cleve callison’s blog

I began a new job this week: I am the Executive Director of Ohio Interfaith Power and Light. This is a statewide organization here in Ohio whose mission . . .

. . . is  to empower a religious response to climate change
and to promote energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.
We focus on tangible results in religious communities – putting our faith into action.

OhIPL is part of a growing nationwide network, with chapters in most states, that brings together people of faith to address the great issue about which we share one concern — the Care of Creation. We present educational programs and work with congregations of all kinds to reduce their carbon footprint, increase efficiency, and save money.

We work with many partners such as the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance, which has been described as “ground zero” of the green building/energy efficiency movement in communities. This week GCEA announced the receipt of $17 million in stimulus money to pay for energy audits and retrofit projects throughout southwest Ohio.

A unique aspect of this program is the eligibility of non-profits, including communities of faith, to receive funds. OhIPL will work with GCEA on outreach to those communities. Houses of worship as a group are among the “leakiest” buildings in the country. But people of good will in those communities can be a powerful force for real change.

As I told the Board of OhIPL, it’s very exciting to me to be working with them at this critical time. Everywhere I’ve gone, when I explain to people the work of OhIPL, the reaction is the same: “What a great idea!”

I’ll be working with OhIPL on a contract basis through December 31, 2010. My task is to help OhIPL move toward the next chapter in its future (at present we are an affiliate program of the Ohio Council of Churches). I’m still engaged in wrapping up my teaching duties at Miami-Hamilton, which will keep me busy through next week.