General agency seeks participants for environmental ministry

Global Ministries, the mission arm of the United Methodist Church, is inviting U.S.-based United Methodists to participate in EarthKeepers, a training program to help people launch and grow environmental projects in their communities. Summer training will take place July 28 through August 11. The deadline to apply is June 30.

EarthKeepers will consist of 8.5 hours of live online training as well as up to 24 hours of individual training. Topics will include eco-theology, anti-racism, community organizing and project planning.

All participants will plan a project that addresses an aspect of creation care in their community. The training is designed to help participants identify the problem or issue that needs to be addressed and how to respond to that need. Applicants are asked to have an idea of what they would like to work on while in the program. Though the idea can change, applicants without a project in mind will be asked to apply at a later date.

EarthKeeper projects often involve ecosystem health, efficiency, environmental justice and racism, food security, innovation, renewable energy, waste reduction, and water.

The program is open to United Methodists ages 13 and up who have an interest in environmental issues and the support of a conference-level leader. Additional requirements include a commitment to participate in the entire training, curiosity about environmental justice and racism, a positive attitude about online learning, and the tools needed to engage in the training, including a webcam, microphone, speaker, and at least 600 kbps of bandwidth.

Each applicant must make a connection with one conference-level leader such as a bishop, director of connectional ministries, district superintendent, or creation care ministry chairperson. The conference leader will need to complete a connection form to include with the application. Both the application and the connection form will need to be completed before an application will be considered.

For more information or to apply, visit https://umcmission.org/earthkeepers.