DMV UU Climate Convocation
Saturday, May 6 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
River Road UU Congregation

At this event, Environmental Justice and Earth Ministry groups from all area UU congregations seek to

• Form an ongoing DC-MD-VA UU climate network that works together in climate-related interest groups;
• Create solidarity and support across congregations, caring for one another in our efforts;
• Offer common programs and projects such as monthly climate webinar/events;
• Create opportunities for celebration such as an annual UU climate event.

SCHEDULE:

9:00: On-site registration, informal gathering with coffee, light vegan breakfast, conversation.  

Browse the activities of our congregations presented in five categories:

• FIRE – clean energy production and conservation
• AIR – greenhouse gases and other gaseous & particulate pollutants
• WATER – access, conservation and flood risks
• EARTH – land, farming and forests, food production and waste
• SPIRIT – human connection, advocacy for justice and equity

 10:00: Spiritual grounding in the Sanctuary, led by Rev. Nancy Ladd, RRUUC

 10:15: Potomac Partnership Ministers will participate in a panel discussion reflecting on the intersection of racial justice, environmental justice, and climate action. Q&A to follow.

• Rev. Abhi Janamanchi, Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation
• Rev. Aileen Fitzkee, UU Congregation of Sterling, VA
• Rev. Charlotte Lehmann, Bull Run UU
• Rev. Carol Thomas Cissel, Minister of Social Justice and Community Development, UU Church of Arlington
• Rev. David A. Miller, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax
• Rev. Nancy Ladd, River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation

11:15: Break

11:30: Brief presentation of potential common and joint actions for the remainder of 2023:

• Our congregational facilities and the lands and waters around them
• Environmental justice and equity partnerships
• Legislative & policy advocacy (local, state, national)      
• Spiritual connections to nature and climate in the Sanctuary & in RE  
• Food (presentation during lunch)

12:15: Vegan buffet lunch, table discussions, and free-will offering

1:00: Consensus discussion: 

• What joint actions should we take back to our home congregations for engagement and approval
• What are our mechanisms for executing these actions?

1:45: Closing led by ministers

2:00: Cleanup