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Meeting MinutesFirst Unitarian Universalist Society of MariettaGreen Sanctuary Committee Meeting Sunday, October 29, 2006, 11:45 a.m. FUUSM Parlor Attending: Mike and Adeline Bailey, Harry Coffey, Joan Coffey, Bruce Henthorn, Dan and Gillian Harrison, Jim Grecni, Henry Chaney, Caroline and Bob Putnam, John Brewer, Gary Hamilton, Patti Troisi, Susan Neely, Carolyn Waltzer, Rebecca Phillips, Darryl and Cynthia Ting, Ernie Novak, Ralph Olander, Roger Kalter, Joe Baker, Brenda Stetson, and Rev. Neil Shadle Mike Bailey chaired the meeting, which began with a general discussion about the need for the Green Sanctuary program and how it could help carry out the mission of the congregation. Mike reported that the planning committee (Mike, Joan Coffey, and Roger Kalter) had reviewed the GS manual, met, and agreed to recommend that FUUSM try for accreditation as a Green Sanctuary congregation. Joan Coffey moved that FUUSM apply for Green Sanctuary candidacy. Henry Chaney seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Mike said that a green audit of the church was the next step in moving forward with the program. He showed audit forms from other churches and groups, and suggested we form audit teams to review aspects of the audit. He recommended that those most interested among us choose the areas where we are already involved, and that after the audit is done we continue in those areas to develop the programs to follow up on what the audit finds. He reviewed the major areas that will be covered in the audit and solicited volunteers to lead audit planning. Green Audit Components and Audit Leaders: 1. What are our energy usage patterns and current conservation practices? Roger Kalter agreed to act as liaison to the Buildings and Grounds committee to review these components of the audit. 2. What are the local recycling procedures and what is our level of compliance? Bob and Caroline Putnam and Brad Bond will the lead for this area. 3. What are existing policies for use of non-disposable materials, environmentally friendly cleaning supplies, etc.? Joan Coffey will act as liaison with the board and with the sexton for this area. 4. What existing church policies govern purchasing and investing decisions? Are our investments in keeping with our environmental and other social values? Ernie Novak, Mike Bailey, Ron Tepley, and Robin Bozian will take the lead here. 5. Do we have landscaping policies that direct use of native species, landscaping chemicals, etc.? Roger Kalter will be liaison for this area, working with Elin Jones. 6. What current religious education programs relate to the environment for both children and adults? Jim Grecni agreed to contact RE director Brenda Stetson to plan this area of the audit. Jim will also contact Steve Meyer to discuss adult RE programs. 7. How well does our worship integrate with the wisdom of the Earth? Henry Chaney and Neil Shadle will look at this component with the Worship Committee. 8. How is earth caring a part of our overall social action program? Caroline Putnam will bring this component to the Social Action Committee. Joan Coffey mentioned that the Fair Trade coffee would be under this component. Neil Shadle is also a resource on environmental justice. 9. What other environmental issues come up in discussion groups and adult education classes, in policy proposals for the congregation, and in the local community that might be the basis for a Green Sanctuary program or activity? (Insulation in the attic, moisture problem in kitchen, moisture problem in front of church, rain water collection) Henry Chaney suggested that this aspect of the audit could be developed in an online blog. Member of the group have already been forwarding articles of interest and suggestions for study using the FUUSM Green Sanctuary mailing group. Ralph Olander agreed to look into setting up a blog for our church GS participants. To help the audit teams and any other groups working on GS activities, Roger Kalter volunteered to purchase an additional copy of the GS manual that would be available for loan from the church office. Harry Coffey volunteered to review the online Green Sanctuary mail group (at UUA?) and send on messages pertinent to our GS groups. Harry has also agreed to write the charter for our Green Sanctuary committee. Things to do after the Audit: Mike asked for a volunteer to set up and coordinate Simplicity Circles or green discussion groups to share what we know and what we think with each other in formalized, regular, ongoing meetings. Carolyn Waltzer will consider taking on this task. Mike said accreditation as a Green Sanctuary requires documented completion of at least twelve activities or projects spread over four focus areas. Some projects will be one-time events, while others will be ongoing over a period of months. The four focus areas and the requirements are as follows:
At least two more activities can be selected from any of the four areas. One of the social justice projects will be a major ongoing activity in collaboration with another congregation or organization to address an issue of environmental justice in our community or in the world. In an emailed agenda, Mike also listed the five goals of the Green Sanctuary program:
Action items:
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