On Wednesday, May 29, Friends gathered to check in on their progress on working with Creating a Playbook for Climate Action. Participants ranged from those currently using the resource to those looking to mobilize their meetings.
The attendees talked about the efforts their meetings are making or intending to make. Ideas included updating heating systems and insulating buildings to be more efficient, carpooling, and planting gardens that support the environment. They expressed hopes to reach out further within their meetings and to other organizations within their communities.
Concerns about climate change in general were voiced. There is a feeling that people go about their daily lives, business as usual, but climate change is a reality that is already affecting the world, with rising sea levels, increased natural disasters, and record-high temperatures. Broader impacts on complex systems, including food and housing structures, and how the climate crisis impacts those were discussed.
It was lifted up that people are scared, feel disempowered, and are unsure how to take action. Participants discussed several documentaries and resources they have screened, though there is a collective concern about recommending them, as they want to make sure they are educating and supporting people in a way that doesn’t also overwhelm them.
The group discussed ways to take personal action, naming political action at the state level as an avenue. Spiritual commitment to remain seated in the Light and compassion is also a means to find comfort in a challenging topic.
Our named commitment to a yearly meeting-wide witness on climate change means we will continue to hold space for this work. The next check-in around Creating a Playbook for Climate Action will be on Zoom on October 10 from 7-8 p.m.
Learn more about the Creating a Playbook for Climate Action resource here.
