Interfaith Coalition for Earth Justice (ICEJ) is a volunteer organization of San Diego faith leaders and communities that advocate for climate and environmental justice both in policy and in the public square. We believe that the values held in common by all faith traditions include the care for creation and care for the most vulnerable in society.

Photo courtesy of Farm Lab, EUSD

As featured in our last newsletter, ICEJ is launching a new program of volunteer opportunities with local organizations where we will be getting our hands dirty to make our earth cleaner.  Info on our first two events are below.

Saturday, September 21, 2024  9:00 - 11:00 am   EUSD (Encinitas Union School District) FARM LAB  441 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas, CA

What's Farm Lab?

Farm Lab is home of EUSD's certified organic farm that feeds into their nationally recognized farm-to-school program. Farm Lab is a 10-acre property that houses multiple components that support health and wellness and enviro-literacy.  The project supports EUSD's six learner profile competencies: Confident collaborator, skilled communicator, global citizen, wellness advocate, innovative thinker, and empowered learner. 

What will we be doing?

On September 21, it is possible the summer tomato plants will be at the end of their life and we will need to clear 12 beds and remove t-posts. In the event the tomatoes continue to produce later than expected, the tasks that morning would become refreshing the secret garden and orchard care.

What should I bring?

Where clothes you'll be comfortable working outside in, bring some water as well as a pair of gardening gloves if you have some.  Don't forget the sunscreen!

Saturday, October 19, 2024  9:00 - 11:00 am  SURFRIDER--BEACH CLEAN UP  Moonlight Beach  The beach is located west of I-5 on Encinitas Boulevard in Encinitas, CA.  There is free parking in the lot if you can find it or on the street.

What is Surfrider Foundation?

The Surfrider Foundation USA is a U.S. 501 non-profit environmental organization that works to protect and preserve the world's oceans, waves and beaches.  It focuses on plastic reduction, water quality, beach access, beach and surf spot preservation, and sustaining marine and coastal ecosystems.

What will we be doing?

Volunteers would be supplied with gloves and bags and walk along the beach picking up any found trash including microplastics which are very harmful to marine life.

What should I bring?

Wear comfy clothes and bring water.  If you have a favorite pair of work gloves you are welcome to bring them, otherwise everything else will be provided.  We will be splitting up to cover more ground.  This is a great family event! 

RSVP for both opportunities to Susan Cass at susanpanniercass@gmail.com.  You will be asked to sign a waiver with Surfrider on Oct. 19.

Hope to see you there!

In keeping with our special relationship with GreenFaith, we wish to promote their "get out the vote" program.  This election is so important and we must all do whatever we can to insure those candidates who care about environmental justice will persevere.  Therefore--

"GreenFaith is organizing people of all faiths to mobilize our fellow citizens to vote this November, prioritizing ambitious climate action to protect our future.  With GreenFaith’s support, congregations across the country can encourage people of all faiths and none to:

• Reflect on the importance our faiths and values place on protecting our precious planet
• Read up on what different candidates and parties say about the issues
• Vote, guided by your values

Research shows that receiving postcards and phone calls which encourage voting increases the likelihood that people will vote. GreenFaith invites houses of worship to join us in these two actions proven to increase voter turnout.  Let’s put our hope into action; register for the September 10 kickoff call now!"

ICEJ, along with those orgs listed below, is sponsoring "¡Justicia para el Pueblo! ¡Justicia para la Tierra! | Justice for the People! Justice for the Earth!" – a unique FREE community event focused on environmental justice for the people of southeastern San Diego.  On Sat., Oct. 5 from 11 AM - 3 PM at the SE Live Well Center, 5101 Market St., San Diego, CA  (Tubman Chavez Conference Center), faith leaders, congregations, and all concerned citizens from the neighborhoods of City Heights, Barrio Logan, National City, and Lincoln Park will come together for an:

• Eco Fair (11 AM - 12 PM & 2 PM - 3 PM): Residents of SE San Diego will connect with faith-based and secular organizations working towards environmental justice and learn about the resources that they offer.
• Town Hall (12 PM - 2 PM): Residents will share their environmental concerns and collaborate with community members to identify one specific issue and develop an action plan to address it. A free lunch will be provided.

Together, we will work towards justice for our people and our Earth!  For more information, please contact Phil Petrie at phil@icejsd.org.  This event is organized by the Environmental Health Coalition, GRID Alternatives, Groundwork San Diego–Chollas Creek, the Interfaith Coalition for Earth Justice, the San Diego Urban Sustainability Coalition, SanDiego350, and the Urban Collaborative Project.

Note: SD County Health and Human Services Agency does not advocate or endorse the views or positions expressed by the users of its facilities.

Photo credit: Steven Zucker  License here.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego is hosting a rich variety of events for the month of September leading up to St. Francis’s Feast day.  Find more information here.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral (of which two of our Working Group are members) will also have a number of events–more info here.

More about the Season of Creation and its 2024 theme To Hope and Act with Creation can be found here.

Donate to support Interfaith Coalition for Earth Justice and the work we are doing to educate, equip and mobilize our communities of faith to advocate for earth justice.