Newsletter February 2020

Dear Friends of the Green Newsletter February 2020

Happy Shivratri to all original utopians

Update from Arnold: “Last year the awareness of climate emergency was spreading all over the globe. That awareness doesn’t need any more promotion. We are now in a turbulent transition between this awareness and sustainable, regenerative actions at any level. Everyone is needed to address the challenges. And nobody can do this alone, even governments need the contribution of every citizen. Community-building is essential. Our service can make sure that these communities are built upon peace, kindness and respect."

A Green Review 2020 has been sent to all centres in Europe and Middle East. We are looking forward to receiving your answers on water saving, diet, purchasing, simple living etc.

Prakruti Mitra Award Friends of Nature Award
Brahma Kumaris centre in Bangalore was honoured with the “Prakruti Mitra Award” by BNM Institute of Technology, Banashankari & Heritage Trust(R) , Basavanagudi.

From Africa:
UNEP Activity in Nairobi - permanent representatives to the United Nations Environment programme

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Faith for Earth Workshop – was held at the UNEP in Nairobi, Kenya on December 2019.This was an international three day workshop, attended by Faith for Earth leaders on invitation by UNEP, to develop proposals in line with the sustainable development goals to address issues of climate change. The Brahma Kumaris were represented by Sisters Pratibha Patel and Dorcas Alusala.

Brahma Kumaris and Vedanti bhen were invited to this important forum for NGO's in Kenya: Africa National NGOs/CSOs Conference & Sustainable Development Goals Award 2019

Building Community Resilience: The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute policy conference was held on 5-7 November 2019 in Johannesburg. Its purpose was to allow faith leaders from Southern Africa and beyond to deliberate, share practices, and jointly develop policy positions on a number of key issues. Sister Usha of Brahma Kumaris gave an impassioned speech at the closing of the conference.

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From India

India is picking up on activities!

All Faith Climate Change Sangam event in Calcutta

Conference in Chennai- CSI Department of Ecological Concerns organised an international conference on ‘Greening the Globe for sustainable living’ from the 1st to the 4th August 2019 at CSI Synod Centre, Chennai. Shantanu and Shrinidhi from Madhuban participated and held a popular workshop.

LOOKING AHEAD:

Green Day in Madhuban 3rd March. Another green day will take place soon in Madhuban. Through presentations and interviews about Climate Emergency and Planetary Consciousness we l go deep into the connection between mind and matter. We will arrange a variety of green conversations, art workshops, silent morning walks and an evening peace concert. You are most welcome to join.

Mother Earth Day 50th Anniversary on Wednesday 22 April. Events that support this campaign can be of great service to our world. Please send us your ideas and news. Get involved.

Green BK Retreat in Lisbon - You are invited the next European Green Retreat 18^th to 22^nd June 2020 in Lisbon, Portugal. Theme: “connecting with nature; Serving through vibrations, relationships” More info and register online

Recommended links:
From Wendy to all "original utopians": A New Narrative - The Best Case Scenario
‘Air is cleaner than before the Industrial Revolution’: a best case scenario for the climate in 2050

From Glasgow Inner Space:
Quote Jem Bendel: In facing our climate predicament, I have learned that there is no way to escape despair. But there seems to be a way through despair. It is to love: love more than we fear death. That love is why we experience loss and grief. After loss and grief there is still that love. So as things get really difficult in the years to come, I hope I will keep asking myself – what does love invite of me now?

From Arnold: Transform Food Systems - read about no-ego kitchen MAD

From Peter: Having conversations about climate change in our daily lives plays a huge role in creating social change.