Throughout 2024, the leadership of Iowa Interfaith Power & Light entered a period of discernment of who we are as an organization and where we are going. As we reflected on our work and programming, engaged in conversations with faith leaders and community members, and envisioned the future, it became clear that our name, vision, and programming needed to better reflect our evolving mission and identity. Today, we are excited to introduce you to Iowa Faith & Climate Network.
Why the Change to Iowa Faith & Climate Network?
Since our founding in 2006, we have empowered people of faith and conscience to care for creation and act on climate change. While our commitment remains strong, our name needed to better reflect our growing, collaborative, and interfaith approach. We chose a name that clearly communicates our focus on faith and climate action while emphasizing our interconnectedness as a network of diverse people, congregations, and organizations working together.
A New Vision, Mission, and Values
Along with our new name, we are excited to share our renewed vision, mission, and values that will guide our work forward:
Vision: Iowa Faith & Climate Network envisions a world where people of diverse faith and spiritually work together towards a healthy, just, and sustainable future for all.
Mission: Iowa Faith & Climate Network nurtures environmental leadership by equipping individuals and communities with resources to take climate action.
Values:
- Rooted in Faith – Our work is driven by faith, which calls us to take meaningful action. Iowa Faith & Climate Network is committed to being an organization grounded in both spiritual values and a sense of moral responsibility, ensuring that all we do reflects this foundation.
- Inclusivity & Respect – We believe in the inherent worth of every individual and are dedicated to fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated. In our work, coalitions, and workplace, we are committed to including and respecting people from all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
- Equity – Climate solutions must benefit everyone, especially those most impacted by environmental injustice. We seek to address the unequal burdens of climate change and advocate for equitable, just solutions that uplift marginalized communities.
- Collaboration – Tackling climate change requires collective effort. We are committed to building strong partnerships and working together across sectors and communities. We understand that only through collaboration can we create lasting change.
Strategic Focus Areas
As we step into this new chapter, Iowa Faith & Climate Network is committed to six key strategic focus areas that will shape our work moving forward:
- Engage Clergy and Congregations – Serve as the trusted resource on climate action by providing information, training, and resources for faith leaders and their congregations.
- Mobilize Faith for Advocacy – Improve grassroots advocacy through base building and coalition work.
- Lead Interfaith Initiatives – Build strategic multidenominational and interfaith relationships to strengthen our collective impact.
- Ensure Financial Stability – Actively pursue short- and long-term actions that strengthen and sustain our financial health.
- Strengthen Our Brand – Utilize our new branding to foster new relationships and reinvigorate partnerships with our supporters.
- Cultivate a Strong Culture – Work strategically and collaboratively as staff to achieve organizational goals and mission impact.
Our New Logo
Our new logo represents our commitment to building networks of people of diverse faith and spirituality to tackle climate change. The design features the imagery of three stained glass honeycombs which combine and formn an Iowa wind turbine in the center. It can be deconstructed into individual hexagons, symbolizing our various programs and supporter groups, showcasing how each individual part contributes to our collective mission. Read more about our new logo here.
New Community-focused Learning Experience in Faith & Climate for Clergy
We recognize that many faith leaders feel called to address climate change yet may not feel fully equipped to lead their congregations in this critical work. That’s why we are launching the Climate-Informed Ministry Cohorts, a new initiative designed specifically for clergy who want to integrate climate action into their ministries.
Through this cohort, faith leaders will:
- Receive mentorship and training to deepen their understanding of climate issues through a faith-based lens.
- Connect with other clergy who share a passion for environmental stewardship.
- Gain practical tools and resources to help their congregations take meaningful climate action.
This program fosters a supportive network of faith leaders committed to instilling hope, taking action, and building sustainable, empowered communities. Learn more about the cohorts here.
This is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for us. We invite you to join us in embracing this change, deepening our shared commitment, and working together to bring about a just and sustainable future. One of the ways you can do this is to attend our Called to Climate Action Conference on March 29 at Grinnell College! Learn more and register for the conference here.
Thank you for being on this journey with us. As we roll out our new name, there will be some hiccups as we update our website, email addresses, and more – but it will be completely worth it. Together, as Iowa Faith & Climate Network, we will continue to live out our faith through meaningful climate action.
Deep gratitude to Horizon Group for guiding us through the strategic planning process and Aboundant for designing our logo and updating our website!
When making a gift by check to Iowa Faith & Climate Network, please continue making checks out to “Iowa Interfaith Power & Light” or “Iowa IPL, as we are currently in the process of legally changing our name.