Intersectional Environmentalism: A Week with Agnes Scott College SCALE Students
Earlier this month, GIPL had the privilege of hosting a group of students from Agnes Scott College as part of a student leadership program for second-year students - Sophomore Class Atlanta Leadership Experience (SCALE). From March 8-10, 5 students joined us at the office to learn more about GIPL, assist with a small project, and interview staff about our work and leadership experiences. During the week, the students observed and participated in a Green Team meeting, participated in an advocacy training led by Gayla, watched the documentary Saving Juliette, and toured the Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design on Georgia Tech’s campus. It was a joy to get to know these five students and learn how their academic careers and interests intersect with policy, justice, and faith. Below are their reflections on this experience:
Eli Freeman:
Hello, my name is Eli Freeman, I use they/them pronouns, and I am from Philadelphia, PA. I am an Agnes Scott student getting my undergraduate degree in Mathematics with a minor in Biology and Environmental Sustainability Studies. I hope to one day be a population ecologist studying the impacts of climate change on different species populations and finding solutions to help mitigate the loss of biodiversity on our planet.
I was an intern with GIPL in March. The various intersections of environmentalism and humanitarianism through faith leadership that were demonstrated at the company were awe-inspiring and motivating. To continue to do this work, you have to have a group of diverse people to work together on areas of passion. To be a team member you have to ask for help, be able to lean on others, and engage with the communities around you. The dedication of the people at GIPL and their community-forward work has been encouraging and refreshing to witness and be a part of.
In my school, I have been trying to advocate for transgender & non-binary equity, and the biggest thing I took away from this program is that I can not do it alone. Engagement with the community you are serving is one of the most powerful tools you can use. I saw with the Green Teams in GIPL when a team member from GIPL guided but did not insert their own beliefs into the team ideas. She was able to work with the community on what they want to accomplish to become more sustainable. I am grateful for this experience at GIPL and everything they have shown us.
Tania Hernandez:
Hello, my name is Tania, and I am an Agnes Scott student interning with Georgia Interfaith Power and Light this week. I am a Political Science and Spanish major, and also minoring in Formulations of Artificial Intelligence. Throughout my experience interning with GIPL, I have gained a lot of knowledge on the intersection of the planet and my faith. As a Christian, I have always been taught to care for others, but I had failed to realize that also applied to our planet. So interviewing GIPL staff and the executive director has brought me not only the realization that our planet is in need of our care but also that there are people who truly care for the planet and local communities.
The transparency and commitment of GIPL to not only provide resources but also engage with communities are, I think, important when combating such a dynamic issue. Also being able to see the dynamics of a green team meeting and the genuine connection GIPL has with members is something I enjoyed getting to know. In addition, getting to learn about their current efforts to preserve the Okefenokee swamp, which as a Georgian, I care for because I grew up taking trips and doing projects about the swamp. Furthermore, I admire GIPL’s efforts to empower and help those who are being affected by these environmental issues, that being farmers, communities suffering environmental racism, and many more.
As someone who is interested in policy and as a minority myself, I know the challenges that many face when not receiving the resources, help, and voice to combat these environmental issues that are directly affecting many. There are not many beacons of hope in our society, but I value my faith as one. And seeing GIPL use faith as an intersection for combating environmental issues, I have hope for our planet. Which is why my time with GIPL has inspired me to act and pursue more environmental solutions and outreach within my own community.
Wanru He:
Hello, my name is Wanru He, and I chose to intern at Georgia Interfaith Power and Light for two major reasons. First, I am a Religious Studies major, and I am very interested in how religious based organizations function. I have had several encounters with religious based organizations in the past. Most of those organizations focus on education. This is the first time I meet a religious based organization that is working on environmental protection. Second, I am curious how non profit organizations work. I am considering working in a non profit organization in the future and it is nice to know what are the skills and experiences that are necessary for this kind of position. I highly appreciate my time here with the staff members.
I learned a lot about environmental protection. I am surprised how the climate issue is more complicated than just a matter of pollution, but it intertwines with Human Rights and justice for minority groups. Also, I am fascinated by the positive workplace environment. I saw people are all passionate about protecting the environment and helping people from various religious communities. There is a sense of powerful solidarity within the Georgia Interfaith Power and Light. I want to thank GIPL for offering this wonderful and educational experience to me, and I wish all the best to GIPL, and I believe GIPL can help and make changes in the communities which it works with in the future.
JP Pierrette:
Hello, my name is JP Pierrette, I am a Sophomore at Agnes Scott College. I am majoring in International Relations with a minor in Public Health. I hope to become a Diplomat and focus on healthcare policy on a global scale. I recently had the opportunity to intern for Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, for The Sophomore Class Atlanta Leadership Experience program. I chose GIPL to have a better understanding of the environmental factors that affect communities as well as the importance of policy work and meeting with legislative assistants to lobby legislators. I was able to attend a green team meeting, interview members of the GIPL staff, and took a tour of the Kendeda Building.
My overall experience at GIPL has been quite eye-opening and informative, not just from an environmental perspective but from a leadership perspective also. The importance of soft skills, letting people speak for themselves, getting to know yourself is vital, keeping an open mind, and experience matters. This was really encouraging especially when I always thought to be a good leader I needed to pursue as many educational programs as possible and even though it’s important it is not a key factor. Furthermore, I learned about environmental racism, climate injustice, environmental inequality, etc. I was able to receive a better understanding of how it is impacting minorities and how they are actively trying to compact that through policy work and educating faith-based organizations.
Seeing GIPL use faith as an intersection for combating environmental issues, has made me hopeful for our planet. Thank you, Georgia Interfaith Power, and light, for this amazing opportunity and I wish you all the best. Thank you for actively fighting for practical climate solutions, I really appreciate the GIPL for motivating me to educate others on climate change.
Destiny Tisdale:
Hi my name is Destiny, and I am double majoring in Mathematics and Sociology with a minor in Human Rights. With my degree, I aspire to be a Civic Data Analyst, using statistical evidence of the racial inequalities in our criminal justice system to advocate for reform. But, most importantly, I am a follower of Christ. As a Christian, I find value in developing an intimate relationship with God outside of religion that seeks to establish His Kingdom here on Earth. I must remember that everything I do should glorify Him and advance His purpose for me.
With a heart to champion change, GIPL has shown me how important faith and Christ is when seeking justice in our world. Through interviewing their Staff, sitting in on Green Team meetings, and learning about advocacy, it was reiterated that relying on God for guidance and recognizing His Will is key in our lives.
Proverbs 3: 5-6 (NKJV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,And lean not on your own understanding;In all your ways acknowledge Him,And He shall direct your paths.
Considering justice, it is essential that we look to God for direction and not to our own merit. The faith-based work that GIPL does contributes to how our entire lives are based on submitting to God’s plan for us and trusting Him to see us through. Although MY plan is to change the world through policy, God has a UNIQUE purpose for me that faith allows me to look forward to.