Welcome Orange County Interfaith Coalition for the Environment!
June 8th, 2007
The Orange County Interfaith Coalition for the Environment (OCICE) is the newest Cooperation Circle member of the URI in North America. The group has been operating for fifteen years, with over one thousand people on their contact list in Southern California. Their membership includes Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Baha’is, Sikhs, and Jews, all embracing the notion of “cultures of peace, justice, and healing for the Earth…”
Purpose:
We educate, raise awareness and empower people to actively protect and preserve creation through responsible stewardship.
Description of Activities:
One highlight is the Caring for Creation conference held annually in October. Last year, Matthew Fox was keynote. Enviro groups come and display and there are many workshops. We also have programs all during the year. We were recently involved with Step It Up (global warming) – marched and presented certificate to mayor of Huntington Beach thanking the City for signing on to the global warming pact. Five cities of 35 in Orange County have signed. We will visit all city council meetings and encourage other cities to sign on. We have materials to give on how to save energy. Main focus now is global warming.
Other effort – opposing a toll road proposed to go thru last wilderness in Orange County - six lanes thru a state park. Plan originally approved. We have filed amicus brief and held prayer session under oak tree to raise consciousness. Now it’s all been postponed for two years and they don’t know what the final outcome will be.
We basically educate and empower people to do what they can. Each board member has a special interest and leads their efforts in those areas. Go out and give programs on:
- Toxics in home and yard,
- How to start enviro ministry in church,
- Basic stewardship things individuals can do,
- Creation spirituality,
- Energy issues,
- Transportation alternatives.
We have 10 board members and 10 others who help with committees. We are always looking for more.