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History (more)
Sustainable Sanctuary Coalition (aka SMEEFF): History and Structure
In early 2004, Margaret Thomas approached the Justice, Peace, and Environment Committee at Village Church to ask for their participation in the Shawnee Mission East Earth Fair in April. Jerry Rees organized a roundtable discussion regarding faith and the environment. Chuck Gillam, Jennifer Byer, Christine Caseres, and Jerry collaborated to prepare a floor display that consisted of three tri-fold display boards. The group that came together before the Earth Fair decided to continue meeting afterward using the name SMEEFF (Shawnee Mission East Earth Fair Folk).
Presently, the group meets monthly for 11:30 lunch with Margaret providing an agenda and minutes and Jerry emailing reminder notes for the first (or second) Tuesday of the month. There is no defined leader of this group. The group agreed to rename itself the Sustainable Sanctuary Coalition (SSC), although SMEEFF is more familiar to some.
The SSC provides support for individual efforts. For example, Chuck Gillam became involved in opposing the proposed KCPL coal-fired power plant in Platt County, Missouri. Currently a major focus of the group has become creating a newspaper ad and considering other actions that can assist those opposing the construction of the power plant.
Another focus of the group is preparing brochures that will assist faith groups in practical ways to promote environmental awareness within their congregation through sustainable practices that speak to our moral obligation to care for creation. Examples include organic fair trade coffee, paper and aluminum recycling, energy efficiency, Styrofoam alternatives, and responsible purchasing.
Please be
patient with us as we grow and change and help us spread the
word about our search for volunteers.
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Email Us:
info@sustainablesanctuary.org |
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