Becoming a Local Chapter of the Minnesota…

                     Becoming a Local Chapter of the
   Minnesota Episcopal Environmental Stewardship Commission ­ MEESC

MEESC has been active in the diocese for 15 years now and has for most of this time consisted
of a small dedicated cadre of folks committed to modeling, reminding and asking fellow
Episcopalians to practice stewardship of all God's creation. It's been an adventure!

The times have changed: there is a widespread awareness of global climate change; species
depletion and water shortages have come to be seen as the crisis they are; there is concern about
flooding and the potential for changing the crops grown; and there is a rising interest in the
polluting impacts we humans are making on our planet. No longer do we need to scramble for
an audience, whew - we are experiencing a bit of popularity. Therefore, we invite you to join
or form a local chapter of MEESC in your area.

We at MEESC have come to understand that a key tool for change is the strength within our
Congregations and further on into the communities that we live, work and play in. As Faith
Communities we have the unique opportunity to add a scriptural foundation to the dialog and be
leaders across denominational and secular lines.

Thus we want to take the commitment we have within MEESC and expand it into your local
areas around the state, for that is where real change in habits will happen. The very nature of the
work at hand is rooted in localization: less and more productive travel, local food, involvement
with local government and helping each other learn more sustainable and earth-friendly ways.

Typically people ask, "What can I/we do, where's the list?"

The fact is that the challenge is complex! Those of us that have worked on changing the habits
of our selves and households ­ waste reduction, recycling, taking reusable bags shopping with us
- can attest to the challenge.

It is all the more rich, rewarding and challenging within our Faith Community and positively
daunting in our towns, states, nations and globally.

Each area, each community has its own `list', its own talents and opportunities, each geographic
and cultural grouping has unique challenges. The number of challenges may seem daunting;
however, MEESC has years of experience to offer to groups and individuals working to effect
change.

In getting to the actions of intentional environmental stewardship local groups must embrace
projects that are doable and exciting to our Faith Community. The concerns and tasks for a
Metro Church or group of churches will be different than they are in a Greater MN trade center
or in an agriculture-based community.

The first step is committed dialog: what are our talents, where are our passions, what resources
are available, where are the problems to be addressed? Through this process individuals and
groups can co-create the list of responses and actions that they will take on.

MEESC is committed to providing our process, insight and knowledge so that we can all address
the necessity of attaining sustainability. How may we help?

                        www.env-steward.com info@env-steward.com