“The well-being of the earth is a fundamental spiritual concern. Many have linked the wonders of nature with the Divine. How we treat the earth and its creatures is a basic part of our relationship with God. Our planet as a whole requires our responsible attention.” — PYM Faith & Practice 2018
Climate Change Resource Friends help our community thrive by providing support on personal, institutional, and societal levels to address the climate crisis. Through the teaching ministry, Resource Friends in Climate Change offer informational tools and spirit-led experiential opportunities to facilitate learning, deepening of practice, and preparing Quaker communities for the imperative work of preventing further environmental degradation, addressing the accompanying challenges of equity and justice, and restoring our climate to be sustainable and livable for generations to come.
Current Resource Friends
Bruce Birchard, he/him/his
Bruce Birchard is a white heterosexual Quaker man in his mid-70’s, an active member of the Philadelphia Eco-Justice Collaborative and of Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting of Friends. He joined the Religious Society of Friends in 1967 and has served in staff positions with the Friends Peace Committee of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (working on disarmament and peace conversion), as the National Coordinator of the AFSC’s Disarmament Program, and as the General Secretary of Friends General Conference. Retiring from FGC in 2011, Bruce was instrumental in founding Quaker Voluntary Service (2008 through 2016). He also played an active role on the Board of Right Sharing of World Resources (2012 through 2019) and served as its presiding clerk for two years. He has traveled in Asia, particularly India, and in Kenya, including in his capacity as a board member of RSWR. He carries a deep concern about the impacts of climate change on people of the “Third World,” and particularly on women. He also has two young grandsons whom he loves deeply. Recognizing all people as his sisters, brothers and relatives, Bruce feels a deep responsibility in his final years to do what he can to work for climate justice.
Liz Robinson, she/her/hers
Liz is a member of CPMM and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Solar Energy Association (PSEA), a nonprofit dedicated to expanding solar energy across the state. PSEA conducts STEM education projects designed to increase students’ understanding and engagement in solar energy and related technologies. Prior to coming to PSEA, Liz founded and directed the Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) for more than 30 years. ECA provides energy efficiency, education, workforce development, home repair and bill payment assistance services to thousands of low income households every year in PA and Delaware. Liz co-founded and directed the Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA) the energy efficiency trade association for Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She also managed the Energy Cooperative Association of Philadelphia (ECAP), expanding it to a regional organization and taking it into the renewable energy market.
For more information about Climate Change Resource Friends, fill out the inquiry form.
