Earth Charter Indiana Monday

Bits of advise and wisdom circulated to Earth Charter members on Mondays

1-14-2008: Are you visible? Are you vocal? Are you voting every day? Good questions to ask oneself at the beginning of 2008 which is a pivotal year for planet Earth. In fact 2008 is the "UN International Year of Planet Earth."

Why all the fuss? No need to explain to you the perils we face. But many of us are wondering what more we can do to reverse global warming trends, etc. My New Year's resolve is to be more visible, more vocal and to vote with my dollars every day and, of course, with my ballot in every election. The entrenched champions of the status quo are powerful but they are no match for a visible, vocal, and voting grassroots massive uprising. For our children's children, John Gibson

P.S. For ideas on where to be more visible, etc. go the Sustainable Indiana 2016 website link below and click on "calendar" in the left sidebar.

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1-7-2008: There is plenty to worry about or be angry about in 2008. There is also plenty to be hopeful about. Consider these words from the EC Preamble: We have the knowledge and technology to provide for all and to reduce our impacts on the environment. The emergence of a global civil society is creating new opportunities to build a democratic and humane world. Our environmental, economic, political, social, and spiritual challenges are interconnected, and together we can forge inclusive solutions.

Lester Brown, Earth Policy Institute, echoes this perspective in his new book Plan B 3.0: A PLAN OF HOPE http://www.earthpolicy.org/Books/Seg/PB3ch01_ss7.htm
"Plan B is shaped by what is needed to save civilization, not by what may currently be considered politically feasible. Plan B does not fit within a particular discipline, sector, or set of assumptions. Implementing Plan B means undertaking several actions simultaneously, including eradicating poverty, stabilizing population, and restoring the earth's natural systems. It also involves cutting carbon dioxide emissions 80 percent by 2020, largely through a mobilization to raise energy efficiency and harness renewable sources of energy. Not only is the scale of this save-our-civilization plan ambitious, so is the speed with which it must be implemented. We must move at wartime speed, restructuring the world energy economy at a pace reminiscent of the restructuring of the U.S. industrial economy in 1942 following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The shift from producing cars to planes, tanks, and guns was accomplished within a matter of months. One of the keys to this extraordinarily rapid restructuring was a ban on the sale of cars, a ban that lasted nearly three years. We face an extraordinary challenge, but there is much to be upbeat about. All the problems we face can be dealt with using existing technologies. And almost everything we need to do to move the world economy back onto an environmentally sustainable path has already been done in one or more countries." For our children's children John Gibson

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12-17-2007: "As long as economic growth is the measure of humanity meeting its aspirations, as long as fossil fuels are burned rather than left in the ground, as long as cutting ancient rainforests for any reason is seen as desirable, there is no hope for the Earth. Some element of policy to maintain a livable biosphere is going to have to be for non-monetary reasons, because it is right and necessary to do so. This implies shared sacrifice at the national and personal levels. ”Glen Barry, Ecological Internet, Inc. December 12, 2007Life often involves tensions between important values. This can mean difficult choices. However, we must find ways to harmonize diversity with unity, the exercise of freedom with the common good, short-term objectives with long-term goals. Every individual, family, organization, and community has a vital role to play. Earth Charter, The Way Forward For our children’s children, John Gibson

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12-10-2007: “Locavore" is 2007 word of the year
The New Oxford American Dictionary chose locavore, a person who seeks out locally produced food, as its word of the year. The local foods movement is gaining momentum as people discover that the best-tasting and most sustainable choices are foods that are fresh, seasonal, and grown close to home. Some locavores draw inspiration from the 100-mile diet or from advocates of local eating like Barbara Kingsolver. Others just follow their taste buds to farmers' markets, community supported agriculture programs, and community gardens. Check out Local Harvest to find sustainably grown food near you, and make a New Year's Resolution to be a locavore in 2008!”
Union of Concerned Scientists FEED (Food & Environment Electronic Digest) December 2007

From the Preamble to the Earth Charter we read: The dominant patterns of production and consumption are causing environmental devastation, the depletion of resources, and a massive extinction of species. Communities are being undermined. The “locavore” movement is an effective response to this concern. For our children’s children John Gibson

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11-26-2007: Jan Roberts, founder of Earth Charter U.S., has started a list (five points) of what Earth Charter does for her. I will add a sixth point and invite you to “reply” with what EC does for you.

- Gives us HOPE with its bold, courageously optimistic vision for a caring, sustainable and peaceful world.
- Lets us know through its shared common values that we are NOT ALONE.
- Gives us a LENS to wear to see ourselves as part of all humanity and vice versa, which makes a better person.
- Gives us a PRISM for seeing the interconnection of environmental, social, and economic issues, which is the first step towards making systemic change happen.
- Introduces us to folks who believe that BREAKING BREAD & SIPPING WINE together makes changing the world a whole lot more fun and surprisingly productive.
- Connects me with dedicated people who are taking positive action toward a sustainable future and won’t give up.

P.S. Before water turns to ice, it looks just the same as before. Then a few crystals form, and suddenly the whole system undergoes cataclysmic change. –Joanna Macy For our children’s children, John Gibson

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11-19-2007: A never before in history, common destiny beckons us to seek a new beginning….The arts, sciences, religions, educational institutions, media, businesses, nongovernmental organizations, and governments are all called to offer creative leadership. (From The Way Forward section of the Earth Charter). Admitting frequent setbacks and foot dragging there are signs almost every day that this challenge is being taken seriously. Each of us, in addition to retooling our own sustainable choices, can help build momentum toward a livable future by applauding and encouraging positive action wherever we find it. For our children’s children, John Gibson

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11-5-2007:

Principle 13 of the Earth Charter reads Strengthen democratic institutions at all levels, and provide transparency and accountability in governance, inclusive participation in decision making, and access to justice. Democracy is much more than voting but voting is still important to our form of democracy. Even when the candidates or the issues do not incite enthusiasm the very act of voting is an exercise in democracy and lets decision makers know that we care and are paying attention.For our children’s children,

P.S. The Spirit & Place Civic Festival is now underway in Indianapolis. This 16 day collaboration of the arts, humanities and religion promotes the kind of community dialogue intrinsic to the Earth Charter and Earth Charter Indiana is collaborating heavily on an event Monday, the 12^th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church. the event title is Living Green: Living Generously with Earth. In addition to FCC and ECI other collaborators include Butler University, Ecology House and US Green Building Council Indiana Chapter. Dr. Carol Johnston, Anne Laker, Bill Brown and Janet McCabe are panelists. Load up your car and join in on this timely discussion. Also consider the important event, again at First Congregational Church, on Saturday morning Nov. 10^th from 9:00 to 12 noon on the theme Climate Change and Faith Communities. Dr. Gabriel Filippelli and Rev. Richard Clough will be speaking. Admission is free to both events.

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10-29-2007:

Somewhere, sometime last year the Colts were behind at half-time. Then, surprisingly, they came back and won the game. When asked what the coach had said in the locker room that changed the outcome a player reported that all he said was “You know what to do. It all depends on how much you want this.”

When it comes to working for an Earth Charter (safe, healthy and sustainable) future the game seems lost. Moral fatigue sets in. Diversions beckon. It’s easy to lose heart. How much do we want this?

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10-22-2007: Earth Charter Summit 2007 was enjoyed by over 80 aspirants of a sustainable lifestyle where 9 seasoned mentors shared their experiences from the stage and then in subsequent conversation circles. Participants arrived via carpools and bicycles. The Buddhist Jazz Band filled the auditorium of Old Centrum with wonderful sounds that “made you wanna dance.” The Eat (Indiana) Local campaign was launched with snack foods from the Broad Ripple Farmers Market suppliers including J.T.’s Bees, Trader’s Point Creamery, Fields Farm, Whipker Farm and augmented by local foods carried at Good Earth and Georgetown Market. If you want to join the campaign of eating locally (see Barbara Kingsolver’s new book Animal, Vegetable and Miracle) please register by “reply” to this memo and we will connect you with others with whom you can trade findings, questions, and results.

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10-15-2007:

The “Five Habits to Cope with being Overwhelmed” series was inspired by almost daily conversations with friends who wonder if and how we can navigate our way through the complexities and challenges facing planet Earth at this time. Let me recap the four habits already covered and then add the fifth and final installment.

Habit # 1---Count Your Blessings

Habit # 2---Listen ToYour Inner Voice

Habit # 3---Underscore the Importance of Each Day

Habit # 4---Balance Your Knowing with Doing and with Being

Habit # 5---Expect the Best. Don’t confuse this with Pollyanna optimism. We all know the “dark side” is real and imminent. However, the “light side” is also real and imminent. What we focus on is generally what we get or what gets us. To expect the worst of ourselves and of others begets the negative energy of fear. To expect the best of ourselves and of others generates the stronger energy of love. “Let ours be a time remembered for the awakening of a new reverence for life, the firm resolve to achieve sustainability, the quickening of the struggle for justice and peace, and the joyful celebration of life”.

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10-8-2007:

This is the fourth installment in the series on Habits for Coping with the daunting challenges of our times.

Habit # 4: Keep your balance (like a fiddler on the roof). Balance is the artful juggling of knowing, doing and being. Usually your body will tell you when you are out of balance (exhausted). Or your mind will tell you (bored). Or your friends will tell you (missed). Solution: start each week by writing down how, when and where you will attend to learning something new, taking purposeful action, and simply savoring the gift of life, friends, and nature (relax, reflect, laugh and celebrate).

For our children’s children

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10-1-2007:

This is the third of five installments on helpful habits for coping with the daunting challenges we face in our personal and collective lives.

Habit #3: Underscore the importance of each day. Yesterday is gone forever. Tomorrow may never come. Begin each day by asking “what opportunities do I have today to make a difference?” Even a routine day can come alive when this question is asked. Reading a book, meeting a friend, keeping an appointment, tending the house, caring for the children, preparing an assignment, watching a movie etc. all have opportunities to be discovered. Then at day’s end reflect on the results.

For our children’s children

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9-24-2007:

This is the second of five installments on “habits” that can help us cope with the oft overwhelming challenges of these times.

Habit # 2: Listen to your inner voice. Admittedly this is not easy with so many things to do and so many outside voices clamoring for our attention. Yet, a few minutes of quiet time sorting out the complexities of the day, slowing down our feverish mind and paying attention to soul-matters can be rejuvenating. Out of this very often comes a renewed clarity of purpose, perspective on priorities and courage to face the day. Many people report that in these quiet moments they experience a deep connection with divine energy

For our children’s children

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9-4-2007: Today is Labor Day. Principle 10 (c) of the Earth Charter states: Ensure that all trade supports sustainable resource use, environmental protection, and progressive labor standards. Progressive labor standards include livable wages, health and pension benefits, safe working conditions, vacation and sick leave at minimum. Does your place of employment, your church, your school, etc. measure up? If so, say “thanks.” If not, say “shame, let’s change.” For our children’s children,

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8-14-2007:

Kim Ort sent in the following article which is so perfect an application of EC principle 7(f) that I wanted everyone to read it, especially the last paragraph. This topic is being strongly considered as the focus of our October 13^th Annual Earth Charter Summit.

Green Acres: Communities Reduce Ecological Footprints

By Worldwatch Institute

Created Aug 8 2007 - 5:00am

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Municipal leaders from San Francisco to Melbourne are engaging in sustainability actions from banning plastic bags and water bottles to making commitments to address climate change. But within and beyond cities, growing numbers of local communities are also going green, according to a new Vital Signs Update from the Worldwatch Institute. Worldwide, the 379 “ecovillages” currently registered with the Global Ecovillage Network are sharing innovative solutions that connect residents socially while collectively lowering their ecological footprints— including local food co-ops, community-supported agriculture programs, and carpooling.

“Planned communities tend to evoke over-developed suburban neighborhoods and mini-malls,” says Erik Assadourian, Worldwatch Research Associate and author of the Update. “But increasingly, planned communities will come to mean neighbors living with a purpose beyond consumerism, embracing a sustainable lifestyle and forging meaningful connections with their neighbors.”

Europe leads the world in the number of registered ecovillages, with 138, followed by North America (110), Latin America (58), Asia/Oceania (52), and Africa/Middle East (21).

Many ecovillages are reducing energy use, localizing farming, and creating more sustainable local businesses. Other environmentally minded communities, including the more than 450 “co-housing” projects found in North America and Europe, focus primarily on improving the quality of life of residents. Co-housing typically includes clusters of smaller houses with shared dining halls and other spaces, facilitating stronger social ties while reducing the material and energy needs of the community.

Even mainstream developers are pioneering green principals in their ventures. The Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZED), an 82-unit housing complex in London, aims to produce as much energy as it uses through a combination of passive solar design, energy efficiency, and greater use of walking, cycling, and public transit. A resident living at BedZED—or at the Findhorn ecovillage to the north in Scotland—has just 60 percent of the ecological footprint of an average individual in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, in Germany’s Sieben Linden ecovillage, per capita carbon dioxide emissions are just 28 percent the national average.

While all ecovillages and other environmentally minded communities strive toward a similar goal, the diversity among them is striking. They can be found in rural, suburban, and urban areas, and in industrialized and developing countries. Ecovillages in Mbam, Senegal; Porto Alegre, Brazil; and Munksøgård, Denmark, all contribute to the growing global movement.

These community-initiated sustainable development efforts are supported by a range of international agencies and networks. The Global Environment Facility’s COMPACT program (Community Management of Protected Areas Conservation) provides grants to communities in World Heritage Sites to improve lives and reduce ecological impacts, while The Relocalization Network supports 159 groups in 12 countries in their shift toward more local production of food, energy, and goods. In Sri Lanka, the Sarvodaya Shramadana movement helps some 15,000 villages develop under the “no poverty, no affluence” model, based on addressing basic needs while also maintaining the importance of a clean environment, well-rounded education, and spiritual sustenance.

“Many people think living in an ecovillage would be a life of sacrifice. But research shows that residents have lowered their ecological footprints and financial costs, and maintain closer bonds with their neighbors, all of which translates to a less stressed, more fulfilling lifestyle,” says Assadourian.

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8-6-2007:

Thomas Berry is one of my deepest mentors. His book Dream of the Earth (1988) prompted a change in my world-view. In a more recent book, The Great Work, he makes this point which is his central thesis: “We are about the Great Work. We all have our particular work---some of us are teachers, some of us are healers, some of us in various professions, some of us are farming. We have a variety of occupations. But beside the particular work we do and particular lives we lead, we have a Great Work that everyone is involved in and no one is exempt from. That is the work of moving on from a terminal Cenozoic (a 65 million year geo-biological era of great flourishing brought to an end by a massive extinction of plant and animal species due to human impact on life systems) to an emerging Ecozoic Era (a potentially, though not ensured, time of mutually enhancing relationships of humans and the larger community of life systems) in the story of the planet Earth…which is the Great Work.”

A similar point is made in the preamble of the Earth Charter: The choice is ours: form a global partnership to care for Earth and one another or risk the destruction of ourselves and the diversity of life. Fundamental changes are needed in our values, institutions, and ways of living.

We are only beginning to understand how radical and enjoyable these “fundamental changes” can be. Stay tuned for updates on where and how these changes are taking place in Indiana.

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7-31-2007:

Yesterday I attended the Brickyard 400 with my “NASCAR” son from Madison, Wisconsin. We sat in the Northwest Visa (turn four) surrounded by a sea of cheering fans. Comparisons with Sustainable Indiana 2016 kept coming to mind. Earth Charter inspired fans are in a race with time to turn back the dire consequences of global warming. Only this is not a spectator sport. Everyone is or can be in the driver’s seat or on a pit crew. Accidents may happen. The lead may change frequently. There will be tense moments. And the camaraderie of common focus is contagious. Is your engine started? For our children’s children, P. S. Check out the “Crown Jewels of Indiana” at www.sustindy2016.wetpaint.com

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7-24-2007: In the epilogue of the Earth Charter we are reminded that: Life often involves tensions between important values. This can mean difficult choices. However, we must find ways to harmonize diversity with unity, the exercise of freedom with the common good, short-term objectives and long-term goals. Does cutting services, raising taxes and hiring more police meet the Earth Charter test? These are not easy decisions to be sure. But political expediency and pseudo solutions should not trump the ethical imperatives of economic equity, human rights and environmental protection. For our children’s children

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7-17-2007: The recent surge in citizen activity around the property tax hike brings out one aspect of the Charter found in principle #3: “Build democratic societies that are just, participatory, sustainable, and peaceful.” This principle also points to the reason we have the crisis. It is because we, as a society, have undervalued “just”, “sustainable”, and “peaceful” relationships resulting in a greater demand for social services, environmental remediation, and crime control. Tax reform that is progressive and fair will help but won’t stop taxes from getting higher and higher if the neglect of economic justice, ecological integrity and peacemaking continues. Do we have the gumption to implement the priorities and balance of the Earth Charter? For our children’s children

P.S. (1) Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is calling for volunteers to help the Event Recycling Team (ERT) recycle beverage containers at this month’s Allstate 400 at the Brickyard at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. If you’re interested in becoming part of the ERT and volunteering at the Brickyard, contact Tammy Stevens, Litter and Recycling Manager at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. by e-mail at tstevens@kibi.org or 317-264-7555 or signup online at http://www.kibi.org/recycle/recycle_volunteer_signup_brickyard07.htm

(2) An introductory all-day workshop on “permaculture” is being offered on July 28 at The Moon Dance Ranch (12 miles Southwest of Crawfordsville). Peter Bane is the featured presenter. The cost is $50. Call John Easton after 6 p.m. (765-866-0366) to ask questions and/or register.

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7-9-2007: Thanks to all of you who have hit “reply” lately and weighed in on this or that. Jeannette Rowe, Mitzi Witchger (Noblesville) and Tom Hougham (Trafalger) all like the idea of a Green Honor Roll for faith congregations. Betsy Sheldon likes the idea but suggests it be expanded to include all local institutions and businesses. Amy Hayden reports that all the Avon Community Schools have recycling bins in their parking lots. Tatjana Gordon nominated Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis for the “Green Honor Roll” based on its Green Sanctuary program. Sara Koehler nominates St. Monica Catholic Church for choosing ecology as its fall initiative. Marshall Gibson nominated First Friends for securing a comprehensive recycling dumpster from Indianapolis Fiber Recycling that takes everything including cardboard, styrofoam and plastics 1-7.

Lynn Herold shares the following story that may be of interest to many:

I was getting ready to replace the windows in my 1927 house near Butler. The contractor said he would take everything to the land fill. However, I was successful in finding other people who could use the 56 window sections, 14 storm windows, and 16 screens. I did this by using Free Cycle and putting the screens at the curb where scavengers picked them up. Nothing went to the land fill.

Use this web site for Free Cycle. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndyFreecycleNetwork/

On this web site you join some 7000 members in the Indianapolis area. You can either post a "wanted" or an "offer." Groundrules are that no money changes hands, notices must be polite, and that you do pick up any items you ask for. Everything is done by a code word on e-mail. Your identity is known only when you want a correspondent to know who you are and where you are.

Lynn encourages everyone to become a "Free Cycler." This is a great way to reuse just about anything and meet some great people. Check out the web site to learn more. For our children’s children

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6-25-2007: Many Faith congregations are joining the “green” momentum. For example, the Broadway United Methodist Church in Indianapolis has a paper recycling bin on its parking lot and recently reported 17, 567 tons of paper recycled, 5 cubic yards of landfill space saved, and 61,653 KWH of energy saved. Broadway has also changed many of its light bulbs and is currently using “green cleaning” products. Principle 7(a) of the Earth Charter reads; Reduce, reuse, and recycle the materials used in production and consumption systems, and ensure that residual waste can be assimilated by ecological systems. Maybe we should start an “Honor Roll” of institutions doing at least three actions that fulfill EC principles. What do you think? Would you have a nomination to submit? Would you like to see such a list published on our website? For our children’s children

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6-19-2007: You should know that the “green” movement is exploding. For example, several Friends of Earth Charter attended the Midwest Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair in Wisconsin this past weekend. A record crowd (they printed 15,000 program guides for the three day event and ran out mid-afternoon on the second day) basked in 150 workshops and 225 exhibits. The workshops given in 14 tents were well attended with people standing or sitting on the ground when all the chairs were taken. Overwhelmed workshop leaders ran out of handouts. Chartered buses brought people in from Milwaukee and Madison. To see the entire lineup of events go to www.the-mrea.org.

Your should also know that plans are being made by a coalition of “green” Hoosiers to stage a similar event here in Indiana sometime in 2008. If you would like to help let me know and you will be invited to the next planning meeting. For our children’s children

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6-4-2007: Earth Charter Indiana has opened a new office in the Old Centrum building at 12^th and Central Avenue in Indianapolis. Details about office hours, phone, etc. will be announced later.

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5-7-2007: And it came to pass in the second decade of the 21^st Century that a great turning took place on planet Earth. Complaining turned to confession and confession to commitment and commitment to co-creative communities. People of divergent traditions and multiple talents mingled freely in social and business groups listening to each other, sharing insights and skills to overcome here-to-fore unsolvable dilemmas like hunger, war and pollution. Smiles adorned the faces of children everywhere as they reflected the deep resonance of their parents and teachers to this enlivening synergy. It was not without pain and struggle but the pain and struggle were transformed by a larger commitment to the common good in contrast to previous preoccupation with egoism and turfism. Defensiveness decreased and mutual affirmation blossomed everywhere. No one felt extraneous to the grand endeavor and yet no one felt imposed upon. Work was purposeful and play was exuberant. For our children’s children,

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4-30-2007: We welcome several new Earth Charter friends met at Earth Day last Saturday. The values and principles of the Earth Charter continue to inspire a growing movement of thoughtful citizens interested in full-spectrum sustainability. Each of us is making a difference in our own way and all together our individual efforts will tip the scale toward a livable future. Many of us are finding new ways to lower our carbon footprint. Al Gore recommends the Empowerment Institute program called Low Carbon Diet: A 30 Day program to lose 5,000 pounds. Small groups are gathering in homes, churches, and libraries to get started. If interested, contact djconway4013@comcast.net.317.409-6460

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4-17-2007: Last week I invited ideas on “What would a ‘new beginning’ look and feel like.” Here is Amy Hayden’s response. Please read and ponder.

I see new beginning looking like neighborhoods being more self sufficient with common gardens for vegetables, some farm animals for milk and eggs and meat raised on their natural food, grass. I see the schools being smaller community schools where students are allowed to follow their natural learning instincts. Where the lessons are based on a theme and the science, math and English is learned from those topics. Where they are encouraged to go deeper into the subjects they are attracted to. Where there is trust that they will learn what they need to succeed because they love to learn. I see grandparents again teaching the children how to sew and mend, where crafts are once again handed down from generation to generation. Where technology is used to benefit all with more eco-friendly forms of energy generation. Where the world is opened up through the computer, where people from other nations are invited into our lives to teach us their ways and wisdom and we share ours with them. Where technology brings things to life and we can see what we have only been able to imagine before via the computer screen. Where all religions are valued, where no one is better than the other. Where the elders are valued for their wisdom and the children are raised with the community knowing them and valuing them and sharing with them their wisdom. Where the earth and all its creatures are treasured for the life they give us and we treat them with the respect they deserves and we preserve them for the generations that will follow. Where television is used for learning. Where people value their neighbors instead of the clothes they wear. Where resources are considered valuable and not wasted. That's what a new beginning looks like to me. Amy Hayden

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4-9-2007: Wow! The planet is buzzing with Climate Change predictions, hopeful actions, and coping suggestions. The closing section of the Charter puts it this way, As never before in history, common destiny beckons us to seek a new beginning. What exactly would a “new beginning” look like and feel like? Please ponder this question deeply and write down your thoughts. If you would like to share what you write I will print them in an upcoming Memo or post them on the website. For our children’s children,

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4-2-2007: Principle 14 of the Charter reads Integrate into formal education and life-long learning the knowledge, values, and skills needed for a sustainable way of life. The Earth Charter Lending Library can help with this principle. Now available:

World Changing—A User’s Guide for the 21^st Century. Edited by Alex Steffen with a forward written by Al Gore. Over 500 pages of ideas, solutions and stories towards a happier, healthier & sustainable future. Thanks to Kim Ort for providing this book.

The Hidden Messages inWater by Masaru Emoto. Illustrates the healing power of love and gratitude. Thanks to Mary Jo Matheny for donating this book.

Mid-Course Correction—Toward a Sustainable Enterprise: The Interface Model by Ray C. Anderson. This is about how one businessman is combining bottom-line business sense and care for the planet. Thanks to Doris Jane Conway for this addition to our collection. For our children’s children,

P. S. EC Friends walk the talk. Tammy Stevens, KIB Recycling Coordinator, is placing “test bins” for corrugated cardboard at Board Ripple Park, Sam’s Club on 86^th and at the Eastgate Mall, E. Washington Street. Ed Cohen is arranging a climate change event, Step It Up, on the Circle, April 14, 1-2 p.m. Patricia Puglis has replaced all her light bulbs with miniflourscents, is conserving water, counting the days for Farmer’s Markets to open, cutting back on unnecessary purchases, riding her bike to work and enjoying several other sustainable lifestyle choices.

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3-26-2007: A recent EC development is the dollar for dollar “matching challenge grant” of up to $50,000 that has been offered to Earth Charter Indiana for staff development and program expansion. All contributions in 2007 until September 1^st will qualify for the match. Please spread the word about this and encourage others to help meet this challenge. Also if you have knowledge of or contacts with potentially large donors who could be interested in curbing global warming and building sustainable communities in Indiana please open doors for us to make a presentation. For our children’s children,

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3-19-2007: Here are four more examples of EC Friends fulfilling the EC Preamble challenge To realize these aspirations, we must decide to live with a sense of universal responsibility, identifying ourselves with the whole Earth community as well as our local communities.

S. Barbara Battista (St. Mary of the Woods) signed on and promoted the petition to the upcoming G8 conference demanding action on global warming.

Richard Brendan is promoting Sacred Activism through JourneysFire Community Gatherings. The first one is Wednesday, March 21, 7 p.m. at UUI.

Lynn Herold attended Ecumenical Advocacy Days March 9-12 in Washington D.C. where she lobbied Indiana’s Senators and her congressional Representative on Eco-Justice issues like global warming and mountain top removal. As a follow through she is circulating cards put out by the National Council of Churches asking Congress to take global warming seriously.

Marshall Gibson is co-sponsoring with Southeast Neighborhood School of Excellence a workshop on “Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives” April 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Thanks to all of you for putting Earth Charter values and principles into action. For our children’s children,

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3-12-2007: Angie Herrmann has been leading an effort to create sustainable food systems. Her “10 reasons to eat local food” posted below exemplifies principles 7(f) of the Charter: Adopt lifestyles that emphasize the quality of life and material sufficiency in a finite world and principle 9(a): Guarantee the right to potable water, clean air, food security, uncontaminated soil, shelter, and safe sanitation, allocating the national and international resources required.

Angie’s top 10 reasons to eat local food …

10. Locally produced food tastes better;
9. Less packaging means less waste;
8. Fewer greenhouse gases are produced during transportation;
7. You get to run into your friends at the farmers’ market;
6. You don’t have to quit eating spinach;
5. If you join a community garden, you’ll get to know your neighbors and discover that they really are interesting people (despite their barking dog and loud children);
4. Preparing meals from fresh produce can be a great family activity;
3. You’ll meet some really cool farmers (and if you’re lucky, they’ll invite you and your family to their farm);
2. You’ll mitigate your contribution to climate change (yes, humans “very likely” are responsible);
1. Your great grandkids will be glad you thought of them!

Thanks Angie and all others who are working toward local, sustainable food systems. For our children’s children,

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3-5-2007: Last week I invited any and all to tell what he or she is doing to promote Earth Community. Here are four responses. Thanks to each of you.

Max Case is teaching a Lenten class on ‘Sacred Journey’ (Feb. 25-March 25, 2007/Five Sundays, 12:15-1:30PM, Spiritual Life Center, St. Luke’s Un. Methodist Church.) He shares will all of us a lenten meditation he has written:

QUESTING FOR DIVINE CONNECTIONS IN EVERYDAY LIFE (LENT, 2007)

Growing up along the banks of the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest, I developed an avocation of ‘looking for buried treasures.’ Every Saturday I rode my bike to the unprotected burial grounds of native Americans along the river (before the engineers built dams flooding these burial grounds)….I discovered broken pieces of pottery, arrowheads, and other remnants of ancient peoples….I was amazed and grateful to be connected to these ancient peoples….and developed reverence and respect for Mother Earth and these first travelers along the river. Leaving home, I took away my ‘quest to look for buried treasures wherever I traveled.’

Questing is a spiritual search for connections with peoples of all cultures…it’s a daily ritual and daily trip to explore one’s spiritual ancestry to ancient peoples, and a desire to honor and respect their way of life, and explore how they answered the riddles of the human journey. To practice ‘questing’ you have to leave home, literally and figuratively.

Travel to a ‘sacred place’ where something has happened before and see what happens to you now. You might find ‘buried treasure’ or a gift of insight into your journey to carry back home.

Questing is a companion of adventure. This travel broadens our horizons and gives us practice discerning ‘the divine image’ in new situations. It increases our capacity to take risks. It helps us overcome timidity or fear of the unknown that might hold us back.

Questing also serves as an antidote to certitude, thinking that we know all the answers.

It encourages us to become seekers and explorers of new strategies for the challenges of our times.

I encourage you to take a personal retreat or pilgrimage to someplace you’ve never visited. The impetus for the trip could be to explore ‘a place of sacred memory’ or to pay homage to sacred landscape (a source of healing and insight), or to pursue a question that needs answering. I have made an annual pilgrimage to stay connected to Franciscans in New Mexico and explore the native American pueblos; moreover, I’ve taken summer trips to learn more about ‘first nation’ peoples in Vancouver, British Columbia. Questing is a spiritual pilgrimage of sorts to deepen our sense of the ‘divine image’ in ourselves and other peoples.

Prayer: Creator God of all peoples, lead us to take a personal quest during this Lenten season….to explore deeper healing and insight, to pursue a question that needs answering, and experience spiritual awakening, and joy of adventure again.

Imaging exercise: See yourself as a ‘salmon swimming upstream against the prevailing current of the river’ and let your mind ‘leap and frolic swimming upstream.’ I visualize myself as ‘one of the salmon people’ everytime I’m near the river and it excites my desire to go on ‘a quest’ again.

Scriptural meditation: Memorize Psalm 23 and slowly recite several times.

A poetic expression of questing:

“Today, like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened,

Don’t open the door to the study and begin reading.

Take down a musical instrument.

Let the beauty we love, be what we do.

There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.” (Rumi)

Mary Alice Dooley is promoting the music of Carolyn McDade including songs based on the Earth Charter:

"I don't know if you are familiar with the music of Carolyn McDade. She writes wonderful and inspiring music about the Earth, including CD's "O Beautiful Gaia" and "We Are the Land We Sing." Her next CD, "My Heart is Moved" will be recorded this summer and will contain songs based on The Earth Charter. I have the wonderful opportunity to be part of the recording and am very excited about this.The CD will come out in the fall. If you know of anyone interested in the CD, you can refer them to me or to Carolyn's website:

www.carolynmcdademusic.com.

Joe Krause (West Lafayette) is teaming up HEC to promote a film about global warming:

"John, I am working with the Hoosier Environmental Council (Northwest Central Region 7) to bring a new documentary The Great Warming to the Greater Lafayette area on Sunday, March 4, 3 p.m. at Duncan Hall, 619 Ferry St. Lafayette, (downtown Lafayette. The cost of $10.00 will benefit the work of the Hoosier Environental Council (Northwest Central Region 7) in its various projects along the Wabash River valley."

David Kadlec is asking friends to lobby Congress for support of actions suggested by Al Gore's documentary, An Inconvenient Truth.

On March 21st, I'll (Al Gore) hand-deliver your message to Washington when I
testify at Congressional hearings on the climate crisis. Can you
commit to finding 10 friends to send a message to Congress
demanding immediate action?Ask them to visit:http://algore.com/cards.html

Thanks again to Max, Mary Alice, Joe and David for responding and the invitation is still open to share your actions toward an Earth Charter world. For our children's children,

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2-27-2007: “Turn turn turn, Turn this world around--for the children, turn this world around.”

These are words from a song written by Raffi, renowned children’s troubadour, member of the Order of Canada and the Global 500, recipient of the UN’s Earth Achievement Award, and Earth Charter advocate. His plea to “turn this world around” is being carried out in many ways and many places by many people. If we knew more about what is being done it would encourage all of us to stay strong and press ahead. Please share what you are doing to “turn this world around.” Or tell us about an action that someone else is doing that inspires you. I will pass on your stories in upcoming editions of Monday Memo. For our children’s children,

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2-19-2007: Re-reading the Earth Charter this morning I found this sentence in the Preamble: Fundamental changes are needed in our values, institutions, and ways of living.

Does this apply to me? I’ve always liked the old spiritual “It’s me, it’s me, it’s me O Lord, standing in the need of prayer. Not my brother, not my sister but it’s me O Lord standing in the need of prayer.”

Although I readily give lip service to these sentiments I find it hard to believe this really applies to me and when I realize it does apply to me, my travel plans, my shopping patterns, my financial investments, my time commitments, etc. it all becomes a huge challenge. Okay so I’ve been able to make a few changes. Am I willing and able to make more? And can I do it with adventurous anticipation rather than grudging obligation? For our children’s children,

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2-5-2007: Although I’m not an avid sports fan I did watch the Super Bowl last night. What tremendous enthusiasm even in the rain (Florida) and cold (Indianapolis). Yes, I am glad the Colts won but also somewhat perplexed and envious. Imagine what could happen if that much energy and fervor were invested in saving the planet from global warming, global hunger, and global wars. The final sentence of the Earth Charter is just such a plea.

“Let ours be a time remembered for the awakening of a new reverence for life, the

firm resolve to achieve sustainability, the quickening of the struggle for justice

and peace, and the joyful celebration of life.”

What can we learn from the Super Bowl? How can we generate such resolve and excitement? For our children’s children

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1-19-2007: Margaret Wheatley says in her book Turning to One Another “There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” Earth Charter values and principles are what the world community cares about. You wouldn’t think so with wars, brutality and mayhem raging. But beneath the radar of the spectacular and ominous we all want an EC world.

Among the many events across Indiana that are contributing to what we all care about are two EC sponsored opportunities that I urge you to consider:

On Saturday, January 27^th, from 10 a.m. to noon Brandon Pitcher will present samples from ZERI (Zero Emissions Research Institute). ZERI is an international organization of renown in the sustainability field. Brandon Pitcher is a native Hoosier (Kokomo) who is one of their certified field representatives and trainers. We are co-sponsoring this event with Quaker Earthcare Witness member, Marshall Gibson, and it will be held at First Friends Meetinghouse, 3030 Kessler Blvd, East Drive, Indianapolis. There is no charge. A free will collection will be made to cover Brandon’s travel and time.
On Thursday, Feb. 1^st EC will be interviewing prospective volunteers for a variety of positions that can be tailored to individual interest and time-available. Call 317-925-9297 to set up a time of your choice between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Interviews will take place at the Library or Food Court in Glendale Mall. I and another Board member or committee chair will meet with you, go over the current openings, discuss your interests and help you choose a “fit.” The informal conversation format will take one hour or less.

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1-8-2007: Somehow this poem captures my feeling for the year ahead.

Leaf of a tree

One among many

Born of water, soil and sun

Ripening to fulfillment

Cast off by grand design, let go

Floating freely to reunion

With the elemental source.

But then, surprise!

Picked up and flung into

The swift current of a passing stream, borne

Along by a relentless motion

To a destiny unknown, out of

control and beyond the boundaries of previous

anticipations, loving the promise of it all and trusting

The wonder and mystery of an extended adventure.

RJG

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12-18-2006: EC Principle 16 sounds a lot like the holiday greetings we send and receive at this season of the year—“Promote a culture of tolerance, nonviolence, and peace.” This may be the deepest longing of the human spirit. Many people on planet Earth still experience the opposite of “tolerance, nonviolence, and peace” but all the more reason to celebrate it where we find it and to commit ourselves to being and promoting its realization.

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12-12-2006: Indiana is full of stories that must be told. Stories of highly motivated people whose innovations in agriculture, architecture, wellness, education, transportation, renewable energy, peacemaking, etc. show us the way to a sustainable future. Volunteer positions are now open for “media correspondents.” MCs will self-select a publication, build a relationship within the publication and write stories, announcements, and letters that educate and inspire its readers. Interested persons may call (317) 925-9297 or “reply” to this memo.

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12-4-2006: A few months ago the family of David Ross Speicher helped Earth Charter Indiana establish a small “lending library” of books, CDs and DVDs that promote sustainability. For starters the David Ross Speicher Memorial Lending Library now contains the following :

The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community by David Korten.
An Inconvenient Truth (the book) by Al Gore
An Inconvenient Truth (the movie with a 30 minute update of what has happened in the last year since the movie was completed) by Al Gore
The Earth Charter in Action by Wangari Maathai, Mikhail Gorbachev, Jane Goodall, Hazel Henderson and many others

You can access the lending library by calling 317-925-9297.

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11-28-2006: Imagine Indiana as a national role model of full-spectrum sustainability: green jobs, clean air, healthy children, safe neighborhoods, etc. The values and principles of the Earth Charter represent a global consensus for how a sustainable future like this can be accomplished. These principles are especially relevant and timely because the perfect storm of global warming, peak oil, growing poverty, and pandemic diseases threaten our children’s and their children’s well being.

Earth Charter Indiana joins a growing grassroots effort across Indiana to preserve viable eco-systems and healthy human communities. ECI’s contribution is to inspire a synergy of common purpose among Indiana’s diverse sustainability innovators, to provide opportunities for interchange and training that enhance their results, and to enable the adoption of sustainable practices by mainstream Hoosiers. For our children’s children John Gibson

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11-20-2006: The spirit of human solidarity and kinship with all life is strengthened when we live with reverence for the mystery of being, gratitude for the gift of life, and humility regarding the human place in nature. (Earth Charter Preamble) It’s easy and appropriate to be grateful when you have plenty to eat, a place to sleep and health insurance to buffer the vulnerabilities of body and mind. This Thanksgiving, however, please join me in pondering how to live both gratefully and responsibly in a world where 852 million people are hungry, another plant or animal species goes extinct every 20 minutes, 46 million people in the U.S. have no health insurance, and 3500 persons are homeless in Indianapolis alone. Guilt trip? No! But thanksgiving “lite” won’t work either. For our children’s children, John Gibson

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10-31-2006: Here is a first. Earth Charter will be featured at the Alternative Christmas Fair put on annually by Northview Church of the Brethren located at 5555 E. 46^th Street. The Fair will be held this Saturday, November 4^th from 10:30 -2:30. Not only will EC have a booth where alternative shoppers can select “green” items to give in someone’s name but EC will also, along with Trees for Life, share in the free will donations given at the lunch being served from 11:30 to 1:30. You can find details at www.northviewcob.org. Click on News and Events.

Vote on November 7^th. Principle 3 of the Earth Charter reads Build democratic societies that are just, participatory, sustainable, and peaceful. Consider voting for candidates that support EC values and principles. For our children’s children, John Gibson

P.S. SPIRIT & PLACE FESTIVAL begins Thursday in Indianapolis. EC is a co-sponsor of a program entitled If the Cupboard Were Bare: Creating Sustainable Food Systems which will be presented three times—Nov. 9, 13 and 17. Also, EC will be represented by me on a panel discussion at UUI, November 11 entitled Green Sanctuary: Walking Softly and Keeping the Lights On. For more information go to www.spiritandplace.org.

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10-25-2006: It's officially launched i.e. Sustainable Indiana 2016. This is a bold and challenging move based on the “values and principles for a sustainable future” of the Earth Charter.

Lots of help is needed such as media correspondents, recycling fundraisers, event coordinators, Earth Scouts (youth) organizers, traveling-exhibit escorts, Earth Community Dialogue facilitators, musicians, artists etc. Soooooo, come to the EC “Volunteers for a Sustainable Indiana” Fair on Monday, October 30^th, in the Glendale Library Community Room from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Hear more about the Sustainable Indiana 2016 vision and action agenda. Find your groove. Meet others with similar interests. Shake the blues. For our children’s children, John Gibson

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9-18-2006: Principle 13 of the Charter states: Strengthen democratic institutions at all levels, and provide transparency and accountability in governance, inclusive participation in decision making, and access to justice. Bingo! A series of dialogues about the U.S. Constitution is going on this week (September 17-24) offering a unique opportunity to explore in depth a document of great importance in the history of “democracy.” Go to www.mydailyconstitution.org for details. For our children’s children John Gibson

P.S. We all need a little R&R, a good laugh, and a time for socializing with friends. So, Earth Charter Indiana is having a “night out” at the Wheeler Art Center (one block south and one block west of the fountain in Fountain Square) where John Cox Ford will perform Howard Zinn’s play Marx in Soho. The date is Saturday, September 30. The time is 7:00 p.m. The cost is $10 (students free).

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9-4-2006: The EC is catching on world wide. When you need a morale boost go to www.earthcharter.org, click on “endorse the charter” and there click on “view list of endorsers.” You will notice among the variety of organizations listed a number of religious groups. This brings up a request. Do you belong to or know of a faith based congregation that has specific projects in support of EC values and principles? The Interfaith Alliance of Indianapolis through its new Care for Creation Committee is building an inventory of congregations that are leading the way in actions that address global warming, etc. IAI is also sponsoring a Panel of Interfaith leaders on October 16^th to assess and address how faith communities relate to global climate change. Watch for details. In the meantime please submit your example(s) of where and how religious congregations are taking actions. For our children’s children, John Gibson

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8-28-2006: These are difficult times for all sensitive people who are paying attention to what is going on. The concluding section of the Earth Charter acknowledges the urgency and points toward a solution: As never before in history, common destiny beckons us to seek a new beginning. Such renewal is the promise of these Earth Charter principles. To fulfill this promise, we must commit ourselves to adopt and promote the values and objectives of the Charter.

The EC is worth re-reading frequently as a window into the hearts and aspirations of grassroots people all over the world. Joining with them in actions large and small to fulfill the EC vision is our hope for a sane and safe future. Try getting together with one or more like-minded friends. Make three lists: 1) What can we personally do to make the world more sustainable? 2) What can we do to influence others? and 3) What can we do to influence public policy? For our children’s children John Gibson

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8-15-2006: In these days when violence is raging in urban neighborhoods, in several African countries, in southeast Asia, and in the Middle East it is well to read again the world wide aspirations of grassroots people spelled out in principle 16 of the Earth Charter: Promote a culture of tolerance, nonviolence, and peace. Thankfully, thoughtful voices are emerging on the streets (e.g. Washington D.C. last Saturday), in community forums (e.g. Indianapolis/Marion County) and on the internet calling for sensible and nonviolent solutions. For our children’s children, John Gibson

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7-31-2006: The Earth Charter envisions democratic societies that promote social and economic justice, enabling all to achieve a secure and meaningful livelihood [3(b)]...” The Chicago City Council recently approved an ordinance requiring big-box retailers to pay a “living wage” to their employees ($10 an hour plus $3 in fringe benefits) by mid-2010. This is an example of Earth Charter values being applied. For our children’s children, John Gibson

7-24-2006: EC Board Member, Richard Clough, has sent this invite to EC Friends who are interested in learning how one faith community is incorporating EC-like principles in its message and mission. EC does not promote or endorse any particular faith but seeks to collaborate with all faith communities that embrace EC values.

"Are you familiar with the Crosswalk America and the Phoenix Affirmations? This is group of people from various faith traditions who are seeking to reclaim Christianity and offer a progressive alternative. They have written a series of twelve statements called the Phoenix affirmations which are very consistent with the EC principles. To promote this view, they are walking across the country and will be in Indianapolis on July 28-30. There will be a community event on July 30 at 6:30 at First Congregational Church at which time the group will make a presentation. Their web site is www.Crosswalkamerica.org. First Congregational Church is at 7171 N. Pennsylvania.” For our children’s children, John Gibson

P.S. Another Earth Community Action Dialogue will take place this Wednesday, July 26, 7 p.m. at Gibson House, 3038 E. Fall Creek Parkway, N. Drive. The DVD, Kilowatt Ours, will be shown and discussed with an emphasis on practical and meaningful actions to address global warming and childhood asthma. Please call 317-925-9297 to reserve a place.

July 17, 2006: The new DVD, Kilowatt Ours, is a perfect depiction of EC Principle 7(b) Act with restraint and efficiency when using energy, and rely increasingly on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. We now have a copy of the DVD here in the EC Office and it is available for loan to those who will get a few friends together for a viewing and discussion. Call 317-925-9297 to schedule. This Tuesday, July 18 and Wednesday, July 26 showings will take place at Gibson House, 3038 E. Fall Creek Parkway, N. Dr. A few openings still exist on both evenings. Call 317-925-9297 to make a reservation. Households are needed to demonstrate that through energy conservation and switching to renewables we can ditch our dependence on the global warming and asthma producing “king-coal.” For our children’s children, John Gibson

P.S. Additional copies of David Korten’s book are now available for $20. Call 317-925-9297.

July 9, 2006: "Okay,” someone frequently says, “I like the 4 core values and 16 principles of the EC but what practically can I do?” Finding answers to this question is the focus of the upcoming Earth Community Action Dialogues July 10, 18, or 26. The challenge/topic for July is reducing our household energy usage by 50 %. We will start by watching the powerful documentary Kilowatt Ours: A Plan to Re-Energize America. Documentary producer, Jeff Barrie, connects the dots of global warming, childhood asthma, mountain top removal and our home light switch. Even if you are doing energy saving things already there is more to do and reasons why. Choose the date that suites you best and call 317-925-9297 to confirm a reservation. Each session starts at 7:00 p.m. at 3038 E. Fall Creek Parkway, N. Drive (5 houses north of the 30^th Street and Fall Creek Parkway intersection). This is the home of John and Anita Gibson and currently serves as the office and gathering place for many EC committee meetings and small group events. There is plenty of off street parking. For our children’s children, John Gibson

July 3, 2006: The Declaration of Independence fueled the American Revolution 230 years ago. We hold these truths to be self evident still stirs the soul. The Earth Charter is A Declaration of Interdependence. We stand at a critical moment in Earth’s history is likewise an urgent call to action. Both declarations were crafted in perilous times with a single aim to change the course of history. Read both declarations this week. Our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor are at stake again. For our children’s children, John Gibson

P.S. 200 people attended the David Korten event at Butler University. You can download the script of his talk at www.pcdf.org/gt/uuscript.doc and then go to www.pcdf.org/gt/uupowerpoint.ppt and watch the visuals. We now have a new supply of books for sale at the $20 bargain price. Call 317-925-9297 to get a copy. Also, go to www.earthcharterindiana.org and click on Upcoming Events for details about the follow up “Earth Community Action Dialogues.”

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