Called To Climate Action 2026

Please join me for the “Called to Climate Action” conference of the Iowa Faith and Climate Network on Saturday, March 21, from 9 am to 5 pm, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1340 3rd Ave. SE, in Cedar Rapids.

As the board chair for this nonprofit organization, I am excited to welcome neighbors and visitors to Cedar Rapids for this event. Please share with others who might be interested.

We do want people to register for this event (basic cost is $35, but scholarships are available) at this link:

If you have already registered, thank you. We have over 100 people already signed up for this event. We have room for 200 people. If you have not registered yet, please do so to reserve your space and help our organization plan for the event.

We will have workshops on climate solutions, clean water, cancer in Iowa, and small-scale farming, along with a showing of the 30-minute documentary, “Iowa’s Dirty Secret,” and ample time for networking and an environmental fair featuring organizations tabling at the church.

We will also have a keynote address from the Rev. Jenny Phillips, Director of Environmental Sustainability at Global Ministries for the United Methodist Church Committee on Relief, speaking from the intersection of faith, climate justice, and global mission.

If you need overnight lodging, or you would just like rest and relaxation, there are spots available at the Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center on both Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21. (Prairiewoods is in Hiawatha adjacent to Cedar Rapids and less than 15 minutes from St. Paul’s UMC.) Prairiewoods has prairie and forest, solar power, and vegetable gardens. I am planning to stay there. Please call Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700 to make your reservation for overnight lodging. You can learn more about Prairiewoods at this link: www.prairiewoods.org.

I hope to see you at Called to Climate Action on March 21!

Monday, March 9, 12:30 pm – A panel on “Data Centers in Iowa” sponsored by the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative at the University of Iowa College of Law. For registration and other details, please visit:

Saturday, March 21, 5:00 p.m. – The local Cedar Wapsi Group of the Sierra Club is having its annual reception, dinner, and program at Clark Alumni House at Coe College. Contact Mike Wyrick at mikewyrick@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

Friday, March 27, 12:45 pm – A panel on “The Current State of Climate Regulation” sponsored by the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative. For registration and other details, please visit:

Friday, April 10, 12:30 – A panel on “Why do we Defend the Defenders? Exploring sovereignty, legitimacy, human rights and activism” sponsored by the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative. For registration and other details, please visit:

Saturday, April 11, 6 p.m. – A reception with and lecture by Elizabeth Kolbert at Voxman Concert Hall at the University of Iowa. For registration and other details, please visit:

Saturday, April 25, 10 am – The annual EcoFest will be held at the NewBo Market in Cedar Rapids.

Rob

Rob Hogg (retired state senator)

(319) 247-0223