The Speakeasy: Susannah Tuttle on Mycelium of Community Engagement, the Rights of Nature, and the Power of JEDI

The Speakeasy is a gathering for unfiltered conversations on faith and justice. At each gathering, we invite a special guest to share their personal experiences and stories in conversation around a particular topic or issue related to faith and justice. We hope these events inspire empathy, foster common ground, and cultivate deeper connections in our community and beyond.

This month, we welcomed Susannah Tuttle, Director of the Eco-Justice Connection and NC Interfaith Power & Light, as she delves into the critical intersection of faith and climate justice. As you listen, you'll discover Susannah's journey from a passion for theater to becoming a leading voice in ecological ethics and her vision for a world rooted in love, kindness, and justice.

What You'll Learn:

• The role of faith communities in the climate justice movement.
• How climate justice intersects with other social justice issues, including racial and economic justice.
• The concept of global equitable climate finance and the responsibility of people of faith in addressing the climate crisis.
• Practical steps individuals and congregations can take to contribute to climate justice, such as asset mapping and divestment from fossil fuels.
• The importance of local action and community engagement in creating systemic change.

How It Will Help You:

• Gain insights into the ethical and theological motivations behind climate justice advocacy.
• Learn how to leverage your faith and community to make a tangible impact on environmental issues.
• Understand the power of collective action and how to mobilize resources for the greater good.
• Find inspiration to live a hope-filled life while confronting the challenges of climate change.

Where to Learn More:

• Visit the NC Interfaith Power & Light website at ncipl.org for resources on faith-based environmental advocacy.
• Explore the concept of JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) principles and how they apply to climate justice.
• For those interested in the intersection of faith and climate finance, research the US Climate Fair Share campaign and consider how your congregation can participate.
• Listen to the Climate Justice Y'all podcast.
• Check out Music Declares Emergency, a group of artists, music industry professionals and organizations that stand together to declare a climate and ecological emergency.

This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience at The Plant in Pittsboro, NC, on March 10, 2024. To learn more about Susannah Tuttle and NC Interfaith Power & Light, visit ncipl.org. To learn more about The Local Church, visit our website or connect with us on Instagram.