Our 2018 statewide Annual Conference Facing the Climate Crisis: Called to Save our Sacred Common Home was a wonderful conference, beautifully planned, filled with deeply generous leadership and participation. It was also in Pittsburgh, on October 27, 2018, the day of the hate-motivated killings at Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill. The terrible news broke just as the first people were arriving. Most people heard the news at the conference. We made space for prayers together, and songs and prayers already planned took on different significance. A few were unable to be there. Those who were gathered found comfort in the chance to be in a community of caring. By the time we adjourned, thanks to the strength of the Pittsburgh networks present, people left with times and places for multiple vigils and services over the next three days.
We will continue to share resources from the day here as they are shared with us. We are so grateful to the volunteers, leaders, speakers, musicians, sponsors and attendees who made it all possible.
opening
- Gathering song
A version of the Buddhist Metta Sutra (Loving Kindess), led by George Hoguet. Sung to the tune of Amazing Grace
May I be filled with loving kindness
May I be well
May I be peaceful and at ease
May I be happy
May You….
May We….
May All… - Litany of sorrow from the UN Environmental Sabbath Program
Return to the Home of Your Soul –song written by Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, led by Barb Ballenger, and sung by all present, audio captured by filmmaker (and workshop leader) Kirsi Jansa
- Conference welcome message, from Dr. Patricia DeMarco
- Remembrance of the 1948 Smog of Donora.
Charlie McCollester’s keynote.
- Reflection on the legacy of Rachel Carson.
Rev. David Carlisle had to miss the conference to be fully present for a family emergency; Rabbi Ron Symons was called to respond to the shootings.
workshops and workshop leaders
Workshops and workshop leaders are all cross-linked on our Annual Conference page. When “portable” materials are generously shared with us, we will share them with you — though they certainly will be pale compared to the richness of the interaction, leadership, and community of the in-person workshops.
- Kirsi Jansa’s slides (with video links) from Finding Our Power— Community Conversations
PA IPL’s 2018 Visionary Award to Dr. Patricia DeMarco was beautifully received by Mark Dixon and Kirsi Jansa, who delivered the plaque and award citation to her after the conference. We are delighted that Patty’s treatments have been successful, and she is now focused on regaining her remarkable energy.
These sponsors helped make the day possible
business sponsors
- Energy Independent Solutions (putting solar on St. Paul’s roof!)
- Green Mountain Energy (choose wind and solar generated electricity for your home, small business, or house of worship!)
faith community sponsors
- The United Methodist Church—Board of Church and Society
- St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
- The Justice Committee of East Liberty Presbyterian Church
- The Open Door
- The Pittsburgh Presbytery
Gathering and break times were enriched by the presence of many allies at information tables.
- Association of Pittsburgh Priests
- The Breathe Project
- The Clean Air Council
- Conservation Consultants, Inc.
- Creatives4Climate and Sustainability Pioneers [sign up for Kirsi’s Sustainability Pioneers newsletter here]
- Dianne’s Dishware — Sustainable Alternatives
- The Donora Smog Museum
- Dylan Weiss, author
- Green Mountain Energy
- The League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh
- Moms Clean Air Force
- Pittsburgh Friends’ Meeting
- 350 Pittsburgh
- St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
- The Ujamaa Collective
- PA IPL’s tables included
- at-cost sales of useful books
Drawdown by Paul Hawken
Pathways to Our Sustainable Future: A Global Perspective from Pittsburgh by Patricia deMarco (signed!)
The Point of Pittsburgh: Production and Struggle at the Forks of the Ohio by Charles McCollester (signed!) - carbon offsets for conference travel
- PA IPL program slips, resource pages, and conversation
- at-cost sales of useful books
Our delicious vegetarian lunch was from Baby Loves Tacos, and the amazing apples we snacked on were Stayman Winesaps from Penns Corner Farm Alliance.
Program book ads also helped underwrite the conference, and lift up the work of friends and allies. Thank you.