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Meeting Minutes First Unitarian Universalist Society of Marietta Green Sanctuary Committee Sunday, September 10, 2006 Re-organizational Meeting Attending: Mike Bailey, Tom Sharretts, Susan Neely, Ralph Olander, Patti Troisi, Pat Evans, Roger Kalter, Brad Bond, Robin Bozian, Joan Coffey, Shari Miller, Dan Harrison, Henry Chaney, Ernie Novak, Linda Sue Pifer, Adeline Bailey. (Rev. Neil Shadle) Unable to attend, but wish to be part of committee: Jay (and Stassa?) Phillips, Bob and Caroline Putnam. Mike Bailey opened the re-organizational meeting with a virtual candle lighting to recognize the Green Sanctuary program as part of the work of the church. He referenced the UUA Statement of Conscience on global warming that was adopted at the last General Assembly, and he emphasized that reactivating the program now was highly appropriate. He said that FUUSM looked at the program several years ago and took up some of the activities, but the church never got it going in a formal way. Mike gave an overview of the Green Sanctuary program based on version two of the program manual (the one the church already has), but he explained that the manual has been revised and the program is now under the auspices of the UU Ministry for Earth. He has ordered three copies of the current version of the manual, but they are not in yet. Mike shared some of the updated information available on the UU Ministry for Earth website and encouraged everyone to look at it for themselves. He named some of the issues that are dealt with in the program: global warming, pollution, overpopulation and excessive consumption, loss of biodiversity. He distributed a sheet from the UUMFE (attached) listing goals and activities of the program, and a step-by-step description of the process for becoming a certified Green Sanctuary. He explained that there is a $100 application fee to become a candidate for certification, and that ultimately the congregation must vote on whether to apply for accreditation. Discussion: Shari Miller asked why we needed to be “certified” as a Green Sanctuary. The group’s rationale was that having a definite goal would be motivating to the congregation and that gaining certification as a Green Sanctuary would set an example of successful group environmental efforts for the wider community. Roger Kalter talked about some simple things we can do right now to help the church. He said we need more coffee cups and glasses in the church kitchen—an opportunity to recycle our extras from home. He mentioned the church recycling bins already in place. He said there are recycling organizations in the area, including a plastics company in Reno that takes used plastic grocery bags. He suggested we could use energy efficient light bulbs and compost organic waste from the kitchen. Mike agreed that all of these efforts are within the guidelines of the program and could help the church meet certification requirements once the structure is in place to document them. Ralph Olander said he would create an email group for the committee. Mike said he’d be sure those without email will also get all communications. Joan Coffey showed recycling posters the teen group had done and said the teens were excited about the program and enthusiastic about participating. Ralph requested their email addresses to add to the list. Brad Bond spoke about the Marietta Recycling Center on Gilman Ave., where all work is done by volunteers—and more are needed. Roger suggested that might be a good project for the teens. Tom Sharretts suggested that teens might also be able to get some kind of school credit for their community or church work connected with the GS program Mike also mentioned some local groups that share an interest in greening: RECOVER and Friends of the Lower Muskingum. He said that making the congregation aware of these potential resources and opportunities for action would be part of the program. Next Steps: Mike asked for people to serve on a Planning Team to review the new manuals. Roger Kalter and Joan Coffey volunteered to take on that task (along with Mike). After we know more about the program requirements, the committee will decide whether or not to apply for GS candidacy. Next meeting: To be announced after manual review is completed. Action items: -        Review new manuals when they arrive, announce next meeting – Planning Committee (Mike Bailey, Joan Coffey, Roger Kalter) -        Agenda for next meeting – Mike Bailey -        Set up email list for group – Ralph Olander -        Get email addresses from teens – Mike Bailey -        Write up minutes – Adeline Bailey -        Dispense minutes – Mike Bailey -        October newsletter article about Green Sanctuary – Not Assigned (volunteers ?) -        Review UU Ministry for Earth website; read 2006 UUA Statement of Conscience on global warming – all committee members