EarthCare Alliance is Here!
From its humble beginnings in 2008, EarthCare has evolved an independent ministry. Unity EarthCare operates on the core belief that all creation is connected as one, with a mission to foster a spiritual, eco-conscious, and sustainable lifestyle that honors the interdependence of all life. Their value system centers on reverence for Earth, practical stewardship through prayer and action, and transforming personal habits to align with environmental responsibility. The ultimate vision is a world in which humanity lives in harmony with nature, recognizing the intrinsic value of all beings and ensuring the protection of Earth's ecosystems for the highest good of all.
History
In 2001, the Unity Northwest region hatched the idea to launch a program to help Unity congregations become better stewards of our planet. That leadership from our region led to development of the Unity Worldwide EarthCare program and to date 54 centers have become certified EarthCare centers.
The EarthCare program exists to help your center grow and thrive by fostering awareness of our spiritual oneness with our Earth home and promoting active care of creation. The EarthCare program helps with:
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Guiding centers through the simple process of getting established as an EarthCare center
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Improving energy, water and waste efficiency at your facilities
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Establishing environmental education programs
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And ? (Every EarthCare program is totally unique) …
There are currently nine EarthCare certified centers in our Northwest region:
A Level Certification
Unity of Anchorage, AK
Unity of Bandon, OR
Unity of Bellingham, WA
B Level Certification
Seattle Unity
Unity of Spokane, WA
C Level Certification
Unity of Beaverton, Oregon
Unity in Lynnwood, WA
Unity Spiritual Community of Central OR, Bend, OR
Unity of Olympia
Getting started is as easy as having your Board and minister agree to environmentally responsible practices and stewardship and then beginning simple practices such as setting up a recycling program or improving energy efficiency. After that, well, the skies the limit! Each EarthCare program is unique based on the center's needs and interests.
The EarthCare program offers great opportunities for youth engagement and leadership. It also provides opportunities for community events and engagement and drawing interest from younger people who are spiritually interested and also committed to environmental and social action.
Each year leading EarthCare centers are awarded the Green Star award on stage at the Unity Worldwide convention.
The EarthCare ministry team has members representing each of the U.S regions and we are here to help. The Unity Northwest region member is Cylvia Hayes from Unity Spiritual Community of Central Oregon. We would be happy to help you establish, or grow, your congregation’s EarthCare program.
Resources to help: Unity EarthCare Alliance website https://www.unityearthcare.org/
Contact
Rev. Cylvia Hayes, UWI Core Team
Unity Spiritual Community of Central Oregon
Phone: (541) 617-9013
