Local climate solutions powered by faith communities.

Strands of Compassion

Internationally-acclaimed concert artists and activist virtuosos, Christoph Wagner, cellist, and Joanne Kong, pianist, will weave together music, reflections, and imagery in an inspiring event. The program will be followed by a free plant-based supper, discussion, and meet & greet with our wonderful guest artists. The program is co-sponsored by FACS, Act for Climate Today (ACT!), and the UU Animal Ministry and will take place live in the at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Sanctuary and live-streamed on Saturday, November 5th from 4pm-7pmRSVP for Supper: actforclimatetoday@gmail.com to help anticipate food and seating needs. See further details here.

 

Zero Waste: Building a Better Community

On Tuesday, November 29th from 7pm - 8:30pm FACS, EcoAction Arlington, Leaders in Energy, and Sierra Club Potomac River Group have teamed up to host part two of three webinars, Beyond Recycling: Reduce, Reuse, Repair. Transforming to a Zero Waste Community depends on rethinking how and where we produce, use, and reuse materials and goods. Learn how new local businesses and community services are helping to reduce waste by supporting reuse and repair. Did you miss Building a Circular Economy: Breaking the Produce-Consume-Dispose Paradigm? See the recording here.

2023 NOVA to Zero - Individual Giving Campaign

Our annual NOVA to Zero donor campaign is underway, and we welcome your help! With only two staff members, FACS is leveraging our amazing volunteers across five jurisdictions to move local climate action forward. Now, we’d like to deepen our work with another staff person and more programming -- that means your donations matter! Please give until it feels good! If you have questions or want to get involved, contact kristin.rosenthal@gmail.com.

 

Nature Corner

Wondering why there is a stunning presence of goldenrods and asters in the gardens this time of year? Well, these purple and gold native plants with regal colors that can be considered the king and queen of the meadow with their splendid procession of complementary colors, are not just pretty, they are invaluable food resources for honeybees that store copious nectar quantities for winter...

 

20s & 30s Coalition

Are you or do you know a 20/30-something looking to connect with others on climate change topics?

Our 20s & 30s Coalition will feature social gatherings like happy hours, coffee socials, and local hikes for this age group. There is a lot going on in the world and has become easier to become isolated. Whether you are in a career transition, planning for the future in an uncertain world, or you just want to meet other climate-minded individuals, join us! If you are interested in attending upcoming gatherings, contact meaghan@faithforclimate.org.

 

HUB UPDATES BELOW

Be sure to visit our online calendar to see when Hub monthly meetings happen, what FACS events are on the horizon, and what community events are being planned by other groups.

 

City of Alexandria Hub Updates

The City of Alexandria is releasing its draft Energy and Climate Change Action Plan later this month for public review and comment. The plan provides a roadmap for Alexandria to accelerate deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and safely and equitably manage the impacts of climate change. Be on the lookout for news about its release and ways to support adoption of a strong and inclusive plan by the City.

Sign up for Alexandria updates if you are not already on our list. If you have any questions, please email info@faithforclimate.org.

Arlington County Hub Updates

This month, we had a robust presentation by our guest, Demetra McBride, who runs Arlington County's Office of Sustainability and Environmental Management. She has a huge portfolio and she talked us through Arlington's programs and projects that are in play to meet our climate goals. We also talked about the urgency of advocating for RGGI. Looking forward, our next Hub meeting will be on Wednesday, November 2nd at 7pm.

Sign up for Arlington updates if you are not already on our list. If you have any questions, please email info@faithforclimate.org.

Fairfax County Hub Updates

Fairfax Hub is looking for some solar tech minded people! This is a burgeoning area for the whole region. If you like technology, helping moving things along, and working in a team, please let us know! The County is making initiatives to bring EV chargers to denser housing; wouldn’t it be great if some of those were powered by new solar panels? 

Be sure to see this month's blog! The Fairfax Hub meets on the second Thursday of each month from 7pm-8:30pm. Sign up and contact Kris Rosenthal for more info at kristin.rosenthal@gmail.com.

"Citizenship is an act. It is something you do, not something you are.

- Patrick Deval

Loudoun County Hub Updates

Jean has launched an Ashby Ponds/Broad Run District "Friends Acting for Climate Today" (FACT) group. The first meeting will be Thursday, November 4th. She is having coffee meetings with Loudoun clergy as she participates in the Loudoun Interfaith Clergy and Religious Leaders group. On Saturday, Oct. 22, along with FACS and Sierra Club members, she participated in a mock 'Funeral for the Land' at Brawner Farm Interpretive Center/Manassas National Park. This is near the site where data centers may be built. See Jean's 'Prayer for the Land'. Jean is on the Science and Faiths Planning Group at Ashby Ponds and has scheduled a November 10th speaker from the NOVA Regional Commission to address climate resilience, including climate justice. For Earth Month, she has scheduled a speaker from Loudoun County Govt. to share the County's Environmental and Energy Work Plan. 

Sign up for Loudoun County updates if you are not already on our list. If you have any questions, please email info@faithforclimate.org.

Northern Valley Hub Updates

Northern Valley Climate Solutions hub met on October 23 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Winchester, Virginia. During the meeting, we viewed the excellent video that included a presentation by Nature Conservancy climate scientist Katherine Hayhoe. She was being interviewed by a journalist from WNYC during which people interested in solutions to climate change were invited to call in with questions. Ms. Hayhoe’s presentation and her answers to questions from those who called in during the presentation were inspiring. She is a wonderfully enthusiastic and positive speaker!

Sign up for Northern Valley updates if you are not already on our list. If you have any questions, please email info@faithforclimate.org.

Join a Local Advocacy Hub!

Stay connected with local news, meeting reminders, advocacy opportunities and action alerts, community wins, and more!

FACS' Monthly Sustainability Tip

Lands, waterways and wildlife cannot speak up for themselves - humans must speak up for them. To live in a society that respects and protects Mother Earth, we need policy that prioritizes the environment. To put this critical policy into place, we need elected officials who are climate champions. To elect climate champions we must vote for them, and empower others to as well!

See 30 Ways Environmentalists Can Participate in Democracy from the Environmental Voter Project.

Inspired to give beyond time and talent? Donate today and support FACS' work.

 

Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions
PO Box 2012  | Reston, Virginia 20195
703-239-3748 | info@faithforclimate.org

Follow Us

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences