December brings the close of TIPL’s second year. We feel all grown-up now, much as a teen does when faced with the awareness of new horizons and the capabilities to reach them. TIPL has done much this past year to find its legs and presence. We have a functioning all-volunteer organizational structure; we have a modest budget from a grant we received from national IPL to help us pursue our vision; we have the care and support of the many stalwart TIPL volunteers. TIPL is grateful for all these and more.
In December, the Steering Committee gave its final blessing to our first set of policies available to our members and partners on our website. With these policies, TIPL has graduated from a close group of volunteers working together to an organization open and accessible to anyone wanting to engage with it. The steering committee is now working on its 2014 goals and budget, which will be available to share with you next month.
One goal we can share is TIPL’s Climate 1000 initiative, which will engage the environmental, environmental justice, and faith-based communities in Knoxville to advocate for climate protection and weatherization of lower income homes. This campaign in July will culminate with an event in Knoxville that will attract more than 1000 to witness their support for climate protection and economic justice. We will keep you abreast of Climate 1000 as plans develop.
We ended the year with thirteen faith group partners and more than 60 individual members. Our job in 2014 will be to engage both our partners and members deeply into TIPL’s work of creating opportunities for others to respond spiritually to climate change.
TIPL will continue to grow its base, and volunteers are willing and ready to meet with faith groups to present TIPL’s story and mission. If you want this to happen in your faith group, simply email tennipl@gmail.com.
TIPL continues not having dues for its members and partners. However, TIPL will send out in February an invitation for you to make a contribution to our ongoing work. As we are an all-volunteer organization, our financial needs are modest. Whatever you can contribute will go far.
One of our Steering Committee members, Rev. Ed Wolff of Cross of Grace Lutheran Church in Jonesborough, has stepped off the committee as his work with the regional stewardship efforts of the Lutheran Church has deepened. Many thanks to him for his leadership.
Preach-in: All major faith traditions call on their supporters to be good stewards of Creation, and to love God by loving others — especially those in our community most in need. Join IPL in highlighting this calling on Valentines Weekend for the National Preach-In on Climate Change. The theme of the 2014 Preach-In is “Doing our Part.” Congregations all over the country are doing their part by using energy more efficiently and greening their facilities. We are responding to the urgent need to curb climate change and protect our children’s future. Learn more here.
Cool Congregations Challenge: Get your entries ready for the 2013 Interfaith Power and Light Cool Congregations Challenge, an annual national contest to recognize “Cool Congregations” that are becoming energy efficient and sustainable role models within their communities. Projects completed from October 18, 2012 through December 31, 2013 qualify for the 2013 Cool Congregations Challenge. There is no fee to enter. Learn more about it. The deadline for entries is January 31, 2014. Grand-prize is $1,000!
