View as Webpage

December 3, 2024

Dear Joan,

"If everything around you seems dark, look again, you may be the light." - Rumi

December holds many diverse and beautiful celebrations of light and hope: Bodhi Day, Las Posadas, Yule, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa.

Together, they remind us that the sacred, even when hidden in the heart of winter, is always taking shape in us and through us. In the peacefulness of mountains, in the wisdom of water, in the truthfulness of sky, and in each way our human traditions give praise to the gift of our lives with each other and this precious earth.

In this season of holy darkness, let us embrace the light that lives in each of us, trusting that we can join the earth in sacred stillness and rest, awaiting the clarity of purpose that patience brings.

Find here upcoming events, resources, and opportunities to engage in sacred advocacy. As we draw closer to the the 60 day NM State Legislative Session in January, we will share advocacy updates and resources to engage.

Many blessings,

Rev. Clara Sims, Desirée Bernard, Sr. Joan Brown, and Carlos Navarro

More events and information can be found on our website: nm-ipl.org

Federal Advocacy Opportunity

Contact congress members about the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024

Voice your moral and ethical concerns to Senator Heinrich who is currently supporting the Senate's Energy Permitting Reform Act which would fast-track liquified natural gas (LNG) projects and exports. Buoying the LNG industry is the opposite of climate responsible leadership. You can see a detailed fact sheet from the Sierra Club here. Please ask Senator Heinrich to oppose this sell out to fossil fuel industry which impacts not only climate but the public health of so many of our neighbors right here in NM. See the localy news story below as one example of the impacts of pollution from oil and gas extraction. There is also now a faith organization letter sign-on - please share widely!

Don't miss out on the 2024

 Cool Congregations Challenge!

Deadline December 15th - apply here!

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Direct Pay Office Hours with Center and Lawyers for Good Government

Thursday, December 5th, 11am-12pm MT (virtual)

This is a space for houses of worship, nonprofits, and anyone else interested in learning about Direct Pay to share their clean energy project plans, raise clarifying questions, and talk through their roadblocks or concerns. All project stages are welcome! You do not need a concrete project plan to join. Email heejin@progressivecaucuscenter.org to attend.

New Mexico Green Ammendment Strategy Session

Wednesday, December 10th, 4pm MT (virtual)

Join Representative Joanne Ferrary, Senator Pope, Senator Pinto, Representative-elect Hernandez, Senator Sedillo Lopez and others as they bring us up to speed on the plans for securing constitutional protection of New Mexico's environmental rights via a New Mexico Green Amendment in 2025. Register here.

Festive Holiday Gathering - celebrate Sr. Joan and welcome Desirée!

Thursday, December 11th, 6:30-8:00pm MT at Nahalat Shalom, ABQ

Join us to celebrate and honor Joan's many years of leading NM IPL and to warmly welcome Desiree as our new Executive Director. There will be a short program at the beginning followed by to socialize and connect as a community. Holiday cookies, snacks and refreshments will be provided. Come whenever you are able and stay however long you can!

Community Organizing for Climate Justice as Love in Action

Apply by December 21st, 2024

Transform your community through faith-based climate action. Our program equips leaders with the tools, knowledge, and networks to implement impactful climate resiliency projects. Join our 2025 faith-based leadership program for climate justice. Applications open until December 1, 2024. Course runs January 22-May 14, 2025 and is fully online. More details here.

2025 Aldo Leopold Writing Contest

Deadline: February 14th, 2025

Each year, the Aldo Leopold Writing Contest invites New Mexico students in Grades 6-12 to submit essays in response to a carefully-crafted and thought-provoking prompt inspired by the writings of Aldo Leopold: conservationist, educator, philosopher, and writer. This year's theme is around bodies of water and you can find more information here.

Is Your Faith Community Considering Energy Efficiency or Solar Energy?

We can help! Our Cool Congregations committee has an amazing team of volunteer experts who conduct FREE energy audits for houses of worship.

With the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) direct payback program this is an ideal time to pursue solar energy. There are funds to assist houses of worship with 30% or more direct pay checks through the IRS the year following installation. We know each faith community is different with unique needs and that utilizing government programs is not straightforward. We are here to help you navigate this process, whether you are just imagining how to go solar or are already well on your way.

Contact us at info@nm-ipl.org for more information or to set up a meeting.

Residential Energy Savings Opportunity!

NM Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR)

New Mexico is one of a series of states launching a pilot program through the Department of Energy (DOE) with up to $14,000 in savings available for low-income qualified households. Electrification opportunities and appliances include: heat pumps, water heaters, insulation, air sealing, and ventilation, heat pump clothes dryers, electric or induction cookstoves, and more. To learn more about elegibility and programs offered, visit the Energy Conservation and Management website.

This program is being rolled out in phases and NM IPL is seeking to help these funds get distributed to as many of those who qualify as possible - especially to our rural communities where government programs are less equipped to do outreach.

If you are interested in learning more and organizing locally through your faith community to help folks take advantage of these significant energy savings, please email Clara (clara@nm-ipl.org).

PRESS RELEASE

NM IPL and 40+ Environmental Orgs urge Governors to stay committed to Clean Truck Standards.

New Mexico passed Advanced Clean Vehicle Standards in 2023 and advocates across the country are preparing to resist disinformation campaigns that could lead to the weakening or rolling back these standards entirely. Read the letter here.

More Resources

Climate Cafe with Climate Pyschology Alliance

Research shows that while most people feel alone with their feelings, the majority of people are concerned about climate change. You are not alone. Talking about these feelings in groups can help make them bearable. Find ongoing gatherings here.

The Intergenerational Eco-Justice and Spirituality Network

a Franciscan and interspiritual ecology-based action network guided by a steering committee. The IEJSN is an evolving project that focuses on intergenerational education, spiritual leadership, formation, and community. Check out their website here. 

BTS Center: Jewish Perspectives on Climate Change with Joelle Novey and Jessica Jacob

In this episode, Nicole Diroff and guest co-host Dr. Keisha McKenzie discuss Jewish perspectives on climate change with Joelle Novey, director of Interfaith Power & Light (DC, MD, and Northern VA), and poet Jessica Jacobs. Joelle shares insights into how her Jewish faith informs her climate work and reads from her latest poetry collection, Unalone. Listen here.

The Film "Common Ground" now available to non-profits for FREE

This phenomenal film from makers of "Kiss The Ground" brings to light the extraordinary power of the soil to heal our planetary systems and human health. If your faith community or non-profit organization would like to show the film, the screening rights are now free. IPL's faith climate action page takes you through the simple licensing steps.

Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth Community Worship Resources

This group offers free monthly worship and small group ministry resources focused on Earth care and climate justice: and bonus materials: Spiritual Care for Climate Distress, Anxiety and Grief.

.