February 2024 Blog
Attendees to an ACC advocacy day in collaboration with Mennonite Central Committee’s Washington Office in January take in the architecture of the Cannon House Office Building.
Global Voices is Here!
Global Voices
Last week Victor Odinda arrived in southern California to begin the global voices tour in partnership with Mennonite Central Committee. Unfortunately the other featured speaker, Caroline Pugeni, is unable to attend because of last-minute paperwork issues at the US embassy in Zimbabwe. Caroline was one of the leaders featured in the MCC mini-documentary, “Women Will Renew” which may be shown at some of the Global Voices events.
We are pleased with the opportunities communities have offered for Victor to speak. From February 13 to March 1, he will be traveling to Los Angeles and Fresno, CA, Goshen and Elkhart, IN, Newton and Hesston, KS, and Lancaster, PA and Harrisonburg, VA. This year we decided to engage intergenerationally, speaking at both schools and retirement communities. You can see an updated list of public events here.
Global Voices educates North Americans about the impacts of climate change in other parts of the world, and how MCC and partners are adapting to those challenges. One of Anabaptist Climate Collaborative’s strategic priorities is to empower diverse voices, so people can learn that climate is change is happening now and already causing harm. Climate change is making difficult situations even worse. To work for a just and durable peace means working against a changing climate that impacts people throughout the world in different ways. To learn and respond to these challenges is part of being the global body of Christ.
Victor has worked as a Climate Solutions Partner Advisor for MCC Cambodia since April 2023. Previously, he worked as a program management professional for various NGOs in Kenya and Cambodia. In his role Victor advises local community development partners on design, planning, and implementation of projects related to sustainable climate solutions.
We are also pleased that Micah Buckwalter, a recent graduate of Eastern Mennonite University, has taken on the role of Global Voices Coordinator, helping to find locations for speaking and making sure that transportation, room and board is provided throughout the trip.
Micah has been part of several of the leadership development programs of ACC and our predecessor agency, the Center for Sustainable Climate Solutions. He is currently interning at Interfaith Power & Light in Washington DC, after having interned with the Climate Action Campaign.
When I began studying environmental sustainability at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) four years ago, I was interested in a career in conservation, research, or ecosystem restoration. That was before I got involved with Anabaptist Climate Collaborative as EMU’s Campus Climate Ambassador. This role taught me valuable student organizing skills, which later benefited a campaign to hire a Sustainability Coordinator at EMU.
I’ve stayed involved with ACC on and off since then, being part of the 2021 Climate Ride across the United States, participating in the 2022 Climate Advocacy Internship in Washington, DC, and now coordinating the Global Voices Tour. ACC’s resources and financial support as a student allowed me to explore my interest in climate policy and continue pursuing a career in faith-based advocacy. –Micah Buckwalter
ACC Advocacy in D.C.
Emerging Leaders
On Thursday, January 11, ACC and MCC gathered a group of 12 attendees from Indiana, Pennsylvania and Virginia to meet with senators and representatives from their respective states and districts. The goal of the day’s meetings was to advocate for maintaining or expanding funding for climate provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPs) in the 2024 federal budget. Shortly before our meetings, House and Senate leadership had come to a topline deal that would have protected climate investments made by the Inflation Reduction Act. Our ask focused on ensuring that this was upheld (or, ideally, to have climate funding expanded!).
Our meetings with our senators’ and representatives’ offices went well: the Pennsylvania group bonded with staffers over various issues, the Virginia group learned valuable information on the positions and plans of their senators on climate-focused issues including the Mountain Valley Pipeline and offshore wind projects, and the Indiana group had the opportunity to speak directly with Indiana state representative Rudy Yakym in the house gallery while the house was in session.
On January 18th, a week after our meetings and just under two weeks since the settling of the topline deal for the federal budget, conservatives in the House raised concerns and some even threatened to oust Speaker Johnson if he were to go through with the topline deal. Because of this, the House and Senate each passed another Continuing Resolution that will fund the government at 2023 levels until March 1 and March 8. For now, climate investments are protected; we have hope that this will be maintained in the upcoming deal to be made in March.
These advocacy gatherings coordinated with MCC Washington are always a fruitful experience for those able to attend. Here are some quotes from attendees:
Laura Pauls-Thomas, Communications Director for MCC East Coast
“When I think about the different ways I engage in climate advocacy, visiting my members of Congress in Washington D.C. is one of my favorite ways to make my voice heard. It feels important to meet lawmakers face-to-face, and entering those meetings alongside other Anabaptists who share my faith and values makes me feel hope and belonging. I’m grateful to ACC and MCC for pulling together this opportunity for intergenerational collective action!”
Galen Fitzkee, Legislative Associate, MCC Washington Office
"Our National Peace & Justice Ministries Washington Office staff was very glad to welcome this group to Capitol Hill! Whenever Mennonites are compelled to use their voices to do political peacemaking, we will be ready to work with them!"
We are grateful to MCC Washington for the coordination and knowledge they provide in pulling together these advocacy days and making them a reality.
Why I Advocate on Climate
Director’s Note, Rev. Douglas Day Kaufman
Like many Americans, I am skeptical of the political process in the US. Politicians do not seem responsive to the will of the people. In many regions one party or the other dominates enough that they can create district maps that work for them rather than for democracy. No wonder that in a 2019 poll, Gallup found that only 6% of Americans have a great deal of confidence in the federal government to handle domestic problems.
Yet since beginning my work in climate change six years ago, every year I have gone to Washington DC to meet with legislative offices. Why do I bother?
My start in advocacy in DC came when I attended The Summit with Sojourners in 2019. We advocated on climate change and for maternal health. I was skeptical that this did any good. Why would they listen to us?
I felt the least listened to with a staffer at Senator Michael Braun’s office. But then a few months later, his office contacted me about his intention to form the Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus in the Senate with Senator Chris Coons. They asked me for a statement of support, which I provided, writing how my faith in God as creator impacts my support for addressing climate change.
While I don’t think my previous visit somehow changed Senator Braun’s mind, I am glad I was part of pushing him in that direction. He eventually authored legislation to help farmers receive support in bringing carbon sequestration practices to their farms.
So I am less skeptical today. I am not sure how much difference it makes, but I think it makes a difference. Some of the loudest voices of faith are either against addressing climate change or see it as irrelevant. I am there to advocate for a gospel of all creatures, that God’s grace and love includes all creation.
Any careful reading of the Bible demonstrates a long connection between God, the people and the wider creation. The Hebrew prophets inspire my climate advocacy. Often missed is how often the prophets addressed the rulers.
In Jeremiah 4:23-26, the prophet sees an unraveling of God’s creation in Genesis 1. Walter Brueggemann noted once that Jeremiah seems to describe climate change. Jeremiah concludes (vv. 27-28): “The whole land shall be a desolation…Because of this the earth shall mourn, and the heavens above grow black…”
I see the unraveling of creation today. I see the mourning of the earth. And so similar to Jeremiah, I find that I need to speak. Following God’s call on creation burns so strong within me that I cannot stop (20:9).
So I continue to advocate, and as I do I find I am less skeptical of the political process. By engaging in this, I help our political process to work. At least I pray that it may be so.
Anabaptist Climate Collaborative is Hiring!
Collaborations Director
Anabaptist Climate Collaborative seeks a collaborations director. This relational networker would collaborate with the executive director in creating both program and financial partners. While this is a new role, it builds on the work done by previous advancement directors Mark Lancaster and Anna Ruth Hershberger. Anna Ruth is currently serving as interim advancement in a quarter-time role.
A challenge as deep and urgent as climate change needs substantial collaborative partnerships. This half time role leads with the executive director in forming such collaborations, along with fundraising and advancement. A key component is convening Mennonite-related agency leaders and other partners in seeking climate justice through Anabaptist values, community, and faith.
For more information, including a copy of the position description, go to https://www.anabaptistclimate.org/jobs or contact executive director Doug Kaufman at director@anabaptistclimate.org.
Climate Advocacy Internship
The Climate Advocacy Internship is a part-time (30 hours/week) summer internship for students with an interest in Climate Action, Domestic Policy, and Advocacy. Students will engage in advocacy, organizing, and lobbying with Mennonite Central Committee U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries, with a specific focus on mobilizing the Anabaptist community around climate issues.
The Climate Advocacy Internship is typically based in Washington, D.C., and includes housing and a monthly stipend; however, fully virtual and hybrid work is possible. This is a roughly 3-month position taking place over the summer of 2024. For more information go to https://www.anabaptistclimate.org/jobs or contact joseph.harder@anabaptistclimate.org.
Climate Communications Intern
The Communications Internship is a part-time (10 hours/week) internship over the school year for students with an interest in Climate Communications and Writing or Video media development. Students will engage in media research, online communications, article writing and developing newsletters and reports for Anabaptist Climate Collaborative (ACC) and its website.
The Communications Internship is a remote position, with 10 hours per week expected. A summer internship would be an alternative. For more information go to https://www.anabaptistclimate.org/jobs or contact joseph.harder@anabaptistclimate.org.
Giving to Anabaptist Climate Collaborative
If you are reading this newsletter, chances are you care passionately about what is happening to this big, beautiful world in which we live. You care about the reality of climate change and you are concerned. We care and we are also concerned. We work hard to continue the three part focus of Anabaptist Climate Collaborative: support emerging leaders, empower diverse voices and establish an Anabaptist network.
With my whole heart, I believe the focus of Anabaptist Climate Collaborative is THE most important issue of our time. Doing this work is connected to peace. It is connected to racism. It is connected to recognizing the glory and might of our God of Life. Doug Kaufman helps pastors process their emotions around climate change and then actively engage the issue with their church. We continue calling out young leaders to be advocates on college campuses for mitigating climate change. Because of us, other Anabaptist organizations are shifting their work to seriously look at how they’re addressing climate change.
Tell me. If you haven’t given to us, what is stopping you? What can we do to help you move towards making a donation? This work is late in coming. We’re all guilty of the fact that Anabaptist Climate Collaborative started so late, but now we’re here. Please consider making a donation and inviting two or three others to join you in giving. The work is important and we need your support.
Anna Ruth Hershberger, (574) 538-9632.
Climate Pollinators
Last week we completed the Climate Pollinators webinars, a partnership with the Mennonite World Conference Creation Care Task Force, with a focus on North America. Previous webinars covered the other four MWC regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America. If you missed one, they are available on the website as recordings.
Sierra Ross Richer, one of the participants in the Climate Ride, introduced the speakers and their stories. Sierra wrote the original series based on interviews gleaned from a global survey that the MWC Creation Care Task Force initiated. That series had a new story each day of Lent, and is still available on our website or as a book.
Upcoming Events
Relief Sales
Look for us this year at an MCC relief sale near you! We are making plans for staff and volunteers to participate in some of the major relief sales. We are grateful for the significant support we received from MCC, both as a financial partner and a program partner. Having a table at the relief sales will help us spread the word about our fledgling organization. If you are interested in being part of our table display, contact executive director Doug Kaufman at director@anabaptistclimate.org.
Doug on Green Lectionary Podcast
Executive Director Douglas Day Kaufman recently recorded an episode on the Green Lectionary podcast, a production of one of our partners, Creation Justice Ministries (CJM). The episode is hosted by CJM’s Derrick Weston and includes Dr. Jerusha Neal, a professor of homiletics at Duke Divinity School. Reflecting on John 2:13-22 for Lent 3, they have an enriching conversation about the animals freed by Jesus in the cleansing of the temple. Doug reflects on the Anabaptist teaching of the gospel of all creatures, that Christ is present with, and redeeming, all creation.
ACC/SAN Spring Retreat in Chicago, IL
Anabaptist Climate Collaborative and the Sustainability Alumni Network will be gathering a group of students and young adults in Chicago, IL from March 7th to 10th for a retreat. Attendees will participate in the Chicago Food Policy Action Council’s Food Justice Summit, attend panels and hold discussions on climate action, burnout, and enacting climate projects in their particular settings and communities.
Resources
One of our partners, the Mennonite World Conference Creation Care Task Force, recently joined a global interfaith call for a fossil fuels nonproliferation treaty. Read about it at Anabaptist World.
