Things to Know
Projects
A core component of the training is to develop a plan for a project that you will implement in a community with which you have a relationship. You must know what you plan to work on when you apply. The training is designed for people who have an idea and want support in developing it. It can be a new project or a new phase of an existing project. It is okay for your project to change as you develop it during the training. If you apply without a specific project in mind, you will be invited to apply again in the future after you have developed an idea.
- Example of a specific idea that is ready to be developed in this training: The churches in my district are struggling with their budgets. Many of them are not aware of the connections between energy consumption and climate change. I want to develop an energy efficiency education program that will help them take action to reduce their energy expenses, measure their climate impact, and tell the story of their climate stewardship.
- Example of a vague idea that needs further refinement: Climate change is a crisis and my church isn’t doing anything about it. Also, straws are killing turtles. My project is to make my church do something about climate change and/or stop people from putting plastic in the oceans.
Annual Conference Leader Connection
Global Ministries EarthKeepers often are or become leaders in their annual conferences and throughout The United Methodist Church. It is important that leaders in your conference support you applying for this training. For your application to be complete, a conference-level leader (bishop, director of connectional ministries, district superintendent, or conference creation care ministry chairperson) must submit a Connection Form on your behalf. You are responsible for asking them to submit the form.
If you don't know any of the people in these roles, ask your pastor to make an introduction or reach out to one of them via your conference website. Introduce yourself, explaining the training and why you want to participate. Ask if they will complete the form and suggest a call following the training to share what you learned.
Click here for the Connection Form
You will receive email confirmation when the Connection Form has been submitted.
Time Commitment
Required pre-training homework will take up to 8 hours. The online classroom containing assignments will open September 3.
The in-person portion of the training begins October 1 at 4pm Eastern Time and ends October 4 at 1pm Eastern Time.
Participants are required to complete all homework and fully participate in all sessions of the in-person training in order to be commissioned.
Location
The training will be held at Decatur First UMC, Decatur, GA, a train ride from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Lodging will be provided October 1-4 at the Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Decatur Downtown/Emory. If you need additional nights, you may request and pay for them at the rate of $179/night + taxes and fees.
Questions? Email environment@umcmission.org.