The Tenth Annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days: March 23-26, 2012 in Washington, DC
The 10th annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) conference in Washington, DC is an opportunity for the ecumenical Christian community to worship, reflect theologically, learn, and witness together in the presence of U.S. legislators. With the support of many Christian communions and over 45 organizations, EAD is one of our most powerful national opportunities for public witness. This year's theme is, "Is THIS the Fast I Seek? Economy, Livelihood, and Our National Priorities" based on Isaiah 58.
The Eco-Justice Program is sponsoring a series of workshops listed below focused on the link between economic justice and eco-justice. Click here to see the full EAD program. Workshop topics include energy ethics and local livelihoods, Creation’s place in the federal budget, environmental health in low-income communities, and the choices we can make as people of faith to ensure a world fit for the seventh generation.
WORKSHOP SESSION I: Saturday, March 24th 11:00-12:30pm
A Sacred Conversation on Faith, Materialism, and Ecology
In the 21st century, as the 7+ billion human inhabitants consume more than the earth can replace, are there truths arising from our faith understandings that can form the basis for how we should respond to this issue? As Americans, do we have a “right” to consume at levels that far exceed everyone else? As we consume all of these material goods are we trying to fill a hole in our soul with stuff? Come join in a Sacred Conversation on Faith & Materialism which will explore this topic both from a Global and a personal perspective. Facilitated by UCC Reverend Terry Gallager, Sacred Conversations in Justice
Environmental Health and Economic Justice
We live in a chemical world. Chemicals are used in everyday modern conveniences such as furniture, personal care products, cookware, and food. Yet from production to disposal, these chemicals harm the health and livelihoods of low-income people, particularly low-income people of color, and children. Learn about some of these chemicals of concern, why these populations are most vulnerable, and how you can be an agent of change to put the health of God's people over corporate profits. Speakers include Shantha Ready Alonso, National Council of Churches and Michele Roberts of Advocates for Environmental Human Rights
WORKSHOP SESSION II: Saturday, March 24 2:15-3:45pm
Energy Justice and Local Livelihoods: The Moral implications of Mountaintop Removal and Fracking
We are all dependent on energy for our homes, houses of worship, and transportation. Yet the price of this energy is high for local communities who are displaced, fall sick, or that are left with polluted lands. The panelists will explain how these two extractive industries operate and harm human communities and livelihoods and God's Creation. Panelists include Reverend Robin Blakeman, Environmental Ministry Action Network of WV Presbytery and Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition; Lorelei Scarbro, advocate and widow of coalminer in West Virginia; Mary Minette, Director of Environmental Education and Advocacy for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Amerca
WORKSHOP SESSION III: Sunday, March 25 11:00-12:30pm
Cleanliness is... Godliness? An Investigation into the Dangers of Everyday Cosmetics and Cleaning Supplies Come on a journey through your medicine cabinet and cleaning supply bin. Find out what toxic hazards may lie in your products, and about their disproportionate impacts on women. Learn some tried and true safer personal care and cleaning alternatives for your family, and mix up some home-made products yourself. Advocate for government reform of toxic chemical safety testing and regulation. Facilitated by Chloe Schwabe, National Council of Churches
Ethical Stewardship of God's Creation in the Federal Budget Recent national budgetdebates have threatened programs in placethat protect Creation. But are there other programs in place that harm God's Creation? is there an ethical way to cut the budget and be better stewards of Creation and taxpayer dollars? What role can we play as people of faith to protect God's Creation in the budget process? Speakers include Autumn Hanna, Taxpayers for Common Sense; Benjamin Schreiber, Friends of the Earth; and Jordan Blevins, Church of the Brethren amd National Council of Churches
Check out www.advocacydays.org for more information
