UUA Green Sanctuary
Our Vision
A world that is viable and
just for humanity and for the whole of the web of life, including present and
future generations.
Our Mission
The Green Sanctuary
Program provides structure, leadership and support, in broad collaboration, for
the UU faith community to engage in an ambitious Environmental Justice and
Climate Justice movement that seeks to live fully our seventh principle and
achieve our vision of a viable and just world for all.
*****
BECOMING AN ACCREDITED GREEN SANCTUARY (https://www.uua.org/environment/sanctuary/becoming)
(condensed* by Rick Geiger, UUCSH)
Outline
PROCEDURE
STAGE ONE (Team Building and Congregational Education)
A.
Action Steps
B.
Reflection
C. Resources
D. Checklist
STAGE TWO (Environmental Assessment)
Goal 1 Congregational Assessment
A.
Action Steps
B.
Reflection
C.
Resources
Goal 2 Professional Energy Audit
Goal 3 Conducting Personal Assessments
STAGE THREE (Creating An Action Plan)
A.
Introduction
B.
Reflection
C.
Resources
STAGE FOUR (Applying to be a Green
Sanctuary Candidate
A. Action Steps
1.
Preparing Your Application
2.
Submitting Your Application
B. Reflections
STAGE FIVE (Gaining Green
Sanctuary Recognition)
A. Carrying Out Your Action Plan
B. Maintaining Energy and
Motivation
C. Documenting and Reporting
Progress
D. The Application Process
1.
Preparing to Apply
2.
Applying for Accreditation
3.
Submitting the Appplication
4.
Receiving Recognition
TO DO LIST (covers the
five stages)
******
Procedure
Each congregation seeking Green Sanctuary accreditation will
educate themselves, perform a self-assessment, write a plan, and create
projects in four focus areas:
- Environmental Justice/Climate Justice
Environmental Justice acknowledges that marginalized communities are often hit first and hardest by environmental crisis. Congregations shift from providing charity to working in solidarity with communities most affected by climate change. - Worship and Celebration
As we work together towards a cleaner, more just and sustainable world, worship enables us to stay connected to each other and to celebrate the work we have accomplished. - Religious Education
Religious Education shapes more than minds. It shapes the attitudes and practices of children, families and the entire adult congregation while inspiring us to keep working toward our goal of sustainable practices. - Sustainable Living
Sustainable living requires us to treat the world more gently by using fewer resources and being mindful of the choices we make.
*******
Stage
1:
The goals in stage 1 are:
- Learning about the Green Sanctuary process and determining if it is a good fit for your congregation.
- Establishing a team that will lead the work, inviting others to participate along the way.
- Educating the entire congregation so everyone is aware of your faith community’s commitment.
Stage One, A. Action
Steps: Building a Team and Educating the Congregation about Green Sanctuary.
In this stage, you’ll (1) create a Green
Sanctuary team and charter, and (2) educate and engage your congregation around
the Green Sanctuary process.
Objectives: In the
beginning, the team’s objectives are to raise awareness of the program,
generate support and enthusiasm, and inspire commitment and active
participation.
Generally, the congregation is asked to
formally approve Green Sanctuary participation at a later stage. In some cases,
the Board or congregation may call a congregational vote at the start of the
process. If this happens, it is still the team’s first task to build awareness
and support before asking for approval.
It can be particularly helpful if the team brainstorms with the congregation after sharing some of the information they have gathered.
It can be particularly helpful if the team brainstorms with the congregation after sharing some of the information they have gathered.
Communications: Throughout
the process, make use of all effective communications: announcements,
newsletters, the congregation’s website, committee presentations,
Stage One, B. Reflection:
On Team Building and Congregational Education
The entire community needs to develop an
understanding of the need for change and be willing to do whatever is required.
Throughout the Green Sanctuary program,
encourage discussion of how issues and projects relate to personal moral values
and the seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism.
Connect with existing UU efforts:
- Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth (UUMFE)
- Commit2Respond
- UU College of Social Justice (UUCSJ)
- UU Service Committee (UUSC)
If there are environmental activists in
your congregation, find out what causes they are passionate about and why. Ask
them to share a presentation or newsletter article…
Make it personal: We
are unlikely to change our habits unless we feel a strong, personal motivation
to do so. Although facts and figures about environmental issues have their
place, they are not always successful in stirring us to action. It’s when we
see environmental damage for ourselves, or hear the stories of affected
communities that we more deeply understand the concerns….
Use a variety of educational resources: …..
When direct experience is impractical, look for other ways to make the issues
real. …Seeing a documentary about the impact of global warming on Native
villages in Alaska might be the impetus to step up activism for greenhouse gas
regulation. Find films and books on environmental issues
Gather and share information: ….
Educational programs about environmental issues can have a major impact,
encouraging people to act on their new understanding and awareness. Forums and
presentations by experts, book discussion groups, and collaborative research
can help your congregation understand the problems and develop possible
solutions. Articles, books, films, and websites translate scientific findings
into clear, plain language.
Create a vision: To increase
motivation, create a vision for your Green Sanctuary efforts. Help your
congregation vividly imagine the results of the work you’re doing together. How
will it feel when you’ve earned your accreditation? What will it be like to
live as a Green Sanctuary? Try creating a “vision board” using pictures and
words to portray the future you imagine. You might do this for the Green
Sanctuary process as a whole, for each planned project, or both.
Emphasize
the Positive: Like everyone else, Unitarian
Universalists are reluctant to sacrifice, and the environmental movement can
demand that we give up some of the things we enjoy most. Reframing lifestyle
changes in terms of what is gained can increase motivation. …try to frame the
discussion in a more positive way, for example: “How can we live our faith in a
way that’s best for the Earth as well as our community?” The answer to this
second question rests at the heart of the journey to becoming a Green
Sanctuary.
Stage One, C. Resources: Team Building and Congregational Education
- The UUA conducts monthly conference calls to review the Green Sanctuary program and answer questions. To participate in an upcoming call, contact uua_greensanctuary@uua.org.
- Trained volunteer coaches support congregational leadership. If you have decided to work towards Green Sanctuary accreditation and would like a coach, contact us at uua_greensanctuary@uua.org.
- Review the list of accredited congregations and consider contacting them to learn from their experience.
- Review videos and other Green Sanctuary resources.
Stage One, D: Checklist for Team
Building and Congregational Education
STEP
Briefly state type of activity |
HOW
YOU CAN TRACK OR MEASURE IMPACT OF THIS STEP
Some of this may be numbers, but also stories about people’s energy, particular responses, etc. |
DATE
ACCOMPLISHED OR LAUNCHED
|
Learn
How does learning happen? Is it ongoing? |
||
Build Team
Who? Sense of energy level... |
||
Educate Leadership
Reports, Presentations, Worship, RE, Group Conversations... |
||
Educate Congregation
Newsletter, Presentations, Worship, RE, Group Conversations... |
||
******
Stage 2:
Environmental Assessment
Your first major Green Sanctuary
activity will be a comprehensive environmental assessment: a snapshot of your
congregation’s current positions on environmental programs and practices. You
will review everything from building and grounds management, to worship
elements and the content of your educational programs. You will also examine
consumption patterns, spending habits, and social activities.
…With this information, you can
develop a list of recommendations and opportunities that will strengthen
operations and insure long-term sustainability….
Your Green Sanctuary candidacy
application will include a summary of the key findings of your environmental
assessment. You are encouraged to keep the detailed findings as a permanent
part of your files. Periodically updating the assessment can help you track
changes and evaluate future actions.
This stage has two main goals, with
an optional third:
Goal
1 Conduct a congregational assessment where
you gather information about your organization’s practices and programs.
Goal 3 Collect personal assessments (optional)
– survey individuals in your congregation to assess attitudes and habits related
to environmental issues.
STAGE
2, GOAL 1: Congregational Assessment
A. Action Steps: Conducting a Congregational Assessment
B. Reflection: : On Congregational Assessments
C. Resources: Congregational Assessment
A. Action Steps: Conducting a Congregational Assessment
…your
team reviews congregational programs and practices in each Green Sanctuary
focus area: Worship and Celebration, Religious Education, Environmental
Justice, and Sustainable Living.
Assigned
team members will investigate which issues, practices, and policies need
evaluation.
Methods for Gathering Data
- Document review. This could include bylaws, board minutes, and/or policy directives. Newsletters and annual reports can provide basic information about congregational programs.
- Interviews and reports. Contact staff members, committee chairs, and other leaders for details about programs and practices. (Suggested questions are provided later in this section.)
- Direct observation. Take a walk around the building. Are lights usually turned off when not in use? Are people using the recycling bins?
Assign data-gathering tasks based on
team members’ skills and perspectives. Someone methodical and analytical might
prefer reviewing documents, while tact and communication skills are important
when conducting interviews.
“How far back should we look?” is a frequent
question. If a practice has been in place for two or three years, it’s safe to
say it’s ongoing. If a major event happened four or five years ago (moving to a
new building, the arrival of a new minister with very different views on the
environment), you might want to include an explanation in your assessment.
B. Reflection: On Congregational Assessments
Here are some things to consider as you move
through your Congregational Assessment.
1. Courtesy with Staff and Contractors
…Always express your respect and appreciation … It’s important to maintain positive relationships…
2. Appreciative Inquiry
….asking positive questions: When have we been at our best? What are we doing well right now? What do we want more of in the future.?...
Appreciative inquiry encourages us to build on our successes.
C. Resources: Congregational Assessment
STAGE
2, GOAL 2: Professional Energy Audit
A professional energy audit is an important part of your environmental
assessment, and the only element that requires technical expertise.An energy audit is a professional examination of a building with respect to energy efficiency. Considerations include:
- Efficiency of the heating / cooling (HVAC) and plumbing systems
- Heat loss potential (insulation and windows)
- Systems management (use of programmable thermostats)
- Lighting fixtures (exit signs, light bulbs, motion sensors)
- Appliance energy efficiency ratings
Cost of the Audit
Unless your congregation is fortunate enough to have a willing volunteer with the expertise to conduct an audit, you will need to contract for it. Many states provide resources for low-cost, subsidized, or free audits. Some contractors that install heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems conduct audits and arrange a payment plan using savings gained from implementing the recommendations. If your state has an Interfaith Power and Light program, it may be able to provide an energy audit or recommend a contractor. Research all your options before making a decision.
NOTE: If you don’t conduct an energy audit, or the audit
shows that major changes are unnecessary, you can still include an energy
conservation project in your action plan.
STAGE
2, GOAL 3: Conducting Personal
Assessments
Personal assessments are individual surveys that ask about ongoing,
environmentally friendly practices and habits. This is an optional step, but
can be meaningful. …..Having people retake the survey after completing your action plan can measure the impact of Green Sanctuary participation.
Most surveys focus on energy and water usage, recycling, food choices, and other elements of sustainability. Some also try to gauge respondents’ knowledge about environmental issues, involvement in environmental action, and interest or willingness to participate in specific activities.
Whether you design your own survey, or adapt one from another source, following these guidelines can help increase participation:
- Keep it simple. A complicated survey that takes too long to complete probably won’t get a good response.
- Focus on the positive. Avoid making people feel guilty. Instead of asking about wasteful habits, ask whether people take specific steps to conserve resources.
- Consider an online survey tool. Web-based services like SurveyMonkey, Zoomerang, SurveyGizmo, and PollDaddy let you collect data over the Internet. Most offer a free, basic version, as well as paid packages with additional features.
*******
Stage 3:
Creating an Action Plan
A. Introduction
B. Reflection
C. Resources
Stage 3, A. Introduction
The Green Sanctuary Action Plan is
the compilation of twelve or more projects that will guide your
congregation’s completion of the accreditation requirements.
Focus
Area
|
Number
of Projects
|
Additional
Requirements
|
Environmental Justice
|
At least 1
|
See environmental justice
checklist
|
Worship and Celebration
|
At least 3
|
At least one longer-term/ongoing
At least one related to
environmental justice
|
Religious Education
|
At least 3
|
Two for different age groups
within your congregation.
Can be multigenerational.
At least one related to
environmental justice.
|
Sustainable Living
|
At least 4
|
At least one related to climate change.
At least one related to
environmental justice.
|
The ideal action plan is a series of
actions that will move your congregational culture towards a deeper
environmental awareness grounded in UU values, sustainability, and justice.
It’s also a road map to help you strategize and check the logistics of your
program elements.
If you find that some elements
are no longer appropriate, simply adjust the plan as needed.
If you make a significant revision
and are not sure whether the plan still meets the program requirements, contact
the Green Sanctuary Manager at uua_greensanctuary@uua.org.
Stage 3, B. Reflection: on Creating an Action Plan
Developing your action plan can be a
rewarding activity. It provides focus and purpose, inspiring you to envision
what your congregation can achieve by living Unitarian Universalist Principles
in the pursuit of a better world. Take your time, and enjoy this opportunity to
reflect on your goals.
Before deciding which projects to
pursue, identify who will lead each one. If you cannot find at least one or two
volunteers willing to coordinate a project, consider an alternative that
generates more enthusiasm and/or is more feasible.
When your team is satisfied with
your chosen projects, you’re ready to document your plan and prepare
your formal application to become a Green Sanctuary candidate.
Stage 3, C. Resources: Creating an Action Plan
- The UUA’s Multicultural Growth and Witness (MGW) Staff Group: Building partnerships across cultural boundaries can be exhilarating and challenging. The UUA’s Multicultural Growth and Witness staff group equips Unitarian Universalist congregations and community leaders to minister effectively in our multicultural world. If your team is interested in building congregational capacity in this area, contact socialjustice@uua.org.
- UUA District and Regional Staff : Get in touch with your GS coach or the GS office to find out if there is a UUA staff member doing social or environmental justice work aligned with your project.
- UU College of Social Justice (UUCSJ): UUCSJ organizes powerful experiences of learning and action for social justice. Some offerings may fulfill your environmental justice requirements. If you have questions, contact the Green Sanctuary office at uua_greensanctuary@uua.org.
- UU Service Committee (UUSC): The UUSC advances human rights through grassroots collaboration. In 15 countries throughout the world, UUSC fosters social justice and works toward a world free from oppression. Your congregational environmental justice work could establish powerful partnerships through one of UUSC’s projects. If you have questions, contact the Green Sanctuary office at uua_greensanctuary@uua.org.
- UU Ministry for Earth (UUMFE): UUMFE’s web site houses resources to plan and implement every aspect of your Green Sanctuary plan: worship, children’s religious education, action and advocacy, sustainability, and Earth Day activities. We highly recommend the UUMFE Environmental Justice Curriculum "Our Place in the Web of Life" as an introduction to environmental justice, and a means to assess your congregation’s environmental impact. Curriculum cost depends on the size of your congregation.
- UU Young Adult Climate Justice Network : Young adults are taking on some of the most radical direct action to resist climate change and frequently have a better understanding of how to do intersectional environmental justice work. To tap into current young adult activities or for advice about successful young adult outreach, get in touch with the Young Adult Network coordinator. This position supports a young adult network engaged in UU-principled climate activism.
- Coalition of Unitarian Universalist State Action Networks: CUUSAN, the Coalition of Unitarian Universalist State Action Networks, is a central meeting place for existing UU State Action Networks (SANs) and newly forming SANs. Some UU State Networks—like the UU Justice Ministry of California—maintain environmental justice task forces. You can find other networks here.
********
Stage 4:
Applying to be a Green Sanctuary Candidate
A. Action Steps: Applying to be a Green Sanctuary Candidate
B. Reflections: On applying to be a
Green Sanctuary candidate.
Once you have formed
a Green Sanctuary team, engaged your congregation, completed
the assessments, and developed
an action plan for your projects, you are ready to become a Green Sanctuary
candidate..
A1.
Preparing Your Application
The Green Sanctuary candidate
application consists of three parts:
- Congregation Information and Profile: basic information about your congregation.
- Your Proposed Action Plan: a brief description of each project in your action plan.
- Your Proposed Communications Plan: how you plan to engage your congregation and the wider community in your Green Sanctuary efforts.
Download:
If you cannot submit the form
electronically, contact the Green Sanctuary Manager for alternate mailing
instructions.
A2.
Submitting Your Application
Before submitting the completed
application, some teams ask their congregation to vote to apply for candidacy.
This is not required, but it can be a way of gauging a congregation’s
commitment and solidifying support. There is some risk in asking the
congregation to vote at this stage, since a negative vote or a very weak
positive vote can reflect hesitancy about the program or resistance to making a
strong commitment. Anticipate the likely outcome and strategize accordingly.
(Note: a vote is required before applying for final accreditation, after
completion of the action plan.)
If you choose to ask for a vote
before applying for candidacy, it’s a good idea to use general wording in the
motion. You may need to adjust your plans as you move through the program, so
less restrictive language leaves your options open.
Application
Fees
Each congregation is asked to pay a
one-time application fee of $100. Instructions for submitting the fee are on
the application form.
After you submit your application:
- Submitted candidacy applications go to a Green Sanctuary Review Team. These review teams consist of volunteer congregational leaders who have completed the Green Sanctuary process.
- After the review meeting, the program manager will contact you with feedback about your action plan.
- Based on this feedback and any changing circumstances in your congregation, you may modify your action plan.
You are free to make changes to your plan at any point in the
process. There is no need to submit ongoing revisions unless you have a
question about meeting the program requirements.
*********
Stage 5:
Gaining Green Sanctuary Recognition
[Note: Achieving Green Sanctuary Recognition (Accreditation) requires an application process that is different from the Green Sanctuary candidacy application in Stage 4. RG]
A. Carrying Out Your Action Plan
Allow one to three years to complete the projects in your action plan. It takes at least a year for everyone to get on board with the program. It may take a year to develop collaborative relationships and make positive change on an environmental justice issue. Another year can involve establishing changes in congregational practice, and individual congregants integrating the associated learnings and commitments.As you carry out the plan, major changes in the life of the congregation like losing a minister or long-term leader or having to move to a different site for worship can derail the Green Sanctuary process. If this happens, contact the Green Sanctuary Manager or your coach for support.
When you have completed your action plan, a special celebration is in order! After that, you will prepare for accreditation.
B. Maintaining Energy and Motivation
Some may approach this work as another task, making it difficult to stay interested and engaged. Others may see it as an urgent mission to save the world, a view likely to be overwhelming. As you implement your action plan, try to balance both perspectives. Staying task-oriented keeps you organized and gives you milestones to celebrate; a sense of mission inspires you to stretch beyond your comfort level and reach for a higher goal.One of the best ways to maintain energy and enthusiasm during your Green Sanctuary journey is to recognize that each completed project is a milestone. Celebrate your success!
C. Documenting and Reporting Progress
Once a year, candidates submit a brief report detailing recent accomplishments and general progress, requesting assistance as needed. This annual report will contain photographs and other documentation necessary for your accreditation application.If a newsletter is part of your communications plan, consider using it as a basis for record-keeping. Add metrics or stories to explain where you began, detail your congregation’s actions, and note the program’s overall impact.
Specifically for the environmental justice work, a tracking tool is available as a shorthand way to record what you do over time. You will need to add more details to this tracking tool to create a complete enough picture for the review team, but it can provide a good scaffold.
D. The Application Process
1. Preparing to Apply
If you asked individuals to fill out a survey as part of your environmental assessment, consider repeating the survey after completing your action plan. Comparing the “before” and “after” responses will track changes in awareness, action, and long-term commitment. Summarize your work in a final report and present it to the congregation.Applying for accreditation must go to a congregational vote. The wording of the motion or resolution can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Ideally, it will express an explicit commitment to live by your Green Sanctuary values, including continuing to make environmentally appropriate choices in all actions and decisions. You might choose to craft a covenant for your vote, giving added weight to your commitment.
2. Applying for Accreditation
The application for Green Sanctuary accreditation is available as a Microsoft Word file. Note that some sections are similar to the candidacy application.- Congregation Information
- Congregation Profile
- Congregational Vote: Provide documentation of your congregation’s vote, including a copy of the statement, resolution, or covenant.
- Completion of Action Plan: Revise project descriptions to reflect actions taken, and update timelines as needed. Describe project outcomes. Be sure each project is clearly explained, since the accreditation review team may not be the same group that reviewed your candidacy application.
- Accomplishment of Program Goals: The Green Sanctuary goals are listed on the application form. Write one to three paragraphs for each goal, noting the degree to which your congregation has achieved it.
- Program Evaluation: Evaluate the effect of the Green Sanctuary program.
The program evaluation helps the UUA’s Stewardship and
Development Office determine whether the Green Sanctuary program effectively
meets the program goals. It can also suggest new directions for living out your
commitments after you receive accreditation.
Answer the following questions in one to three paragraphs:
- What has been Green Sanctuary’s most important benefit to your congregation?
- What has been the most difficult or challenging aspect of the program?
- Have you observed positive changes in your congregation’s culture? If so, what are they?
- What are your intentions/aspirations for continuing to live out your Green Sanctuary commitments?
- What role do you expect your congregation to take in the wider community, relative to environmental issues? How do you feel recognition as a Green Sanctuary affects your position in the community?
3. Submitting the Application
Email your completed application to uua_greensanctuary@uua.org. If you need to send your application via postal mail, contact us for instructions.Specific questions can be directed to the Green Sanctuary Manager.
4. Receiving Recognition
Once you submit your accreditation application, it will be forwarded to a Green Sanctuary Review Team. The Green Sanctuary Manager will communicate any requests for information, clarification, or requests for additional work.After the review meeting, the Manager will draft a letter officially recognizing your congregation as a Green Sanctuary.
You will receive a certificate suitable for framing and display. You may also want to add the Green Sanctuary logo to your congregation’s website, and/or send a press release to local media outlets.
Congratulations! After months of planning, implementing, and documenting your projects, you have earned Green Sanctuary accreditation. This is a joyful achievement, so take the opportunity to celebrate and to show appreciation to everyone who participated.
*For complete information go to https://www.uua.org/environment/sanctuary/becoming
**********
BECOMING AN ACCREDITED GREEN SANCTUARY (https://www.uua.org/environment/sanctuary/becoming)
To
Do List*
(based on
condensed version
by Rick Geiger)
STAGE ONE
1. Establish a team to lead the way.
2. Involve others (ongoing)
3. Educate and engage your congregation around the Green Sanctuary process, raise awareness of the program, generate support and enthusiasm, and inspire commitment and active participation.
4. Ask congregation to formally approve Green Sanctuary participation.
5. Brainstorm with the congregation (helpful).
6. Encourage discussion of how issues and projects relate to personal moral values and the seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism.
7. Ask environmental activists from the congregation to share presentations or write newsletter articles (ongoing).
8. Create a vision of what we want to accomplish/see changed.
9. Monthly conference calls with UUA.
10. Contact other accredited congregations as needed.
11. Review videos and other Green Sanctuary resources.
12. Maintain a checklist of steps taken.
STAGE TWO
13. Assess the congregation’s current positions on environmental programs and practices in each of the four focus areas (Environmental Justice / Climate Justice, Worship and Celebration, Religious Education, and Sustainable Living). (Assign data-gathering tasks to team members.)
14. Develop a list of recommendations and opportunities.
15. Make and keep permanent record of findings.
16. Periodically update the environmental assessment.
17. Professional energy audit/energy assessment.
18. Collect personal assessments (optional survey)
19. Have individuals retake the same survey after the action plan (Stage 3) is complete.
STAGE THREE
20. Develop an action plan consisting of 12 or more projects in the
four focus areas (Environmental Justice / Climate Justice, Worship
and Celebration, Religious Education, and Sustainable Living). Adjust
the plan as needed.
21. Decide who will lead each project.
STAGE FOUR
22. Prepare application for Green Candidacy.
23. Congregational vote regarding candidacy application (optional)
24. Submit application for candidacy with $100 fee
25. Modify action plan as needed.
