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November 1, 2024

Dear Joan,

No matter the depth of uncertainty and challenge we collectively face in the coming days and weeks, may we know the unshakable truth of our relatedness to each other and to all creation on this round earth, which brings us always back to the ground of what we share.

At our Annual Gathering celebration a few weeks ago (pictured on the right), we uplifted our common need to perservere in beauty and in joy, trusting that we are instruments of the Great Work of life unfolding in and by and through and for Love.

Please find below many wonderful events and resources, including a special opportunity to engage during Native American Heritage Month in reparative justice with our indigenous siblings through exploration of landback with the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery.

Blessings of peace and courage to all,

Your IPL Team, Rev. Clara SIms, Sr. Joan Brown, Carlos Navarro

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

Advocacy Opportunity November 12-15

Oil & Conservation Commission Hearing: PFAS and Undisclosed Chemicals

A report by Physicians for Social Responsibility confirms that the oil and gas industry uses PFAS or “forever chemicals” in hydraulic fracturing operations in New Mexico. PFAS are a class of chemicals known for extremely high toxicity at extraordinarily low levels, their multiple negative health effects including cancer, birth defects, reproductive problems, decreased vaccine response, and more.

As people of faith and conscience we are very concerned for the precious gift of

water, especially as we face growing aridity because of climate change in a state where 80 percent of our population depends on groundwater for safe drinking water. 

The Commission has statutory authority to adopt proposed rules (Case No. #23580) to ban PFAS and create transparency and equitable access to critical safety data, and to address the pressing need to ensure protection of public health, the environment, and freshwater resources from the dangers of PFAS and chemical nondisclosure. Here is a one-pager from Defend NM Water with more details.

Can you help advocate for protections of our sacred waters?

Please email Joan (joan@nm-ipl.org) and Clara (clara@nm-ipl.org) if you would like more information for signing up to give public comment, which has both in-person and virtual opportunities. We also have a petition and faith leader letter that we can share.

Is Your Faith Community Considering Energy Efficiency or Solar Energy?

We can help! Our Cool Congreggations 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.

More Upcoming Events

Tree Planting in Truth or Consequences

Saturday, November 2nd, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tree New Mexico will be planting 50-(15 gallon) trees in Truth or Consequences, & also receiving 50- (5 gallon trees) to give to local volunteers & residents. There is no cost to the tree adopters, though they will have to agree to care for the tree until it is established, roughly 3 years. We have begun canvassing in the Area Of Interest & are having an event to train locals how to properly plant trees so that we can take on more plantings.Sign up here.

Making Meaning of the Moment - Post Election Mass Call

Thursday, November 7th, 6-7 pm MT

This event was uplifted by Interfaith Power and Light national since pro-democracy and climate action are so closely linked. "We don’t know what’s going to happen in the election. We do know that the stakes are high and that no matter the outcome, we need to be ready for next steps.Join with members of 100+ progressive organizations as we move quickly to “Make Meaning of the Moment” after Election Day." You can register here.

Tree Planting in Las Cruces

Saturday, November 16th, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Doña Ana NeighborWoods–a partnership among the Doña Ana Soil and Water Conservation District, Tree New Mexico, and Cruces Creatives–will be planting trees in neighborhoods along North Solano Drive in Las Cruces.This event is for people ages 15 and older.Sign up here.

Landback Rematriation Fund with Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery (webinar)

Thursday, November 21st, 5:00 pm MT

At this webinar, join Coalition leaders to learn more about how each of us can partner with Indigenous Peoples to free sacred lands, soils, water, and habitat from systems of oppression. The Coalition, in partnership with repair partners, now makes it possible for anyone to participate in land return by contributing to a collective fund. Families buying or selling homes can assess a tax on the sale and contribute to a collective fund – individuals can calculate regular rent – retirees with savings can contribute what feels reasonable. This fund will then be distributed to Indigenous partners so that they can buy the land that they identify, consistent with the needs of their communities. Registration link here.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Sunday, November 24th, 3:00 pm

All are welcome for a beautiful service of interfaith celebration and dialogue amidst the many challenges of our times. Monte Vista Christian Church, 3501 Campus Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106. For more information contact Rev. Seth Finch, sethfinch@gmail.com.

NM Water Advocates Monthly Educational Webinar: Agua es Vida!

Thursday, November 21st at 6:30 pm MT (virtual)

Join Norm Gaume and Ladona Clayton to learn what the 2025 legislature must accomplish to begin a course correction toward successful adaptation to NM’s more arid future. Learn about your part in helping achieve these goals.Both Norm and Ladona have recieved NM IPL's SPROUT Award for their amazing dedication and leadership in protecting our sacred waters! Even if you cannot attend at this time, you can register and recieve the recording to view later.

Register here.

Two Opportunities With Application Deadlines:

Nuestros Bosques: Faith Based and Strategic Local Investments Request for Proposals

Application Deadline: November 15th, 2024

The Hispanic Access Foundation is working in partnership to increase equitable access to urban tree canopy while stimulating community engagement and decision-making in local urban forestry and ultimately heightening our resilience to and mitigating climate change. They are partner with the USFS to become a national pass-through partner for the “Nuestros Bosques IRA Initiative” promoting Justice40, Ten-Year Urban Forestry Action Plan, State Forest Action Plans, congressional, and America the Beautiful priorities. In alignment with the Forest Service and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), 80 percent of the funding will flow directly to disadvantaged communities.Find out further 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.

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).

More Resources

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.

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.

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.

2024 Faith Votes Campaign & Voter Reflection Guide

Interfaith Power & Light's national office has created a faithful voter reflection guide for their 2024 Faith Votes campaign. This reflection guide is intended to spur discussion and discernment and is on-line or printed in English and Spanish. Let us know if you want copies and we will order and get to you FREE.

Learn more about New Mexico Community Solar through these resources.

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.

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