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Green Awakening Network receives second City of Toronto “Community Investment Fund” Grant!
The Green Awakening Network is to be the recipient of funding through the City of Toronto’s ‘Live Green’ program for a second year. The award of $25,000 will be matched by in-kind and volunteer contributions from participating faith communities and individuals in the Network. Key elements in the July 2010 to June 2011 program submission that attracted the ‘enthusiastic support’ of the City include:
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a matching grant scheme for energy audits in 12 congregations ready to follow up on the results of the audit
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a commitment to a third annual ‘Greening Our Faith Communities’ Forum in 2011 and other education events
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the collection and dissemination of baseline data on the greenhouse gas emissions of 50 representative church buildings
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the publication of a simple handbook identifying funding and financing options for green building renovations
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assistance to congregations in holding eco-events that will encourage church members and the wider local community to take group and individual action in response climate change
For more information on the City of Toronto's Live Green program, go to: www.toronto.ca/livegreen
Now Available – Volume 1, 2010 of Awakening: News from the Green Awakening Network
Download a copy for stories about GAN members and their greening activities, resources, news, and more.
Now Available!
Greening Our Faith Communities March 7th 2010 – Workshop Handouts
A number people have asked for access to the handouts prepared for the five workshops at our recent event. The workshop leaders have kindly agreed to make them available on our website. They are listed here according to the workshop number and title. Please note there were no handouts for workshops #2 & #3.
Interfaith Panel Handout
Workshop #1: Getting Started
10 Things You Can Do (Tom Cullen)
Building Awareness (Rita Bijons)
Workshop #4: Using Your Rituals
Greening Jewish Rituals (Rabbi Aaron Levi)
Greening Your Worship (Rev. Ralph Wushke)
Workshop #5: Solar Energy
Case Study: The Neighbourhood Solar Project
Going Solar: Hot Water (GSS)
Going Solar: PV Step by Step Guide (GSS)
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Greening Our Faith Communities Annual Forum this year. We look forward to hearing about your plans and progress in your journey towards green.
Read the Moderator's Open Letter to all Canadians...
Where Is the Hope after Copenhagen?
Mardi Tindal
January 17, 2010
Get Involved...
Tell us what your congregation is doing to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions...Fill out the Green Awakening Network 'Green Activity Survey' and send it to us! Results will be shared with participating congregations in summary form.
Does your church want to organize a 'Greening your Church and Neighbourhood' Community Event? The Green Awakening Network can help you with financial and promotional resources. More information...
Available for Download... Awakenings: News from the Green Awakening Network.
To subscribe, email us at greenawakening@tucc.ca.
What is the Green Awakening Network?
This is a group of congregations of the United Church of Canada in the City of Toronto. We have come together to share ideas and experiences, in partnership with others, on how to respond to the challenge of climate change and how to reduce our "carbon footprint." At this time our partners are Greening Sacred Spaces and the Centre for Church Development Leadership.
As a "network", this is not a formal organization and it is intended to act more like a faith-based resource on climate change among UCC congregations. We hope that it will be an inspiration and a catalyst for action for the wider community in which we are located.
The Green Awakening project also provides a focused and action-oriented opportunity for networking among congregations interested in "eco-justice".
The new network is excited to announce that it is the recipient of one of the first grants from the City of Toronto’s "Live Green: Toronto Community Investment Program".
What is its purpose?
The Green Awakening Network has an ambitious first-year (2008/09) plan. Its chief goals are to:
- develop a strong awareness of the imperative to act in response to the challenge to reduce greenhouse gases;
- develop a preparedness within our communities for the challenges that they face as a result of climate change;
- implement programs of action in partnership with community groups in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
What are the qualifications for being in the Green Awakening Network?
Participation in the Green Awakening Network is encouraged for all congregations, large and small. "Membership" in the network occurs when a congregation has completed one, or more, of the following initiatives:
- presented a workshop on "greening" homes / church buildings
- hosted a "green" event – such as an "Eco-Fair" for the community
- conducted an energy audit of the church building(s)
- formed a "green team" to educate themselves and take action to reduce greenhouse gasses
- installed "green" retrofits in a church building to reduce the carbon footprint of the congregation
- engaged 25 family units in calculating their carbon footprint
What is the Network doing?
There are four major initiatives of the Green Awakening Network for its first year. These are:
- to form a network of 15 congregations
- develop a strategy for carbon footprint reduction
- identify funding options for congregations wishing to "green" their buildings
- share information with the wider community and inspire people to act
Why are we doing this?
Our faith calls us to "live with respect in creation." In order to live out our Christian faith at this time of environmental crisis (according to a consensus among scientific personnel) we have formed this Network to work together for the greater common good. we are not alone and we need each other’s experiences and expertise in order that we can make the greatest possible positive change. We believe that God has called us to participate in life-giving acts for the earth, and all of life.
How do I become a part of this?
Contact Ron Ewart at the Centre for Church Development Leadership for additional information.
Download the Green Awakening Network 'Commitment to Action' Form.
More information about the Green Awakening Network.
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