The Value of Green Team Coaching
Written and voiced by Lauren Galucki Hoade, the Green Team Leader at St. Thomas More Catholic Church and School in Decatur, Georgia
St. Thomas More Catholic Church’s Creation Care Team was formed during the pandemic and as a small, new team, we were so excited to have the opportunity to have a Green Team coach (Hannah Shultz) help us get started. Hannah’s guidance and wisdom helped us find our footing and connected us to a larger community of people doing the same type of work.
When I was asked to lead the team shortly after its formation, knowing that I would have a partner to get us started gave me peace and the confidence to accept the role. Hannah was often a sounding board for our congregation whether there was a challenge that needed creative problem-solving or we were just looking to celebrate a win, like our parish deciding to use the commercial composting service CompostNow.
One of our first endeavors as a team was to conduct energy (power-wise) and zero-waste audits. Both would have been extremely daunting, but with Hannah’s support and expertise, we were able to do both within a few months of each other and apply for a GIPL matching grant to help us make energy retrofits that are already benefiting the parish. Hannah also led a sustainability class for parishioners in February and we’d love to have her back again soon!
I feel so fortunate to be part of a faith community that prioritizes the care of the earth. Green Team coaching was the catalyst we needed to turn care into action. Thank you, Hannah!
