AGENDA

8th Jan, Monday

This ceremony marks the commencement of our fellowship journey. During this session, distinguished speakers will impart invaluable insights, expectations, and their vision for the cohort, setting the tone for the transformative week ahead.

Speakers:

Shiraz Ahmad

International Director, Faith For Our Planet

Norman Wirzba

Professor of Christian Theology, Duke Divinity School

Abdullah Antepli

Associate Vice President & Provost, Duke University

The session is designed to familiarize participants with the program’s structure, objectives, and expectations. It’s an opportunity to introduce the fellows to each other, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. The session will also cover logistical details and provide a platform for fellows to voice their aspirations and concerns.

Trainers:

Abdullah Antepli

Associate Vice President & Provost, Duke University

Rutaba Tariq

Regional Program Coordinator, FFOP

This segment will feature a one-on-one interview-style conversation with Ellen Bernstein, focusing on her personal journey as founder of the first national Jewish environmental organization, and her more current work as a writer and environmental/religious thinker. The session will explore themes such as communicating the environmental message, the emotional dimensions of climate change work, and the power of language. Ellen will share insights and experiences that encapsulate key aspects of her journey, providing valuable lessons and inspiration for youth fellows.

Trainer:

Ellen Bernstein

Founder Shomrei Adamah

Following a 30-minute break, this session will delve into helping participants connect with what truly moves them, aligning with their deepest purpose. Ellen Bernstein will guide the fellows through the process of identifying and embracing their personal callings, especially in the context of religious and environmental work. This part of the session will emphasize the spiritual task of aligning with one’s true purpose, beyond conventional societal expectations like monetary success and status.

Trainer:

Ellen Bernstein

Founder Shomrei Adamah

A guided reflection period where fellows will process and share their thoughts and experiences from the day’s activities. This is a crucial time for the group to internalize lessons learned and foster deeper connections among participants.

9th Jan, Tuesday

Prayer from Fellows Vedhan Singh and Shikha Dhawan

In a highly interactive session, the fellows will be introduced to the basic tenets of different faiths and their perspectives on environmental stewardship. Including group discussions where the cohort delves into the connections between various religious beliefs and environmental stewardship. This would involve examining sacred texts, religious teachings, and historical perspectives on nature, emphasizing human responsibility towards the environment.

Trainer:

Norman Wirzba

Professor of Christian Theology, Duke Divinity School

Trainer: 

Norman Wirzba

Professor of Christian Theology, Duke Divinity School

In the serene and inspiring setting of the Duke gardens, fellows are invited to participate in a prayer circle centered on expressing gratitude for the Earth and sharing hopes for the future. This interfaith gathering is a chance for participants to connect with each other and the natural world through shared prayers, meditations, and reflections from their diverse spiritual perspectives.

Facilitator: 

Abdullah Antepli

Associate Vice President & Provost, Duke University

This session is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application of faith-driven environmental stewardship. Participants, in 6 groups of 4 will engage with real-world case studies from a diverse range of faith-based organizations actively involved in climate action. Each presentation will focus on a specific project or initiative, detailing with its genesis, challenges, achievements, and the role of faith in driving these efforts.  Participants will then be divided into smaller groups to discuss and brainstorm potential environmental projects relevant to their own communities.

Case Studies:

Group 1, 2, and 3:

AnnMarie Walton

Associate Professor in the School of Nursing, Duke University

Ashley Ward

Director, Heat Policy Innovation Hub, Duke University

Jennifer Lawson

Clinical Associate in Pediatrics at Duke

Valerie Sabol

Clinical Professor & Interim Vice Dean in the School of Nursing

Group 4:

Muhammad Bahr

Faith Pavillion at COP28

Group 5:

Carrick Reddin

Project Manager for the World Resource Institute

Group 6:

Danielle Mayron

Tours Coordinator, EcoPeace Middle East

“Visionaries of Change: Faith-Inspired Leadership in Environmental Action” is a special lecture and dinner session, focusing on the inspiring journeys of leaders who have successfully merged faith with environmental initiatives. It’s an intimate setting for fellows to absorb wisdom and insights on how various faith traditions can powerfully influence and support impactful environmental stewardship and advocacy. 

Speakers:

Ryan Emanuel

Associate Professor of Hydrology and Christine Folch, Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology, Duke University

Christine Folch

Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology, Duke University

9:30 to 10:00 AM | Venue: York Roo

10th Jan, Wednesday

This workshop is focused on applying behavioral science knowledge and techniques to inspire pro-environmental attitudes. Participants engage in hands-on activities to design and implement climate initiatives, learning techniques like nudging and framing messages. The workshop aims to empower fellows with tools for leading behavioral change strategies, integrating faith-based values with environmental action.

Trainer: 

Dr. Umar Taj

Guest Teacher, Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science, LSE

Drawing on research about climate-focused preaching and experience working with theologically diverse faith communities, this workshop will offer background and frameworks on effective ways of communicating the urgent need to address climate change in our communities.

Trainers:

Avery Davis Lamb

Co-Executive Director and Derrick Weston, Theological Education and Training Coordinator, Creation Justice Ministries

Derrick Weston

Theological Education and Training Coordinator, Creation Justice Ministries

Dive into a dynamic simulation of a climate challenge in Pakistan. Participants will be assigned different stakeholder roles, from government officials to local community leaders, and will work together to navigate complex environmental challenges. This interactive session emphasizes the art of negotiation and collaboration, providing a vivid glimpse into the real-world intricacies of climate action in the Global South. It’s an engaging exercise in strategic decision-making and understanding diverse perspectives in a high-stakes environmental context.

Trainers:

Michael Shank

Director of Engagement at Carbon Neutral Cities, and Adjunct Faculty, NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs

Rutaba Tariq

Regional Program Coordinator, FFOP

11th Jan, Thursday

In this kick-off session, fellows will put the finishing touches on their artistic performances. This brief but crucial period allows for last-minute adjustments and ensures that each presentation is visually compelling and aligned with the overall objectives that will be presented in the next session

The showcasing will be a space for participants to utilize art, music, skits, dance, and storytelling as tools to convey how faith can be woven into climate action. The emphasis is on presenting collaborative art projects that express a wide spectrum of spiritual perspectives on climate action, fostering a rich tapestry of ideas and emotions.

Facilitator: 

Farwah Ghulamali Khataw

Global Program Coordinator, FFOP

Uncover the art of fostering unity within diversity in this transformative session. Dive into mastering inclusive language, understanding the essence of inclusive thought, and navigating the rich tapestry of cultures and faiths. Gain practical insights to create climate initiatives that resonate across diverse backgrounds, fostering collaboration and meaningful impact.

Trainers: 

Rianne C. ten Veen

Facilitator and Environment Specialist, Green Creation

Farwah Ghulamali Khataw

Global Program Coordinator, FFOP

This workshop is designed to empower fellows in developing and executing impactful climate initiatives inspired by their faith, blending strategic planning with practical project management. Throughout the session, participants will engage in setting clear, faith-aligned environmental goals, learning the basics of project planning, and discovering how to effectively manage resources. They will explore strategies for effective communication, including techniques for monitoring and improving initiatives, ensuring they are both effective and aligned with faith values. By the end of this workshop, participants will be equipped with a comprehensive understanding and practical tools to create meaningful and lasting environmental impacts in their communities, inspired by their faith.

Trainers: 

Zehra Abbas

Founder and Volunteer President of Studio.89

Ina Maria Toncescu

Managing Director of Canadians for Responsible Food Policy

End the day with a brief reflection, focusing on insights gained from the day’s sessions.

12th Jan, Friday

Prayer from Fellows Vasu Bandhu and Joey Wu

In this hands-on session, fellows will delve into the practical applications of project management approaches, discuss real-world examples, and gain hands-on insights into strategically navigating the impact of climate projects. Finally, use this dedicated time to collaboratively draw up your faith-inspired climate projects for their groups. 

Trainers:

Zehra Abbas

Founder and Volunteer President of Studio.89

Ina Maria Toncescu

Managing Director of Canadians for Responsible Food Policy

Experience a special “Green Khutba” addressing the intersection of faith and climate. This spiritual pause aims to deepen reflections on our role as stewards of the Earth and reinforces the fellowship’s commitment to environmental consciousness. Following the service, the group will enjoy a communal lunch, fostering connections and conversations inspired by the visit to the Islamic Center. 

Speaker: Imam Greg Rashad, Resident Imam of Ar Razzak Mosque

The dedicated planning session provides the time and space for collaborative brainstorming and tangible progress on their group projects. Fellows, in groups, will chart the course for their project’s success, applying the insights gained from earlier sessions. The goal is to leave with a clearer roadmap, ensuring your projects are not only impactful individually but also synergistically contribute to the overarching objectives of the fellowship.

The group will partake in an evening of inspiration with a thought-provoking guest lecture on leadership in climate action. The session promises insights, anecdotes, and valuable lessons from our speaker who will elaborate on their success story – the hurdles in their way and how they overcame those.

Speaker:

Dan Vermeer

Associate Professor of the Practice at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business

Norman Wirzba

Professor of Christian Theology, Duke Divinity School

13th Jan, Saturday

The fellows will embark on a hands-on Duke Farm visit where they will have this unique opportunity to connect with nature and contribute to the farm’s activities.

The session is dedicated to the preparation of group presentations that will be showcased on the next and final day. It’s an opportunity for groups to refine their narratives, ensuring they effectively convey the essence of their faith-inspired climate initiatives to the judges. 

14th Jan, Sunday

Each group will have 15 minutes to showcase their faith-inspired climate projects, followed by a 15-minute Q&A with the panel and the larger cohort.

Panelist: 

Ina Maria Toncescu

Managing Director of Canadians for Responsible Food Policy

Rianne C. ten Veen

Facilitator and Environment Specialist, Green Creation

Shiraz Ahmad

International Director, Faith For Our Planet

Experience the rich history and serene beauty of Duke Chapel – an iconic landmark holds with a deep connection to the spirit of Duke University. Fellows will join the chapel services for a unique blend of historical significance and spiritual reflection, offering a moment of tranquility before the afternoon presentations.

Speaker: 

Dean Luke Powery

Duke University Chapel and Professor of Homiletics and African and African American Studies

This closing will mark the culmination of the fellowship journey. The cohort will reflect on the collective achievements, express gratitude for the shared experiences, and celebrate the bonds formed during this transformative week. The ceremony will include acknowledgments, words of inspiration, and a look forward to the continued impact of the faith-inspired climate initiatives.