
Yusra Shafi, COP27 Youth Delegate
Roop Singh Sidhu, President of EcoSikh Canada

June 2-4: Care for Our Common Home Retreat – Jericho House, Wainfleet, ON

Jericho House is hosting Response to the Cry of the Poor Retreat. This is an opportunity for kindred spirits from multiple faith and non-faith traditions to explore how to befriend the ecological crises and its challenges. For more information and to register, please contact either Br. Bill Carrothers or Sr. Jacquie Keefe, at [email protected].

July 9-15: Encounter World’s Religions Discovery Week – Toronto, ON

August 14-18: Parliament of the World’s Religions – Chicago, IL

Better Buildings Ottawa Benchmarking and Auditing Program

The City of Ottawa's Better Buildings Program helps faith communities benchmark their energy and water consumption. The program is seeking new participants. Apply today.

APPLY NOW

Greening Sacred Spaces Certification Program

Developed in 2011, the Greening Sacred Spaces Certification program motivates, recognizes, and celebrates those faith communities that demonstrate commitment to caring for the environment through action. It has three levels to deepen your commitment: Light Green, Medium Green, and Deep Green. Whether you are just getting started or ready for the next level of greening, the GSS Certification program is an excellent way to engage your faith community in stewardship right at your place of worship. It is an opportunity to showcase what you have accomplished together.

GSS Ottawa is Hiring

Greening Sacred Spaces Ottawa is hiring a youth intern for a 6-month contract beginning this summer. The ideal candidate is Ottawa-based and excited about community-based environmental engagement and action, with experience in or willingness to learn about communications, green buildings, and outdoor greening.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

National

The free EnviroMuslims Bootcamp supports organizations led by or serving the Canadian Muslim community that want to incorporate sustainability into their programming. In addition to peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, participants will receive $1,500 to help cover 50% of the cost related to actions to be more environmentally friendly.

Prince Edward Island – Heat Pumps Initiative

As part of the Government of PEI’s Net Zero Initiative, incorporated PEI places of worship that use their facilities to host community events or provide rentals in winter months are eligible for funding assistance to cover 100% of heat pump installation costs up to a maximum of $20,000. This assistance is provided jointly by the Department of Environment, Energy, and Climate Action. Applications are now open for the 2023/24 period.

Ontario Region

Deadline: June 14, 2023 The Ontario Trillium Foundation has grants for capital projects, such as equipment, building a new space, or completing renovations, retrofits, or repairs. Faith communities “may be eligible if they provide direct programs and services to the broader community at large which are not religious activities and do not include a requirement to participate in any dimensions of faith.”

Ottawa

Hydro Ottawa is distributing funding for Electric Vehicle charging stations – up to 50% of costs or $5000/charger.

IN THE NEWS

Our Board member, Memona Hossain, has written two articles concerning Islam and climate change. These pieces are geared both for the Muslim community, as well as the wider faith community to reflect and look at practical ways of engaging.

A Ramadan Reflection on Islam & Climate change includes practical ideas for community-based action
Ramadan: A time to respond to the Earth's state of emergency

Memona also took part in two podcasts

Ramadan, God-consciousness & Green Initiatives with Sr. Sevim Kalyoncu
Prophetic Inspiration for Sustainability & Eid Celebrations with Sr. Kori Majeed

The Ottawa Diocese Anglican Newspaper included GSS Ottawa and FCG in their Crosstalk section, regarding Ascension Anglican’s recent greening projects.

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church talked about its “carbon fast” with CBC’s Ottawa Morning and discussed their pollinator garden project, made possible in part by GSS Ottawa.

The Catholic Register has a piece that includes comments from MLSM Canada's Agnes Richard, concerning how churches should respond to the latest news in the IPCC 6th Synthesis Report.

In Blogs

Faith communities across the country are stepping up and taking action to address the climate crisis. Read all about it on our blogs and get inspired.

Keep exploring our website!

Launched last year, the Catholic Eco-Investment Accelerator Toolkit helps faith communities in Canada discern how best to divest their organizations from investments in the fossil fuel industry. From the Greening Canadian Mosques Toolkit to our gardening resources, case studies, and helpful building audits, we have the tools you need to take climate action in your community. Visit our Faith & the Common Good website for more information.

Invest in Spirited Climate Action: Great Canadian Giving Challenge

Starting June 1st and throughout the month, Faith & the Common Good will be participating in the Great Canadian Giving Challenge and we need your support!

What is the Great Canadian Giving Challenge?

The Great Canadian Giving Challenge is CanadaHelps month-long contest to help charities fundraise during the slow summer months when donations tend to decline. Every dollar donated to FCG is an entry for a chance to win $20,000. The more we raise, the greater our chances of winning.

Invest in Us!

Support faith-based climate action for a more resilient and sustainable Canada. Donate Today

Explore Project here

ED Newsletter- January 2023

January 17, 2023 · 1 reaction

Faith in Action

Interfaith Partners for Sustainable Communities

Dear friends,

Happy New Year! We hope you took time to rejuvenate during the holidays and are ready for the opportunities and challenges that 2023 will bring.

One of the things that first attracted me to the Faith & the Common Good network was our commitment to interfaith collaboration for sustainability. As the co-chair for the Toronto Steering Committee for World Interfaith Harmony Week, I am especially grateful that FCG is participating in the 13th year celebration of this global initiative. Our 2023 theme is Faith in Action.

Consider that "faith" is a verb; it is active (yes, we know the dictionary says it's a noun...we're inviting you to consider another possibility). FCG was founded on the belief that our diverse congregations and spiritual communities can be powerful role models for the common good by the actions they take together. These actions are the foundation for creating sustainable communities.

Programming for WIHW 2023 ranges from An Interfaith Prayer for Peace & Harmony to Faith Perspectives on Ecological Justice and Conservation to multi-faith dialogue circles, and more.

At this point in time, Faith in Action is especially relevant when it comes to taking action on behalf of the climate and biodiversity. In 2022, two major world conferences were held concerning these interrelated crises: in November, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt followed by the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montréal, last December. From these conferences, it is clear that everyone has a role to play in transforming our communities to be healthier, more resilient and loving spaces.

Read on to learn more about opportunities for you to collaborate with us to protect and enhance the health of all life on our planet. May the wisdom of our spiritual and faith teachings bring us hope and inspire us to do what we are each called to do.

In peace and solidarity…

Michelle Singh, Executive Director

Best of the Year: 2022 FCG Highlights

Over the last 12 months, with our project partners, our network brought our diverse communities closer together with the shared goal of enacting climate action for healthier communities. View our photo album here.

Most viewed resources: The Green Rule Poster followed by the Eco-Investment Accelerator Toolkit
Most popular blog post: Learning to live in Harmony with Nature
Top webinars: Sacred Water: An Interfaith Conversation followed by Youth-Led Climate Action: An Interfaith Conversation
Most attended event: Faiths4Climate Conversations: Celebrating Multifaith Sustainability Success Stories in the GTA
Most viewed videos: The United Church of Canada: Faithful Footprints and Taking Action on Climate Change: An Interfaith Conversation (A World Interfaith Harmony Week Event)

Green Rule Poster Update

Created in 2002, the Green Rule Poster is our most searched for resource. In 2022, we worked on updating it so that it is more relevant to today’s world. We have collected feedback concerning the current quotes and recommendations for new quotes from diverse faith experts and scholars, and currently these are under review. We appreciate your patience as we continue to work on updating and decolonizing this beloved resource.

MLSM Canada

In December, MLSM Canada’s Agnes Richard and Karen Van Loon were in Montréal during the UN Biodiversity Conference COP15. The Faith and Biodiversity UN Coordination Group, with members from many global faith traditions and interfaith organizations, secured the first recognized caucus for faith communities at a UN Biodiversity conference.

Agnes and Laudato Si' Movement colleagues worked with this caucus while at the conference. Conversations ranged from measures to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and the need for a rights-based approach to Indigenous Peoples’ leadership in sustaining biodiversity in Canada and around the world.

About 90% of protected areas established in Canada in the last two decades have resulted from Indigenous partnerships or Indigenous leadership, but long-term funding and support is needed to make this growing movement sustainable. Click for more information on Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas, how to support this movement and How to Be an Ally of Indigenous-led Conservation.

Agnes and Karen reflect on their experiences at COP15 and at parallel events, such as the Indigenous Village hosted by the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, in a 5 part blog series. Read the first of theirThinking Nature Positive series here.

Faithful Footprints

The Faithful Footprints program is part of The United Church of Canada’s plan to reduce emissions by 80% by 2030, starting with a focus on its buildings. FCG is the delivery partner for the program. With a public goal of engaging 500 United Church congregations by 2025, the Faithful Footprints grant program has successfully reached more than 300 engagements.

All participating faith-communities are required to send in photos of their projects and write a final report about what they had accomplished and reflect on their retrofit experience. Many properties send in before and after photos, congregational members working in action, and very detailed program reviews. Some participating properties go the extra mile and create outstanding videos capturing their Faithful Footprints experience. Watch Knox United’s (Glace Bay, NS) Faithful Footprints video and hear more about their program journey.

Read other Faithful Footprints inspiring and educational blogs here.

Faithful Footprints Monthly Blogs are published the 2nd Wednesday of every month.

Greening Sacred Spaces Ottawa — Green Youth Leadership Program

In December, GSS Ottawa held an 'Engagement Organizing' session for youth leaders, as part of their mentorship program. Through this mentorship, the youth are working on a variety of environmental projects that engage with a diverse range of groups. Projects include educational student activities, clean-ups, and youth engagement.

Greening Sacred Spaces Ottawa — Faithfully Green Fund

The Faithfully Green Fund (FGF) is an investment opportunity that allows anyone to purchase a bond to support green retrofits for faith and spiritual buildings, while getting up to 4% interest. With the goal of raising $2 million in Community Bonds, the intention is to fund 150 projects over the next 10 years, impacting a minimum of 100 Ottawa faith and spiritual groups. As well, faith communities that would like a loan to support their green retrofit are encouraged to apply. Over the past couple of months, FGF had its first few investments. The team is in discussions with several foundations and the FGF appeared on Good Investing’s list of available retail impact investments in Canada.

Opportunities to Engage

World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) – February 1 - 7 Events

The World Interfaith Harmony Week provides a platform—one week in a year—when all interfaith groups and other groups of goodwill can show the world what a powerful movement they are. Learn more about this annual UN observance week.

Sustainability Network / Faith Perspectives on Ecological Justice and Conservation – February 2 ‍ 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET

Faith Perspectives on Ecological

Join a conversation with Canadian faith-based ecological and climate justice professionals who will introduce their work and explore how to expand their efforts and connect with others. Learn about how different faiths in Canada have been working within and across their communities to prioritize and act on environmental concerns. Our ED, Michelle Singh, and Agnes Richard, Program Coordinator, MLSM Canada, will be speakers on this panel discussion. Registration is FREE and will be hosted through Zoom Webinars.

Inspiration at your fingertips

Have you explored our website lately? From guides, greening resources and toolkits such as the Catholic Eco-Investement Accelerator Toolkit and the Greening Canadian Mosques Toolkit to our Greening Sacred Spaces Certification Program and inspiring blogs written by various members of our network, we have the tools you need to take climate action in your community. Visit Faith & the Common Good for more information.

In the News

"Personally, as I have grown in faith, I have seen my concern and love for the environment grow, too"

Young Canadians are at the forefront of climate justice action. Our Communications Manager, Beatrice Ekoko’s latest article in National Observer highlights three youths who derive inspiration for this challenging work from the teachings of their diverse faiths and spiritual practices.

Support faith-based climate action for a more resilient and sustainable Canada. Donate today.

Explore Project here

ED Newsletter September 2022

September 08, 2022 · 1 reaction

Climate Justice Action Now!

Working together to build a more sustainable Canada.

Dear Friend,

Did you take time this summer to unplug? To be with loved ones? To rejuvenate yourself for the work ahead? I certainly did and I noticed many others in our field did as well. This is important in order for us to effectively respond to the climate crisis and remain healthy in the process.

Climate-related disasters are happening on a daily basis. We are inundated with images from wildfires in BC, flooding in Pakistan, droughts in Africa, and more. Those who are the least responsible for the crisis are suffering the impacts the most. Although it can be overwhelming, faith communities in Canada and around the world are becoming more engaged in responding to the crisis as we align our actions with our belief systems. At an individual level, we each have a role to play. What is your role? What actions are you taking? How will you make an impact?

To quote the prophet Muhammad – peace and blessings be upon him – “Even if the hour of the judgment is upon you and one of you has a sampling in his hand, then he should plant it.”

Read on and join our FCG network this fall in being a part of a growing world-wide climate justice movement.

In gratitude...

Michelle Singh, Executive Director

Q3 2022 Highlights

Faithful Footprints

Faithful Footprints is part of The United Church of Canada’s plan to reduce emissions by 80% by 2030, starting with a focus on its buildings. FCG is the delivery partner for the program. With a public goal of engaging 500 United Church congregations by 2025, the Faithful Footprints grant program has successfully reached 300 engagements.

Read the latest newsletter here.

Greening Sacred Spaces — Ottawa Faithfully Green Fund

Over the summer, our Ottawa chapter, GSS Ottawa has been moving forward with the Faithfully Green Fund to be officially launched next week. The goal is to raise $2 million in Community Bonds to support local Faith-Based Organizations with their Retrofit Projects. The intention is to fund 150 projects over the next 10 years; impacting a minimum of 100 Ottawa faith and spiritual groups. The fund is calling on both institutional and individual investors to help in this opportunity! Learn more about the fund here.

Green Youth Leadership Program (GYL)

The GYL program for BIPOC youth is moving into its next phase and connecting with the Watershed Canada Project. Learn more about the program here.

Opportunities to Engage

September 1 - October 4 – Season of Creation

All around the world, Christians are uniting to pray and take action for our common home. Join them and celebrate the Season of Creation today by finding an event near you! Our newsletter for the Season of Creation is out. Read here.

September 17 – Peace on and with Earth with Nanaimo GreenFaith Circle

Join Nanaimo GreenFaith Circle for an International Peace Day Celebration from 2-4:00 pm PT. Everyone is invited to bring hand-made peace signs. Together we will pray for Peace on Earth and Care for All Life on Earth. During the prayer time, art activities for children will be available. Refreshments will be served following the ceremony. Please bring folding chairs, cushions & mugs for refreshments.

Location: Amphitheatre in Bowen Park, Nanaimo.
For more information please contact Julia: [email protected]

September 23 – Toronto Fridays for Future Climate Strike

Interfaith participants are invited to meet at the Philosophers Stage at 12:30 pm ET for a program before the main march. Bring banners, noise makers and information about the work you’re doing. Also, watch the @MSLMCanada Facebook page for updates on joining a faith contingent at the Toronto strike with @devpeace-caritascanada and @faithcommongood. Find other strikes across Canada to join on this event map.

September 29 – Faith & the Common Good: Annual General Meeting

This year’s AGM will be a hybrid meeting from 5:00-6:30pm ET. If you would like to attend, please email [email protected] for information to join in person or by zoom. More details to follow.

September 30 – National Day for Truth & Reconciliation; Orange Shirt Day

The National Day for Truth & Reconciliation aims to “effect healing and reconciliation among all races, creeds, and denominations residing in Canada”. Learn more here as well as Orange Shirt Day.

October 4 - November 6 – Faiths 4 Climate Justice

GreenFaith International’s Faiths 4 Climate Justice action begins in October. Collective action, both locally and globally, are needed to achieve bold climate justice commitments. The FCG network is taking action and inviting faith communities to join efforts in advocating for a healthy and sustainable climate for all. Come be a part of the change!

October 12 – Faiths 4 Climate Justice: An Interfaith Conversation

Join us at 8 pm ET for another webinar from our Climate Narratives Speaker Series for an inspiring panel discussion exploring faith and climate justice from a variety of perspectives. More details to come. Register here

October 30 – Faiths 4 Climate Conversations

EnviroMuslims is hosting an interfaith afternoon forum with breakout sessions followed by dinner at the Jaffari Community Center in Toronto. More details to come.

*Note: The organizers are seeking speakers of diverse faiths and spiritualities to participate in the forum. Organizers would also like to extend an invitation to groups doing concrete climate action to join the event as exhibitors. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Funding Opportunity for Mosques

Our partner, EnvironMuslims, is seeking 35 mosques across the country who are interested in greening their mosques. Eligible mosques will be provided with $1000 to use towards their environmental projects. To learn more, please contact [email protected]

FCG Monthly Network Meetings

Interested in learning more about what's happening across our national network? The FCG community meets on the first Tuesday of every month to connect, share upcoming events, and useful resources. We learn from and are inspired by one another. Contact Elyse: [email protected]

Inspiration at your fingertips

Have you explored our website lately? From blogs written by various members of our network to the Catholic Eco-Investement Accelerator Toolkit and the Greening Canadian Mosques Toolkit to our Greening Sacred Spaces Certification Program. We have outdoor greening resources and energy conservation guides. Check out the website for more information.

Help us build a more resilient and sustainable Canada

For over 22 years, FCG has been working to provide opportunities for interfaith, spirited, environmental and climate action. We are unique in that we are the only interfaith environmental organization across Canada to do so. We offer programs, projects, networking and community engagement opportunities and many, many free tools and resources. Join us in building a more resilient and sustainable Canada.

Donate Today

Explore Project here

ED Newsletter July 2022

July 07, 2022 · 1 reaction

Working together for the common good to build a more resilient and sustainable Canada.

Dear Friend,

It’s summer — a time to stop, take a deep breath and relax with family and friends. After the past couple of years of isolation, we finally have more occasions to spend time together face-to-face now. We also have the opportunity to stop, reflect and more consciously choose how we move forward, individually and collectively.

Where do you want to put your energy as you continue to emerge from the pandemic? What gives you hope as you move forward?

This year, many people across the country have already been dealing with flooding, record-breaking temperatures, heat waves, wildfires, and more. What gives me hope is seeing people of faith and spirit helping each other recover, as our writer and communications manager writes in the National Observer.

Environmental activist Mariame Kaba says, “Hope is a discipline… we have to practice it every single day.” I say how we practice hope is with action that makes an impact.

Our entire team at FCG continues to explore funding and project ideas to increase our resilience work to support communities in times of upheaval. We invite you to join us in making an impact.

Wishing you a hope-filled summer…

In gratitude...

Michelle Singh, Executive Director

Annual Report 2021

Last year, in keeping with our strategic goals of building capacity via diversity, harnessing sustainability, and strengthening communities, we facilitated hope-inspired action and opportunities for communities to work together. We laid the groundwork for innovative approaches to climate solutions. We expanded our reach, enhanced our programs with new resources such as our video webinars, offered more occasions for networking and connecting via roundtables, inspired via stories, nurtured communities by planting gardens and food forests. I invite you to read the 2021 Annual Report to learn more about how your investment in our network is contributing to building a more resilient and sustainable Canada.

Q2 2022 Highlights

Youth-Led Climate Action: An Interfaith Conversation

Our Interfaith Conversations series continued on June 8 with Youth-Led Climate Action: An Interfaith Conversation. Our honoured youth leaders were Aleyxa Gates Julien, Moriyah Kleiman and Nazish Qureshi. We listened to them share how climate change is affecting their lives and how their faith is inspiring their efforts to find solutions. You can view the recording here.

Greening Sacred Spaces — Ottawa

GSS Ottawa’s Energy Benchmarking Program (EBP) wrapped up and they have compiled case studies, telling the stories of 10 diverse faith communities that participated in the program from 2019-2022. A free program to help faith communities take practical and cost-effective climate action by raising awareness and understanding their buildings' energy use and emissions, the EBP used the Energy Star Portfolio Manager (ESPM), an energy management tool, to display energy costs and usage. ESPM shows a baseline energy use and identifies areas for improvement over a 3 year period. Every year, participants of the Ottawa EBP received an annual report detailing their energy consumption and changes over time. Click here to read more.

Indigenous Month

June was National Indigenous History Month. FCG has always been proud to celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. We remain committed to Truth and Reconciliation and working alongside Indigenous communities to create positive change and stronger relationships. Please read our June blog posts pertaining to Indigenous allyship:

Our Programs

Opportunities to Engage

Save the Date: October 2-9 #Faiths4ClimateJustice

Come be a part of Faiths 4 Climate Justice: A Global Multi-Religious Week of Action in collaboration with the GreenFaith International Network. Oct 2-9th is less than a month before leaders of the world’s largest 20 economies gather at the G20 summit in Indonesia and representatives of every country on the planet gather in Egypt for the UNs COP27 conference. More information will be released soon. Please contact [email protected] to be kept informed.

Faith, Climate, and Conversation: July 28th 5pm, Calgary AB

Are you in the Calgary area and interested in faith-based environmental action? Join us for a community networking opportunity to meet & greet with other like-minded folks as well as representatives from Faith & the Common Good, For the Love of Creation, KAIROS, Green Exodus, the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good, and the Calgary Climate Hub. We will get the chance to share practical resources and engage in deeper dialogue together about how we can support each other to do this work. To RSVP or get more info, please contact Elyse: [email protected]

FCG Monthly Network Meetings

Seeking a New Board Member

Do you believe that our diverse faith and spiritual communities can be a force for good? Are you passionate about protecting our environment for future generations? Do you enjoy contributing to multi-cultural, multi-faith, grass-roots environments? FCG is seeking another Board Member from a non-Christian background. Learn more here.

Invest in us: Donate today

For over 21 years, FCG has been working to provide opportunities for interfaith, spirited, environmental and climate action. We are unique in that we are the only interfaith environmental organization across Canada to do so. To this end, we offer programs, projects, networking and community engagement opportunities and many, many free tools and resources. But our resources are badly in need of a rehaul!

When you donate, your gift will be used toward updating our resources to enhance inclusivity and reflect diverse languages, as well as for creating new ones via multiple platforms (visual and audio). Together, you will be helping us reach even more faith-group audiences, for even greater spirited climate action.

Explore Project here

ED Newsletter April 2022

April 19, 2022 · 1 reaction

Dear Friends,

Spring is here and with it, a time of new beginnings and renewal. It’s a time for reflection and an opportunity to discern whether the stand we are taking continues to call us forward. At Faith & the Common Good, we stand for resilient and sustainable communities. Our founders, Bill Phipps and Ted Reeves, laid the foundation we continue to build on when they recognized the diversity of Canadian religious and cultural perspectives and the need to find practical ways to work together on common good projects.

The Very Reverend Dr. Bill Phipps

Sadly, The Very Reverend Dr. William Phipps passed away recently. During Bill’s memorial service, many spoke of his leadership, his passion for social justice, and his commitment to being a realist. Kevin Thomas, Bill's nephew quoted Bill saying over and over again… “love and community are what makes our lives important…and for the sake of community and the planet, we have to find ways to work together even when we disagree…or especially when we disagree”. At FCG, we are committed to finding common ground, connecting our beliefs with our actions, and carrying on Bill’s work in ecological and social justice.

Thank you for being part of our network. We invite you to read on and learn more about what we’ve been up to lately. As always, please feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions and comments with me.

I wish you joy in celebrating Earth Day.

In gratitude...

Michelle Singh, Executive Director

Feb-March Highlights

Sacred Water: An Interfaith Conversation – A World Water Day Virtual Event

Our Interfaith Conversations series continued with Sacred Water: An Interfaith Conversation, during World Water Day. We were honoured to host Mary Anne Caibaiosai, Anishnaabe water walker, Dr. Romila Verma, Founding Director at Water Speaks and Lecturer at the University of Toronto, and Sukhvinder Kaur Vinning, Decolonization Consultant and FCG board member. Our guest speakers spoke about what different faith or spiritual traditions teach us concerning the sacredness of water and how we can connect more deeply with it. You can access the recording here. We will be offering additional Interfaith Conversations over the next few months.

Greening Sacred Spaces – London

GSS London celebrated the spring equinox with a Drumming Circle Celebration out in the park. Led by holistic practitioner, researcher and educator, M. Tracey Whiteye, Oshkaabewis Kwe, who honoured Mother Earth and future generations with song and prayers, other drummers shared their drumming traditions. These included Rob Larose (Ireland), Dave Rayo (Nicaragua), Nooshin Jaberi (Iran), George Cooper (Liberia) and Charles Innis (One World).The event was also an opportunity to highlight and advance the City of London’s Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP), and encourage Londoners to take the CEAP Pledge.

GSS London continues seeking diverse faith communities to join them in creating a network of pollinator gardens. If you are interested in participating in this project, please send an email to [email protected].

Drumming Circle

Greening Sacred Spaces – Toronto

Scotts Canada is once again providing Nature's Own Organic Soil for five gardens in Toronto - the donation amount is over $7,000. Over the past few months, faith communities have been working on their designs for their native plant gardens. They include Darchei Noam, Islington United, Durul Hijra Islamic Centre, Metropolitan United, St. Cuthbert's Anglican.

Darchei Noam, pandemic planting. 2021

Greening Sacred Spaces – Ottawa

Come celebrate the 50 Ottawa faith communities who are taking part in the Energy Benchmarking Program, learn about their successes and failures in managing their operations and accessing funding, and much more! We welcome all, especially those seeking to learn more. This event will be in-person, public health guidelines permitting. We are aiming to provide a virtual option as well.

For questions, queries please email: [email protected].

Register Here!

Faithful Footprints- New Newsletter

Visit Faithful Footprints Newsletters to learn more and sign up for this monthly newsletter.

Greening Canadian Mosques

Greening Canadian Mosques Webinar Series, with partners, EnviroMuslims highlighted three sustainability success stories from mosques across the country. Attendees heard from ISNA Canada (Mississauga, Ontario), Akraam Jomaa Islamic Centre (Calgary, Alberta) and the Jaffari Community Centre (Thornhill, Ontario) on the successful implementation of multiple sustainability initiatives within their places of worship. You can view the recording here.

Diocesan Environment Network – Atlantic Canada

The Diocesan Environment Network (DEN) in Nova Scotia, PEI is celebrating their 10 year anniversary by tapping into the power of music with the Global Movement to Sing for the Earth. DEN is inviting everyone to join together to sing the Resolution Song. Have your choir or your faith community and your friends sing together, record it and send it to DEN. DEN will compile it into one video to be released for Earth Day, April 22. Listen to a video of the song and the background score.

New Tools, Resources and Reports

Karla Winham’s report, Gardens Built by Love: Faith-Based Community Gardens is a new study of 10 faith communities that have created gardens at their places of worship and the benefits such gardens entail. Read an interview with the author here.

Everyone together: planting a community garden

Our Partners: Feature

The FCG network is stronger because of our partners. That's why, on the last Tuesday of every other month, we will be highlighting the work of a group or collaborator to show our appreciation for all they do for the community towards a more sustainable future. This month, to launch the series, we invite readers to learn about the work of Shoresh, an Ontario, grassroots Jewish environmental charity.

Awe and Wonder, Shoresh

Opportunities to Engage

FCG Monthly Network Meetings

Seeking a New Board Member

Did you like what you read?

Would you like to work together for the common good to build a more resilient and sustainable Canada? Consider supporting our work by becoming a monthly donor. Join us.

Click here to give now!

Explore Project here

ED Newsletter February 2022

February 17, 2022 · 1 reaction

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! Yes, it is February however, this is the first ED Newsletter of the year so I think the greeting is appropriate. I wish you all abundant blessings in 2022.

After the tremendous success of our AGM & 20th Anniversary Celebration in October, we listened to your feedback and developed more events and communications initiatives to keep you informed about the impact of the programs in our network. You will receive this newsletter bi-monthly. Please enjoy reading below and please feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions and comments with me.

We are especially grateful to those who have been our supporters from FCGs inception. Thank you for continuing to believe in the work we do. Thank you for being part of our network working together for the common good to build a more resilient and sustainable Canada.

In gratitude...

Michelle Singh, Executive Director

January Highlights

Indigenous Canada – FCG Network Study Group

FCG is committed to participating in Education for Reconciliation as outlined in the TRCA Calls to Action by doing our own work. As part of our reconciliACTION, we have begun hosting a bi-weekly discussion group for Indigenous Canada, an online course that is offered by the University of Alberta. Our community began by reflecting on the first module of the program – learning the significance of stories and storytelling in Indigenous societies as well as learning about history from Indigenous worldviews of the Inuit, Nehiyawak, Kanien:keha’ka and Tlingit peoples. We are still accepting new participants up until February 14. Please contact Network Coordinator, Elyse at [email protected]

MLSM Canada – Eco-Investment Accelerator Toolkit

With MLSM Canada, we launched the Catholic Eco-Investment Accelerator Toolkit for climate justice. This guide is designed for faith-based institutions to align their investments with their mission and vision, in light of the global climate crisis. It guides divestment from fossil fuels in favour of sustainable investments and a broader understanding of profitable returns.

While referencing Catholic teachings, the toolkit is for any institution seeking to align investments with the moral and financial challenge of climate change expressed by Pope Francis. It also offers opportunities to respond to a truly Canadian concern: Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #92 through partnership with Indigenous businesses.

Greening Canadian Mosques

The Greening Canadian Mosques (GCM) program with EnviroMuslims continues into phase 3, thanks to renewed funding from Olive Tree Foundation. The program is the first of its kind in Canada and is a call to action for Canadian Muslims to tread softly on the planet and rethink their impacts on the natural environment.

GCM’s wonderful group of Community Ambassadors from across Canada have been helping to engage mosques in committing to climate action, supported by the program’s resources, action plans, and inspiring case studies. Contact Saba at [email protected] to learn more.

GCM Ambassadors

Greening Sacred Spaces – London

Our newest Chapter, GSS London, is working hard to line up green teams and promote energy conservation within London faith communities. They hold meetings on the 21st day of each month. February’s meeting will include a presentation called Energy Audit: The First Step to Greening Sacred Spaces. Click here to register and learn more. GSS London is also seeking diverse faith communities to join them in creating a network of pollinator gardens. If you are interested in participating in this project, please send an email to [email protected]

Greening Sacred Spaces – Ottawa

Our oldest Chapter, GSS Ottawa, has been busy preparing for the wrap-up of its 3-year Energy Benchmarking Program. Registration to receive an annual energy benchmarking report has officially closed with a total participation of 48 Ottawa-based faith communities involved in the program. In December 2021, GSS Ottawa was pre-approved to receive a grant of $90K to help install 18 level-2 EV charging stations, for up to 12 different locations in Ottawa. Six different faith communities are currently working through this ongoing application process, gathering estimates from contractors throughout January.

Greening Sacred Spaces – Halton-Peel

In celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week, our Halton-Peel chapter, Halton Environmental Network (HEN), hosted an interfaith breakfast in collaboration with Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie and the Interfaith Council of Peel. Join HEN during Halton Food's Halton Garden Week February 24-27.

Faithful Footprints

FCG is proud to be the delivery partner for the United Church of Canada (UCC) Faithful Footprints program that offers grants, tools and inspiration to help its congregations reduce their carbon footprint. With UCC’s commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80% by 2050, this one of a kind program offers up to $30,000 in grants towards energy conservation and renewable energy projects (conditions apply). You can keep up to date with the program by visiting the Grants Map and Energy Data Map. Your participation in the program puts your faith into action and helps UCC reach its target.

Taking Action on Climate Change: An Interfaith Conversation – A World Interfaith Harmony Week Virtual Event

FCG hosted Taking Action on Climate Change: An Interfaith Conversation, during World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW). A UN Resolution, WIHW recognizes “the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions in enhancing mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people.”

Over 100 participants joined us to hear speakers who shared how their faith's environmental stewardship beliefs have empowered their climate actions. Speakers included Roop Sidhu, President at EcoSikh, Areej Riaz, Director of Climate Programs at EnviroMuslims, Agnes Richard, Coordinator at Mouvement Laudato Si’ Movement Canada and Sabrina Malach, Director of Engagement at Shoresh (via a pre-recorded interview).

Opportunities to Engage

FCG Monthly Network Meetings

Seeking a New Board Member

Did you like what you read?

Would you like to work together for the common good to build a more resilient and sustainable Canada? Consider supporting our work by becoming a monthly donor. Join us.

Click here to give now!

Explore Project here

ED Newsletter Winter 2021

January 13, 2022 · 1 reaction

Dear friend,

Another year draws to a close and at FCG we are reflecting on what matters in life, what we hold dearly, what we value the most. For us, it’s relationships: to one another, to the animals, plants, water, the soil, the air, to Creator, to ourselves.

Our faiths and spiritualities play a critical role in healing all our relationships. For 21 years, we have been establishing connections with and harnessing the power of diverse religious and spiritual groups with the goal of building more resilient and sustainable communities for the good of all Creation.

In the coming year, as we look ahead to the next 21 years, we aim to strengthen and grow our network further, so that even more will join us, and together renew our moral duty to restore the sacred balance and steward Earth and care for “All my relations” (North American Indigenous teaching).

FCG is unique in Canada, as the only environmental network of religions and spiritualities putting our diverse faith teachings into action for climate justice, through our offerings of projects, webinars, free resources, advocacy and more.

In this year-end season, I hope you will consider giving a gift of any size to FCG, to support our work in the years ahead. As we nurture one another’s passion for the common good, heal from wrongs and create a brighter future, we will use your gift to expand on FCG’s 21 years of inspiring, equipping, and mobilizing people like you, through supporting project work, updating resources and developing new ones, and increasing our impact across all platforms.

I am tremendously grateful for the depth, breadth and width of the FCG network; especially the extraordinary team I get to work with on a daily basis. Women and men who are knowledgeable, creative and deeply committed to working together for the common good.

We are wishing you all peace, blessings and health during this holiday season.

In gratitude,

Michelle Singh, Executive Director

Click here to give!

Some 2021 Highlights

Faith Food Forests (Divest Waterloo).

Faith Food Forests was an incredible initiative that engaged five diverse faith communities and an Indigenous lodge in planting food forests on their properties. Read more.

Faith_Food_Forest_(Kitchener).jpg

Food Forest planting at Ram Dham Hindu Mandir, Kitchener, ON.

Energy Benchmarking (EB) Program (GSS Ottawa).

The GSS Ottawa Team. L to R: Charlie, Hannah, Aminah and Manon.

Green Audit

We experimented with our new Virtual Green Audit. Bethel United in Marion Bridge, NS, and Bethel United in Rideau Ferry, ON were participants. Both of these congregations were small, rural buildings with difficulty in getting skilled support to help them with their sustainability and energy efficiency goals. The Virtual Green Audits offered them expert advice in a pandemic safe manner to accompany them through their church, with practical, applicable advice and recommendations. More Virtual Green Audits are planned for the beginning of the new year, as more people hear about it and see the value it offers.

Climate Justice

As collaborators with GreenFaith International we worked on a number of initiatives to demand climate justice and action. Sacred People, Sacred Earth (March 11) and Faiths for Climate Justice (October 17 & 18) were opportunities to join people of diverse religions and faiths throughout the world and send a message to world leaders at #COP26: destroying the planet is against our religions!

FCG Saskatchewan Chapter, Communities inspired for Environmental Action

Vancouver GreenFaith Circle. Global day of Climate Action, October 2021

Opportunities

FCG Network Learning Opportunity: Join us for Indigenous Canada 2022

FCG is committed to learning how to be a better ally to Indigenous communities. As part of our reconciliACTION, we are inviting you to join us for Indigenous Canada, an online course starting in January 2022 that is offered by the University of Alberta. Please contact Network Coordinator Elyse at [email protected] if you would like to walk together with us on this journey.

World Interfaith Harmony Week, February 1-7, 2022.

FCG will be participating in the World Interfaith Harmony Week, happening February 1-7, 2022. We invite you to join us during this week at a virtual event on the importance of interfaith dialogue on climate change. We aim to create a space for values-based conversations on climate change that motivates diverse faith and spiritual groups to take action and help build more resilient communities. Stay tuned for more detail on this event in the new year.

Explore Project here

ED Newsletter Fall 2021

September 12, 2021 · 1 reaction

Dear friend...

September is here again. There is an upcoming federal election, a pandemic that is well into its second year, and all around us, fires continue to rage. The IPCC's recent report tells us that we are living the effects of climate breakdown. We all have a role to play in creating a liveable climate future.

At FCG, we are not wasting a moment of the precious time we have left to take action. As people of faith and goodwill, acting on behalf of creation is a moral imperative. In this newsletter, we offer our national community the opportunity to join us in taking action.

As well, please take note that we have rescheduled our Annual General Meeting (AGM) to Thursday, October 14th. We invite you to mark your calendars for this special AGM as it is also a celebration of 20 years of FCG.

Thank you for your continuing support of FCGs work. Please feel free to contact me should you have any comments, suggestions or questions.

In peace and commitment…

Michelle Singh, Executive Director

Network Updates

Annual General Meeting

Please mark your calendars for FCG's Annual General Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, October, 14th, 5:00pm to 7:00pm EST.

New Staff, New Roles

Our staff is growing! It is with great pleasure that we introduce Calgary-based, Elyse Brazel, our new Network Coordinator. Elyse has an extensive background working with diverse faith communities and will bring a new level of engagement within our network.

As well, we are delighted to announce that, after 12 years with the FCG network in various capacities, Beatrice Ekoko, is our new Communications Manager. Beatrice will lead our communications strategies including supporting all program managers/coordinators while also raising FCGs profile by writing stories about our impact for targeted national publications. Beatrice is based in Hamilton, Ontario.

Finally, we welcome Chahneet Sidhu to the FCG network. With a generous grant from Colleges and Institutes Canada Career-Launcher Clean Tech program, Chahneet will be with us until July 2022 (at least). She will be working on our Climate Narratives and Greening Canadian Mosques programs, updating The Green Rule poster and the GSS Certification program as well as a number of other initiatives over the next few months. Chahneet is based in Winnipeg.

New FCG Chapter

We are thrilled to announce our latest Ontario chapter! In partnership with Climate Action London, Greening Sacred Spaces London launches Tuesday, September 21, with a special event called Fall Equinox - Greening Sacred Spaces. Guest speaker, Tracey Whiteye, Oshkaabewis Kwe, a woman helper or messenger in Objibewe, Tracey is a holistic practitioner, researcher and educator.

As well as launching GSS London, the event aims to connect all Londoners and future generations to the land that belongs to the Creator. It hopes to support and advance the City of London’s Climate Emergency Action Plan.

Learn more about the event by clicking on this link.

Annual Report 2020

If you missed our 2020 Annual Report, we are sharing it here, once again. The 2020 report is special. 2020 marked a significant milestone for FCG. Last year, we celebrated 20 years of assisting and inspiring religious congregations and spiritual groups of all backgrounds across Canada to take collective action in creating more sustainable communities.

In addition to our usual Annual Report, this edition includes a timeline of our achievements, together with our growing network of faith groups and community partners. Read on.

Advocacy

We are proud partners with GreenFaith International Network for Faith 4 Climate Justice, a global day of multi-religious action for climate justice, taking place on October 17-18 with the goal of influencing COP26 and decision makers. Please register to get involved.

As part of the day of action, FCG plans to host our own national action and we invite you to participate. Please contact our network coordinator, Elyse Brazel for more information.

For the Love of Creation (FLC) Symposium

We are participating in For the Love of Creation’s Fall 2021 Advocacy Webinar Series, taking place over three Thursdays in September (7:00pm EDT). Join us for one or more of the following sessions:

September 9th: Climate Financing

September 16th: Indigenous Rights

September 23rd: Climate Ambition and Transition

Parliament of the World’s Religions

FCG is an active partner with the Parliament of the World’s Religions (PWR), an organization that, since 1893 has promoted interreligious dialogues among leaders of diverse religious traditions, “fostering understanding, cooperation and social harmony.”

This PWR takes place online, from October 16-18. Learn more and register by visiting PWR 2021 Virtual.

Election Resources

We have compiled a handy selection of resources, with the focus being a just, climate resilient society, to help you prepare for the 2021 federal election.

CAN-Rac’s 2021 Federal Election Policy Priorities

Suzuki, Atwood, Ondaatje, Lewis Call for Emergency Leaders Debate on Climate

Climate Emergency Unit

What makes a strong climate plan?

National Observer: Main Parties' Climate Plans

Canada's 100 Debates on the Environment

CPJ’s Creating a Just Canada 2021 Election Bulletin

Get Involved: Join Our Network

Get involved with Faith & the Common Good by:

Creating your own account on this website, which gives you access to downloadable resources
Creating an account on this website for your faith community, which gives you access to downloadable resources and pins your faith community to our map (if we have your permission)
Signing up for our national and/or local newsletters (our national newsletter is sent quarterly; our local newsletters vary and include invitations to local events)
Joining the conversation on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube)
Applying for Greening Sacred Spaces certification
Joining or starting a Greening Sacred Spaces chapter in your community
Making a donation to support our work

Explore Project here

ED Newsletter Spring 2021

May 16, 2021 · 1 reaction

Dear Friends...

It has now been over a full year of life with physical distancing and lockdowns. At FCG we are ever more aware of the deep-seated disparities and inequities across sectors that COVID has highlighted and our team has strengthened our commitment to work even harder towards a just recovery from this global pandemic. Our network, partners, and collaborators continue to forge ahead and deliver programs, webinars, and events that align with our vision for resilient and sustainable communities. Community is key, and faith groups have shown again and again the critical work that they do daily to encourage both local and broader resiliency efforts.

With the warmer weather approaching, we are all looking forward to spending more time outside in our yards, parks, and other green spaces. Faith communities often have outdoor properties that can be sacred green spaces for everyone in the community to enjoy and benefit from – whether it be starting a vegetable garden, planting native species garden to support pollinators, or creating a space for reflection, meditation or prayer. Our many free resources can help you get started.

I hope you will find inspiration and support in the stories below. Thank you for your continuing support of FCGs work. Please feel free to contact me should you have any comments, suggestions or questions.

Wishing you a safe & healthy spring...

Michelle Singh, Executive Director

Project Updates

Faithful Footprints

As of publication date, over 200 United Church of Canada (UCC) congregations and camps have completed an Expression of Interest application for the Faithful Footprints program. All of which contributes to the UCC’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions 80% by 2050 across all UCC properties. Visit Faithful Footprints to learn more about the program. Get inspired by watching videos and reading Let Your Light Shine: LEDs, solar panels and greening faith buildings.

Greening Canadian Mosques

We are working with the EnviroMuslims team to deliver the Greening Canadian Mosques (GCM) program, a toolkit of resources, case studies and action plans to help Canadian mosques take climate action. On Sunday, April 11 our teams hosted an Advisory Roundtable event with Imams from local mosques and sustainability champions from the Muslim community. We look forward to sharing the toolkit soon! Read more about the Greening Canadian Mosques program.

GCCM Canada Webinars: Catholic Eco-Investment Accelerator

Our Global Catholic Climate Movement (GCCM) Canada program is offering a series of four free virtual webinars on eco-investing. Featuring a powerful and impactful speaker line-up of Canadian and international voices, topics range from shareholder engagement to Indigenous and impact investing. Webinars will run from April 21 to May 12. Watch the first webinar, Laying the Groundwork and register for the balance of the series.

Divest Waterloo Faith Food Forest

With a generous grant from the Region of Waterloo and in partnership with our chapter, Divest Waterloo, FCG recently launched a Faith Food Forest project in the Waterloo region that will support the creation of eight food forests in partnership with faith communities. Watch the launch webinar featuring Dr. Andrew Judge, an Anishinaabe scholar and teacher, and Nicola Thomas, a Food Forest consultant and founder of Grand River Food Forestry.

Advocacy

Sacred People, Sacred Earth

On March 11, FCG took part in the biggest-ever grassroots, global, multi-faith, COVID-friendly day of climate action. Sacred People, Sacred Earth mobilized 420 actions in 49 countries, with support from over 250 religious leaders and 125 co-sponsoring organizations representing more than 100 million people! Following the day of action, the GreenFaith International Network created a collection of stories about grassroots actions around the world focused on the 10 Demands. You can download the GreenFaith International multi-faith resource The Time to Act is Now.

Join For the Love of Creation's Faith-in-Action Campaign

For the Love of Creation's faith-in-action campaign mobilizes people across Canada to reduce their household greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and demonstrate support for increased federal climate action by writing letters to key federal Cabinet Ministers on a range of climate justice issues: climate ambition, a just transition, Indigenous rights, and support for the Global South. The campaign runs until October 4, 2021.

Launch of Everyday Advocates

GreenPAC recently launched Every Day Advocates (EDA), a new initiative building a network of Canadians from all regions of the country, across the political spectrum, and supporting them so they can hold our elected officials accountable for the environment. This is a community-led, national movement to drive environmental accountability. This spring, advocates will organize 100+ virtual town halls with MPs. EDA also offers training and tools to support advocacy for the environmental issues that matter. GreenPAC would welcome your organization's involvement. For more information, please contact Eseohe Ojo or visit Every Day Advocates.

Join Our Network

Do you believe that our diverse faith and spiritual communities can be a force for good?

Are you passionate about protecting our environment for future generations?

Do you thrive working in multi-cultural, multi-faith, grass-roots environments?

Do you have a sense of humor about life?

If you answered a strong “Yes!” to all these questions, join our network!

Board Members (2 positions available): FCG is currently seeking two new Board members to join our Board of Directors. Ideal candidates include a Treasurer who appreciates the organic nature of a network with multiple funding streams.

Download the PDF for more information

Network Coordinator: You are an exceptional project manager, detail oriented and flexible.