It’s been almost 20 years since my high school biology teacher gave me a copy of Dr. Seuss’, Oh, the Places You’ll Go for graduation. I was eager to get out of my hometown of Ridgefield, Washington and go to college at Washington State University, and Mrs. Klein knew that. As I read the book with a fresh (and older) set of eyes, I know that I would have never imagined my life the way it’s unfolded.
“It’s opener there
in the wide open air.”
Last week on a cold Tuesday afternoon, Alli and I traveled to Washington County for our first Faith Farms & Climate of the new year. A few days later, we got into my car and headed to Ames for the Practical Farmers of Iowa Conference. And when this newsletter comes out, we will be wrapping up our sessions in Waverly. Next week, we will be in Storm Lake, and after a month break we will be in Atlantic. Although busy with FFC, we are energized because of the conversations happening around climate action literally all around Iowa.
I feel hopeful and grounded in our mission.
“Out there things can happen
and frequently do
to people as brainy
and footsy as you.”
We’re hearing about farmers having fun. I have seen the coolest picture of a chicken coop that moves around for yard rotation by a former John Deere employee who now farms. Learned more about prairie restoration and how people are starting to convert more land into prairie with native seeds. Not to mention having in-person and masked conversations with people I have only emailed or seen on Zoom. The first day of the legislative session, Alli and I joined a climate strike led by Lillian Hill, a student from Johnston who is a climate leader and activist. Rural clergy are reflecting on how they can talk about climate in their context and what they can learn from farmers in their congregations. The Spirit is moving, friends. Things are happening.
And, if it sounds like an abundance of hope, it is.
We are committed to mobilizing Iowans of faith and conscience to take bold and just action on the climate crisis and see it in every place we travel. Faith-rooted climate action is happening.
And that’s in large part because of supporters like you. Your thoughts and prayers, investments, action, and advocacy keeps us all moving forward to a more just world. As Alli and I continue to facilitate Faith Farms & Climate sessions for farmers and clergy around the state, we will keep sharing the bright spots of hope where climate action is happening.
“You’ll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You’ll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and reminder that Life’s
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
and never mix up your right foot from your left.”
As we continue on in the cold winter months with the Iowa legislature in session, hold on to your hope and know that you are not alone in seeking climate action. We will send action alerts out as we find bills that support climate justice for you to support and keep stepping up for justice in Iowa beyond climate action, as we are all connected.
“Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So… get on your way!”
And know you are not alone. Iowa IPL and all of our supporters are here advocating and living into our mission from all corners of Iowa and oh, the places we will go!