We are a group of spiritually-oriented individuals with deep concern for the state of our environment and the climate crisis. We recognize that a crisis in our human values underlies our mistreatment of the environment, each other, and the creatures of this Earth.
We are not focused on one particular set of beliefs or religion but honor the many deeply meaningful experiences that naturally arise in our lives—whether at a precious moment witnessing the birth of a baby, at a dear one’s deathbed, in a moment of profound connection with nature, or at a time of great challenge when an uncommon confidence and will arises within us.
Our members include those who would describe themselves as spiritual, as well as others who would say they were persons of faith or religion; but it also includes people who might identify as atheist or agnostic and hold strong ethical and humanistic values.
At this time of climate emergency, we hope to engage in action that arises from aspects of our human nature that are more loving, more connected, and more self-aware. And when we feel the need to confront others, we aspire to do so with strength and power that arises from love rather than a desire to dominate others.
While we can’t always act in a grounded and open way, we try to take action without getting overly identified with being a “climate activist,” and to approach others holding different perspectives with respect, looking to find common ground wherever possible, and avoiding polarization.
If you would like to join us, either as an individual member or an affiliated organization, write to us at info@earthrisingaction.org. We have a private Facebook page open only to members.
Earth Awareness Series
Sanjen hosted the first two sessions of the Earth Awareness Series on Zoom in March and May 2020. Please email us at info@earthrisingaction.org if you would like to be notified by email of future sessions. Here are recordings of the first two sessions.
Why has 1ºC of warming already caused so much climate disruption? (MP4, 98 min)
Reflections of the isolated self (MP4, 82 min)
Our Publications and How to Use Them
COVID-19 Guide (PDF, 12 pages)
What do we know about this virus so far? Who does it hit hardest? How can we protect ourselves and others from it? What kinds of actions may be needed to protect our communities and slow, if not stop, its spread? This is a detailed summary of what was known as of 3/24/20.
What You Can Do: Part One (PDF, 22 pages)
What You Can Do: Part Two (PDF, 12 pages)
Probably the most difficult experience you can have is hearing all the very negative climate news and either trying to not pay attention or getting paralyzed and succumbing to feeling grief, anger, helplessness or hopelessness.
There is an antidote! Taking action, even if it’s a relatively small action, is empowering! Taking action with others is even more so.
In these two documents you will find many possibilities. Part One focuses on ways to join together to exert group pressure. Part Two provides ways to shrink your personal carbon footprint. Choose a few from each that are energizing to you and go for it!
Take Back Your Power—Your Economic Power! (PDF, 11 pages)
This provides a detailed look at how you can move your money from banks that fund fossil fuels, or investments in fossil fuels and other polluting industries, and reinvest in environmentally and socially responsible services and products. It includes many links to organizations that can guide you in finding responsible businesses.
Assessing Climate Plans (PDF, 28 pages)
As we become more aware of the climate emergency and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 to be able to reach net zero by 2050, we need to know how to accomplish this radical shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. We need to be able to ask our political candidates and current representatives what they are doing to meet this challenge. This document uses Q&A format to pose the key questions to ask, and then provides examples of good answers based on extensive research.
Films: Powerful Documentaries to Learn About the Climate Crisis (PDF, 19 pages)
One of the most important things we can do is gather friends, family, and colleagues, and honestly discuss the climate emergency we face. One way to get this going is to hold a “climate night” consisting of viewing and discussing a film, while sharing food in a potluck. This annotated list of superb documentary films dealing with climate-related issues is divided into different topics and provides links to the films. Coming together as a group can be deeply supportive of the many feelings stirred by this crisis while at the same time bringing creativity and energy to possible actions.