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EarthKeepers

ACCELERATING AND SUPPORTING CREATION CARE PROJECTS

Shari Ponder, Temekia Powell, Rachel Collins, Marcel Cantu, Cheryl Taylor and Kristi Painter at the Serenity House Garden for the EarthKeepers training in Philadelphia

Photo: John Coleman

Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a training program that guides U.S.-based United Methodists to develop and lead environmental sustainability projects in their communities. Training topics include eco-theology, antiracism, community organizing and project planning. Projects include community gardens, energy initiatives, food security projects, reforestation efforts and more.

As an EarthKeeper, You Will:

  • Be equipped with United Methodist resources to lead creation care work within your community and congregation.

  • Learn strategies for community organizing, project planning, anti-racism, and climate justice.

  • Have the opportunity to apply for a grant to fund a project that will achieve measurable, positive environmental impact in one year or less.

  • Receive project support and technical guidance through post-training consultation from Global Ministries staff and other EarthKeepers.

  • Join the Global Ministries Creation Care Network, an online community of practice to support United Methodists engaged in environmental ministries.

Before You Apply

Explore these program requirements before you apply to become an EarthKeeper.

A main component of the EarthKeepers training is developing a plan for a project idea. You must have a ready-to-develop project idea when you apply.

 

Common project types include:

  • Ecosystem health — encouraging the flourishing of local ecosystems
  • Efficiency — increasing efficiency of water and energy consumption
  • Environmental justice and anti-racism — addressing the disproportionate burden that climate change and environmental degradation place on people of color, women, children, and people living in poverty
  • Food security — increasing access to healthy, locally produced food
  • Innovation — responding to the needs of creation in new ways
  • Renewable energy — increasing renewable energy access
  • Waste reduction, waste management — ensuring sustainable waste management practices in homes, churches and communities
  • Water — increasing access to clean, safe water and improving wastewater management
  • Membership or active participation in a United Methodist Church in the United States
  • Support from a conference-level leader
  • Age 13+
  • Interest in or experience with environmental issues
  • A specific project idea to be developed during the training
  • Commitment to participate in the entire training
  • Curiosity about environmental justice and anti-racism
  • Positive attitude about learning online
  • Minimum internet bandwidth of 600 kbps
  • Webcam, microphone and speaker

Apply for the Next EarthKeepers Training

Application Deadline is Wednesday, March 25 

Training dates: May 1–16 

The EarthKeepers Spring Online Training will be offered with limited Spanish-language support, and some materials will be available only in English. There will be a Spanish-language small group for collaboration and reflection. 

Friday, May 1: Plenary Session 1 — 8–9:30 p.m. ET 
Friday, May 8: Plenary Session 2 — 8–9:30 p.m. ET 
Saturday, May 16: Plenary Session 3 — 10 a.m.–1 p.m. ET 

One 45-minute coaching session with a trainer between May 4–15. Participants will schedule their session after the training begins at a mutually convenient time. 

Two small group meetings (participants may indicate their preferred group): 

Group A: Tuesday, May 5 & 12 — 10–11:15 a.m. ET* 
Group B: Tuesday, May 5 & 12 — 2–3:15 p.m. ET 
Group C: Wednesday, May 6 & 13 — 1–2:15 p.m. ET 
Group D: Wednesday, May 6 & 13 — 8–9:15 p.m, ET 

* Group A available in Spanish. 

Participants must complete all homework, fully participate in all live online Zoom plenaries, and attend small group sessions to be commissioned. 

To apply for the English-language training, complete the English-language EK Application. 

Para solicitar la capacitación en español, complete esta solicitud.

Note: Both the application and the connection form must be submitted before your application can be considered.

If you wish to be notified of future trainings, email environment@umcmission.org. 

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