Download Emerging Leaders Multi-Faith Climate Convergence

Emerging Leaders Multi-Faith Climate Convergence
Rome, Italy – 27 June - 1 July, 2015
A Window in Time
The Paris climate negotiations in December and the release of the papal encyclical this summer create a
remarkable opportunity to mobilize and connect a new generation of leaders of diverse faiths on climate
change. It’s a critical time, and it requires the innovative and energetic approaches that emerging leaders
can offer.
There are young leaders on climate and environmental issues across the world—spanning many religious
and spiritual traditions, locations and styles of leadership. These leaders can benefit enormously from
connecting with each other, learning they’re not alone in their beliefs and their activism, and finding out
about resources and support which can deepen their work.
This is the purpose of the Emerging Leaders Multi-Faith Climate Convergence.
Convergence
OurVoices, a campaign of GreenFaith, the Conservation Foundation and diverse partners worldwide, will
launch an international, multi-faith emerging leaders’ network for climate action, kicking off at a 27 June - 1
July Convergence in Rome for 100 or more carefully selected participants ages 21-40 from diverse religious
and geographic backgrounds. Participants will arrive in Rome on Saturday, 27 June. On Sunday, 28 June,
participants will take part in a multi-faith and civil society march in Rome to St. Peter’s Square, offering
thanks to Pope Francis for his leadership on climate and environmental issues and calling on world leaders
to reach an ambitious and just climate agreement in Paris in December, 2015.
At the Convergence itself, which will take place from Monday, 29 June – Wednesday, 1 July, participants
will share their backgrounds, motivations and beliefs with each other. Activities will be translated into
multiple languages, creating a sense of community, diversity and interfaith dialogue. Participants will share
their experiences of leadership, learning from each other about how religious and spiritual communities
and initiatives can create positive environmental change. They will receive media training and coaching to
develop year-long Action Plans for projects in their home countries. Following the Convergence, a full-time
organizer will staff the network, sharing success stories, providing encouragement and support, and
identifying future priorities.
The Convergence will set the stage for effective, multi-faith leadership by these emerging leaders on
climate change. It will help spur faith-based environmental projects on the ground in countries around the
world.
OurVoices is a campaign of GreenFaith and the Conservation Foundation.
The Convergence will begin on the morning of Monday, 29 June and will end on Wednesday afternoon, 1
July. Participants’ travel costs to and from Rome, and your lodging and meals, will be covered beginning
with dinner on Saturday, 27 June and ending with lunch on Wednesday, 1 July.
Application Process
Participants will be chosen through a competitive application process. Each applicant will submit an essay
describing their work in this area to date, their motivation for participating, and their plans for putting the
experience to use.
Applications should be submitted to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling
basis, and potential participants are encouraged to apply immediately. For questions, contact
[email protected].
OurVoices is a campaign of GreenFaith and the Conservation Foundation.