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The yearly meeting is dedicated to addressing climate change, acknowledging the urgency of this global crisis and our responsibility as a faith community to take action. As people of faith, seekers of truth, and stewards of Creation, we must take decisive steps to prevent further suffering and the destruction of our planet. Our spiritual values urge us to care for the Earth and its inhabitants, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthy, thriving, and sustainable world.

We aim to inspire and mobilize everyone involved with PYM to embrace this calling and actively work toward stopping the destruction of life on our sacred Earth. This is not merely an environmental issue but a moral and spiritual imperative that demands collective commitment, thoughtful action, and a willingness to challenge existing systems contributing to climate degradation.

Today, we celebrate a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts: officially signing a contract with The Stone House Group, engaging them as a consulting firm to assess our carbon footprint across all aspects of our operations, gatherings, and facilities. This partnership represents a crucial step in understanding the full impact of our activities on the environment and developing a clear, actionable strategy for reducing or eliminating our carbon emissions. The Stone House Group will provide expert guidance, data-driven insights, and practical recommendations to help us align our practices with our values of environmental stewardship.

This achievement is the result of dedicated efforts that began last year. A senior staff member drafted a Request for Proposal (RFP) to identify a qualified firm for this essential work. The finance office and climate change stewards reviewed the draft to ensure it aligned with our testimonies, climate commitments, and financial responsibilities. After researching potential firms, we sent the RFP to nine candidates. We received five proposals from this process, each offering unique perspectives and strategies for helping us achieve our climate goals.

The proposals underwent a review process to ensure a well-rounded and informed decision. They were evaluated internally and shared with stewards and other qualified individuals for additional feedback. A senior staff member then compiled the insights gathered from these reviews and submitted a formal recommendation to the General Secretary, who made the final selection.

This marks a significant step forward in our commitment to climate action, but it is just the beginning. As we move forward with The Stone House Group’s evaluation, we must remain engaged, proactive, and open to transformative change. Together, we will continue working toward a more sustainable future, grounded in faith, truth, and responsibility to our planet and all who depend on it.