We need to take at least 6 months to get the congregation up-to-speed about the dire state of our environment. Without this crucial understanding, there will be little incentive and possible resistance to take future actions personally and within the congregation. After the awareness-building actions, the entire congregation should be chomping at the bit to start doing stuff.

Ideas for actions:

• Write a newsletter article about the committee and its mission
• Organize one film screening each month (get films for free from Iowa Religious Media Services - http://www.irms.org)
• Organize informational forums about global warming
• Organize informational forums about the downsides of the American Lifestyle and endless consumption
• Invite speakers from other churches to describe what they are doing
• Give a tour of the building—identify all the eco-friendly stuff that’s been done and what needs to be improved (and ask for ideas)
• Give a tour of the grounds—identify plants and their purpose to the ecosystem and the church