With the coming of the new year, we’re seeing some changes in the creation care landscape in the US (besides the monumental shift in Washington DC). While these changes primarily affect our American readers, they will undoubtedly be of interest to the rest of you as well:
Changing of the guard at YECA: When an organization has “Young…” as the first word in its name, it faces a regular problem as its leaders keep getting…old(!). So it happens that Kyle Meyaard-Schaap, Young Evangelicals for Climate Action’s second “National Spokesperson” after the now elderly Ben Lowe, has announced he is handing things over to Tori Goebel. Kyle is hardly fading away, however; he has been named Vice President of the Evangelical Environmental Network. Here’s what Kyle has to say about his tenure and hopes for the future of YECA:
“I am prouder than I can say of what YECA has accomplished these last 4 and a half years,” says Kyle, “and Tori is the perfect leader to guide YECA toward even greater impact. Having had the privilege of working alongside Tori for the past 4 years, I can say with certainty that she has the vision, skill, and passion to help YECA flourish and grow for years to come.” (Read more here).
Climate Caretakers moves, merges with Climate Stewards: After many years as a ministry of Care of Creation, the Climate Caretakers program is moving over to A Rocha USA, and will become part of a new and expanded Climate Stewards program, managed by former Care of Creation staff member Brittany (Ederer) Michalski. (Note the new name; Brittany is married!) Climate Stewards becomes part of a suite of offerings from AR-USA, including Love Your Place and (soon!) Eco-Church. Here’s Brian’s take on the transition:
While it is difficult to let go of something I’ve poured so much of my life into, I am very excited about this new direction for Climate Caretakers. I’m particularly grateful for the leadership and vision of Brittany Michalski and Mark Purcell, which have created the opportunity for this transition to take place. I’ve long admired the work of A Rocha, and look forward to seeing Brittany’s leadership take Climate Caretakers/Climate Stewards to the next level. (More here)
Brian’s work at Houghton College is expanding, as can be seen in the new Climate course being offered this spring. (More details)
