Finding Focus
As your group begins to narrow its eco-justice efforts from largest visions to practical first and next steps, it can be helpful to keep in mind:
- Be sure to build a team. There should be 3 or 5 people to work together on eco-justice concerns; do not try to do things by yourself. The more diverse the reasons for eco-justice interests, the better. For instance, include someone from building/grounds, choir, mission, justice, and education groups.
- Choose a project that everyone can do together—something that is relatively easy, tangible, and measurable. For instance, work together on recycling the Sunday morning worship bulletins. Once you have a successful effort in which everyone participated, your next steps will be much more energized
- Celebrate each successful project you accomplish, no matter how small the feat. Appreciation and celebration are key to maintaining commitment and energy.
- After you have a few small, successful projects underway, brainstorm something that would be a bit larger and try to coordinate with others outside the eco-justice group—such as the mission committee, women’s circle, or youth group.
- Choose efforts that make the congregation proud. Knowing your congregation’s values, find fun and simple projects that will bring good publicity and about which everyone can feel good.
- Begin your efforts at the level of awareness and values by using educational events and worship as a way to communicate the message.
- Look for ways to meet once or twice a year with eco-justice folks in your wider judicatory or meet ecumenically in your town. Share stories and encourage one another.
Return to the action homepage toaccess resources for increasing your impact on issues facing your community.