Across the globe, young people are leading the way in the fight for climate justice and against greedy oppressive forces that are poisoning our collective future. That’s why this year, we’re focusing our GreenFaith Fellowship program on young leaders of faith or spirit. We will be exploring our own eco-theologies, learning more about the history of faith based movements for justice, practicing organizing skills, and coming together for a 4 day in person retreat in California where you’ll meet a diverse group of young faith leaders from around the US and Canada. At the in person retreat, we’ll also do a toxic tour of the Bay Area. After the in person retreat, we will meet regularly throughout the year, hear from older mentors and leaders in the movement, and each participant will be responsible for completing a project of their choosing. After completing the program, you will be connected to a huge network of GreenFaith fellows who are doing amazing organizing across the world.

Please read the description below and reach out to William@greenfaith.org if you have any questions.

Description of the program

A yearlong program for young people aged 18-35 to learn about climate justice, engage in community with other young adults, and learn how to take bold action for good. The program will consist of an in-person retreat, online sessions, and check-in calls throughout the course of the year. Participants will be expected to take part in the full year, attend the retreat in the summer, attend regular check-ins, and complete a project. We’ll also ask all participants to sign onto a set of shared values. 

The training program will consist of faith-rooted activism, the history of faith-rooted movements, climate science, climate communications, project planning, and community-building training. 

We will gather in person in California from June 27th – 30th. Participants will be responsible for covering travel costs. See full description of the costs of the program below. 

Application Process

• Apply by May 12, 2024.
• The application will ask for basic information, short personal essays, contact info for one reference, and a short video.
• Applicants who meet our eligibility criteria below will be invited and required to attend a virtual information session following the application deadline. Multiple times and dates will be offered.
• Apply here: greenfaith.info/risingleaders

Opportunities

• Be part of a global multifaith climate justice movement!
• Enact change in your community, congregation, or campus, and be equipped with the networks and resources to succeed.
• Gain valuable skills and experience in organizing and mobilization, advocacy and public policy, leadership development, and more.
• Build community with like-minded young adults of faith and spirit around the country.
• Benefit from trainings, gatherings, and resources beginning with the in-person retreat.

Expectations

• Be a dedicated person of faith and spirit, and support the mission of GreenFaith.
• Review and understand GreenFaith’s values and Statement of Welcome and Inclusion.
• Participate in the in-person retreat from June 27th to June 30th, 2024.
• Be between the ages of 18 – 35 at the start of the Fellowship.
• Work with GreenFaith staff and other Fellows to create a plan for engaging your community, congregation, or campus.
• Complete a project that is contextual and relevant to your community, congregation, or campus.
• Meet regularly via Zoom calls and connect as needed with GreenFaith staff.
• Participate in GreenFaith actions and events.

Cost

• The full cost of the Fellowship is $1500 + airfare to and from the weeklong retreat, which will most likely be based in the San Francisco Bay Area in California (fly into SFO or OAK).
• We encourage you to fundraise from your faith institution or community to pay the cost of the fellowship.
• We will have a limited number of full and partial scholarships. Please email William@greenfaith.org if you are interested in inquiring about a scholarship.