AGENDA

8:15 – 8:45 a.m.
Registration and Check-In
Please check in at the main entrance to Union Theological Seminary, 3041 Broadway at 121st Street

9:00 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Songs
James Chapel

9:15 a.m.
Opening Plenary: What’s Happening 
James Chapel
An overview of  the climate crisis, its impacts in New York City, and what role faith communities play in addressing it. 

10:15 a.m. 
NYDIS Panel: Impacted Community Voices on Equitable Access to Disaster Services
 James Chapel
An interactive group discussion featuring voices from directly impacted communities, exploring practical problem-solving and issues of justice and equity. 

11:40 a.m.
Earth Honoring Ceremony and Lunch
Courtyard
Our speakers will lead the group through a blessing and transition to how to create spiritual support and community care through ritual and ceremony and sharing food. 

1:00 p.m.
Pastoral Care & Spiritual Support
James Chapel
A discussion about eco-grief, climate anxiety, and trauma, and an exploration of how faith communities address these.

2:05 p.m.
Ethical Communication Conversation
James Chapel
This session will explore how to communicate effectively about climate to one’s own community, to those in positions of power and influence, and to those who may feel powerless but can be inspired and mobilized to claim their power. 

3:10 p.m.
Break

3:30 p.m.
Breakout Sessions 
1. Sermon Workshop
2. Grounding Advocacy, Activism, and Movement-Building in Spiritual Principles
3. Walk to River: Communicating through Connecting Community to Ecosystem and Place
4. Sacred Text Study Circle
5. Storytelling
In these sessions, leaders from multiple faith traditions will offer perspectives on  ethical communication. 

5:00 p.m.
Report Back and Wrap up
James Chapel
We will convene as a group to report back on lessons learned and experiences, with an emphasis on what comes next.

5:45 p.m.
Closing Reception
Fred Davie Terrace