Faith for Earth Councillor Programme is an informal support mechanism for the Faith for Earth National Coordination Hub in India, and is not an official title of UN Environment Programme.
Who should become a Faith for Earth Councilor?
A faith leader or member of a FBO who is very interested in caring for Creation, is eager to learn more and build the network is encouraged to get involved. Your Faith for Earth Councilor should be a recognized member within your FBO or community, and is an individual who demonstrates a natural ability to lead.
The Faith for Earth Councilor must show:
Commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Respect for all spiritual and religious beliefs
Adoption of the principles of “Leave no one behind”
Transparency in governance structure and decision-making
Interfaith collaboration with mutual acceptance and respect
Focus on the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs
Building bridges between existing knowledge and experience scientifically and spiritually
Perform Actions that respect individual and communal beliefs
Aim at Transforming people’s behaviors through their spiritual values
What are the benefits of being a Faith for Earth Councilor?
The Faith for Earth Councilor Program will create an informed and well-prepared team of individuals ready to support and organize their communities in becoming aware of what’s at stake for humans and Nature in the short term, and to take life-affirming action for the long term. The Faith for Earth Councilors will have the support of their Faith for Earth Councilor peers, as well as resources provided throughout the training, and recognition from their FBO. Faith for Earth Councilors will learn basic principles of community organizing, and share, with their communities, powerful ways forward by weaving together faith teachings, the SDGs and location-specific environmental education.
In their work together, Faith for Earth Councilors will meet and work collaboratively with many stakeholders, creating valuable relationships. In the later part of 2021, Faith for Earth Councilors from each project happening concurrently in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), India and Lebanon will share 90 minutes online gathering to exchange best practices and stimulate even greater success in each region and beyond. At the training’s conclusion, Faith for Earth Councilors will be recognized at an event to be determined by each region.
What support will our FBO / Faith for Earth Councilor receive from Partners?
In addition to building a diverse network of FBOs, universities and schools, hospitals, government officials and religious leaders to determine potential actions for the protection of the environment, this program will present a Training the Trainer opportunity.
Once trained, what will the Faith for Earth Councilors be expected to do?
Faith for Earth Councilors will be a resource and point of contact for their FBOs, schools and/or local communities. Like a “train the trainer” model, the Faith for Earth Councilors will be encouraged to grow grassroots environmental action in their communities (as determined in the training and using the tools provided), and increase the number of engaged people working to reduce global warming and to care for Creation.
How will the Faith for Earth Councilors be most successful?
The Faith for Earth Councilor Program will include suggestions and support for effective ways to foster change and to create lasting impact within communities. Using faith teachings, the environmental SDGs along with environmental concerns specific to the area, Faith for Earth Councilors will be well-resourced for inviting greater action from their communities. It will be very important for Faith for Earth Councilors to feel the endorsing support of their religious leaders and those who hold seniority or influence so that the work plans happen with verbal and visible solidarity.
Who else is participating?
A diverse group of faith leaders, students and young activists, government officials, NGOs or other leaders from the community.
