Green Action Committee Annual Report 2010-2011

During the past year the Green Action Committee had a small core membership consisting of Carolyn Garlich (chair), Sterling Undem (vice chair), Peter Miller (recorder), Stephanie Harvey, Tazi Rodrigues, Dennis Doyle and Alida Friesen. In addition, two people have been doing important work in the church as adjuncts to the committee. Jim Gardiner has been coordinating sale of local organic produce through the Harvest Moon Collective. Jim Watson has been doing a heavy duty job of turning compost. Shirley Kitchen, Evelyn Braun and Carolyn Andrich have helped with events and with letters. Don Bailey, Keith Bradley and Karin Carlson of the audiovisual committee have also supported our committee by working the sound for the forums we have held over the past year.

Terms of Reference for the Green Action Committee

Mandate

The Green Action Committee’s purpose is to engage cooperatively with other committees and members of the congregation to make our church a greener place by enhancing our congregational and individual awareness and practices, and to make our church a catalyst for environmentally sustainable change in the broader community.

Responsibilities

1. Make periodic environmental audits and surveys of the practices of the congregation and post them on the website
2. Identify and recommend improvements
3. Provide liaisons to other committees
4. Education on environmental issues and green practices
5. Participation in and support for other environmental groups in the community
6. Research into best practices
7. Initiate green projects in our church. Eg. Composting, garden, and support for local farmers
8. Public advocacy through letters briefs, presentations, participation in demonstrations
9. Annual reporting

Exciting News From the Global Outreach Committee (GO)

Another month, and Global Outreach is still on the GO! I have now attended my second Unitarian-Universalist United Nations Office (UU-UNO) Board meeting, this time in New York city. While there were many issues to deal with, the big news for Winnipeg was negotiated shortly afterwards. I spoke to Bruce Knotts, the Executive Director of UU-UNO. GO is planning a UN Sunday, scheduled for November 21st. Was there any possibility that he could come to Winnipeg for that date? Incredibly, that date in his busy schedule was free. He was delighted to be able to come, and we are delighted to have him!

Bruce is a dynamic, committed advocate of the United Nations and of our UU-UNO office. Importantly, he brings valuable experience and credentials to his role as Executive Director. During many years of experience as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State, he developed the skills needed to negotiate his way through the UN. Among other postings, he worked in several African countries. During that time he had sustained contact with the UN system, working with UNHCR, UNICEF, WHO and various NGOs to assist refugees from conflict in West Africa.

Since joining UU-UNO in 2008, Bruce started a program to end criminal sanctions based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Under his leadership, UU-UNO has been transformed into leading advocacy roles at the UN in a number of areas such as climate change, LGBT rights, women’s rights, etc. Bruce currently chairs both the UN NGO (Non-Governmental) Committee on Human Rights and the Faith and Ethics Network for the International Criminal Court.

Mark your calendar: an exciting weekend of special events to meet Bruce Knotts, Nov. 20-21.

Ruth Pearce

Beginning in October, we will, once a month, share the non-designated portion of the Sunday morning offering, as a means of strengthening our connections with the wider community and living our principles. To qualify, recipients must be non-political, local, registered non-profit organizations whose principles are congruent with Unitarian Universalism, and for whom our donations would make a significant difference.

After the service on September 12, the congregation will select the first three recipients, from the list below. Come and be part of this important initiative!

1. Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan Provides help to educate women in Afghanistan
2. Hands of Hope Provides furniture and household goods to people in need
3. Immigrant Refugee Community of Manitoba Integrates newcomer families into the wider community
4. Rossbrook House A neighbourhood centre for children and youth in Winnipeg's inner-city
5. Andrew Street Family Centre A multi-service family and neighbourhood support centre
6. GOAL (a program of Elmwood Resource Community Centre) An adult literacy program
7. Boys and Girls Club Provides a safe, supportive place for children and youth
8. Friends of the Winnipeg Library Raises money to benefit the library
9. The West Central Women’s Resource Centre Empowers women to help themselves, their families and their community