Faith and Eco-Justice Fellowship We seek to transform the faith-based eco-justice movement by training and supporting emerging practitioners engaged in faith-based environmental work. We will nurture and train this new generation of leadership and aim for diversity and collaboration. The next fellowship class will begin in the summer of 2009 and will focus on global climate change and poverty. Click here for application information. The Program During 2004, we developed and implemented a leadership training program for 20 emerging religious eco-justice practitioners (age 22-40). Click here for a list of 2004 fellows. The 2004 program included Norman Wirzba as our theologian in residence. Our second cohort of fellows convened in the summer of 2007 and featured Paul Santmire as our theologian in residence. Click here for a list of 2007 fellows. Location Both retreats were held in July at Port Isobel, Virginia, an education center located next door to Tangier Island, home to Tangier Watermen's Stewardship for the Chesapeake (TaSC), an organization of watermen that implements a Biblically based stewardship plan for the island. Goals The program aims to connect fellows with peers representing a broad array of eco-justice work in order to help build a network of leaders. By providing training and other learning opportunities, we hope to build a network of leaders and focus attention on the need for the religious community to nurture the next generation of environmental leaders. Fellowship Commitments Fellows attend a summer retreat. Fellows agree to join the network of other fellows. Benefits of the Fellowship Participants will have the unique opportunity to gather in community and foster their own leadership development during the summer retreat. Lodging, food, program and transportation costs are covered. Skills training includes: Communication techniques, community organizing Spiritual reflections and worship resources Education on environmental issues including environmental justice Existing faith-based resources In addition, participants will receive travel compensation to the summer retreat (traveling from points within the United States) as well as lodging during the three-day event. Meeting expenses, including food and beverage, will be covered for the summer retreat. For more information about the Faith & Eco-Justice Fellowship, contact Jordan Blevins at jblevins@ncccusa.org.