IHM Social Justice Series Hosts Encounter GA Workshop

Written By Drew Reynolds

As a part of its social justice speaker series, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Atlanta, GA, hosted an Encounter GA advocacy workshop. The workshop, hosted on September 28th, focused on nonpartisan advocacy strategies for individuals, families, and parish communities interested in responding to Pope Francis’s call in Laudato Si’ to care for creation.

The workshop provides a brief overview of Catholic Social Teaching and scriptural teachings on the environment, and then invites participants to explore how they might respond using the See-Judge-Act model for social change.

Encounter GA volunteer Drew Reynolds leading Encounter GA Advocacy Workshop at IHM in Atlanta, GA.

See-Judge-Act model invites participants to:

  • See (Listen): Learn how to explore the signs of the times by identifying environmental issues impacting their community, from air and water pollution to energy burdens and climate-related displacement.

  • Judge (Discern): Reflect on these issues through the lens of Catholic teaching, especially Laudato Si’, the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity, and the preferential option for the poor.

  • Act: Discover practical steps for launching or strengthening parish-based advocacy initiatives, including how to lead listening sessions, organize community events, meet with policymakers, and engage parishioners of all ages in care for creation.

Parishioners discussed a wide range of environmental concerns, including:

  • Protecting environments and habitats for pollinators

  • The impact of data-centers and their energy use on communities

  • Implementing policies at the parish to reduce and responsibly manage waste from food and plastics

  • Rising energy costs and use of fossil fuels by local utilities.

  • The need to engage young people in environmental initiatives

  • How to get involved at the parish

The workshop closed with a discussion of the upcoming Public Service Commission election in Georgia, and how parishioners can get involved, take action, and vote to care for creation.

The workshop is offered in parishes across Georgia and beyond. Learn more and host a workshop at your parish.

Drew Reynolds

Drew volunteers with Encounter GA a non-partisan and faith-based Catholic advocacy organization building relationships with legislators to support climate solutions for Georgia and beyond. He lives in Tucker GA and attends St. Thomas More Catholic Parish.

https://www.encounterga.org
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