An invitation to help leave the world a better place... no, seriously

The Uniting Advocacy Team invites you to join with others in the Uniting Climate Action Network, to work for a better climate future for all.

Most of us have a desire to leave the world a better place than how we found it, in some measure.

But sometimes that seems improbable. The challenges facing the world are too big and too complex. Think of war and intractable international conflicts like Gaza and Ukraine. Think of divisions along racial, religious and economic fault lines. Think of global warming and climate change.

I have an old cartoon that expresses the bewilderment and helplessness that we can feel in the face of what seem to be overwhelming problems. A multitude of individual men and women stand immobile and muttering, “What can one man do?” and “What can one woman do?”. It prompts the viewer to call out (well it prompted me), “Wake up! Look around, you’re not alone.”

One of the most oft quoted statements on social change comes from the Anthropologist, Margaret Mead:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Members of the Uniting Climate Action Network (UCAN) had a small taste of this when they took part in the ‘Activation’ month of action, in the lead up to the Federal election. Members from around 47 Uniting Church congregations and their communities took a range of simple actions like displaying a banner, sending a postcard or writing to their local MP. They did this because of their faith convictions to care for others, to care for the planet and to have regard for the rights of future generations. The aim was to show that ordinary people wanted stronger, positive action on climate change.

Did it have any impact? Yes it did, it made a contribution for sure. Before the election, poll after poll said that cost of living was the only game in town. But after the surprising election results came in, it was apparent that climate change and the need to transition to renewable energy was a significant issue for many. And it mattered to UCAN members that they had acted. As one member said of her (years of) advocacy on climate. “I want my granddaughter to know that at least I tried.”

But there is still so much to be done to capitalise on the abundant resources in renewable energy Australia has, and to avoid the harmful impacts of climate change intensifying.

That is why UCAN members are holding three online meetings over June, July and August. We will be meeting to see what we can learn from our experience in UCAN Activate and the election result. We’ll consider how UCAN can improve its support of Uniting Church members in caring for creation and loving our neighbours. And we’ll decide what actions we can take to be most effective in that mission. If you have wondered about UCAN at all or had a spark of interest, this is a good time to have a look. You can join the meetings to get a sense of what it’s all about and decide if it’s for you.

The first of our UCAN community of practice meetings is the evening of Wednesday June 18 from 7.00pm to 8.30 pm. To join just let us know by emailing advocacy@uniting.org and we will send you the Zoom link and a calendar reminder. If you have any questions about UCAN please contact Jono Row in the Uniting Advocacy team on 0403 242 360 or jrow@uniting.org. 

Jon O’Brien

Uniting Advocacy team

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.