Meet Our Programs & Events Summer Intern: Courtney Godwin

My name is Courtney Godwin, and I am a Religion and Social Justice major about to begin my third year at Agnes Scott College. Growing up, I spent much of my time outdoors, whether it was in the backyard with my sister or camping and hiking with my family. My parents both inspired a love of nature in me from an early age which has stayed with me. This zeal for nature was a catalyst for my minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to intern at GIPL this summer because it combines two of the topics I am most passionate about. Attending North Decatur Presbyterian Church my whole life has ingrained within me ideas of justice, both for people and for the earth. In the past, I have especially been focused on LGBTQ+ inclusion and the promotion of intersectional feminism. The church also served as my introduction to organizations such as Georgia Interfaith Power and Light and Youth Theological Initiative at Candler School of Theology, which contributed immensely to my love of studying belief systems.Last summer I volunteered at Jubilee Partners, an intentional Christian Community in Comer, GA. Jubilee is committed to using green energy and being sustainable through relinquishment of modern conveniences. For example, we lived without air conditioning, dishwashers, or clothes dryers. Although I may not implement all of their practices into my own daily life, I have since been more aware of my own energy consumption and all that I take for granted. GIPL offers a different, yet equally useful model to advocate for what I believe in--reaching out to others rather than solely acting as an example. The opportunity to work here has been incredible thus far: I am learning so much through listening in on meetings and attending energy audits. I am looking forward to continuing this journey throughout the summer months and then applying what I’ve learned to the organizations I participate in at Agnes Scott, such as the Interfaith Council, UKirk Campus Ministry, and the Environmental Resident Team.