Lay-Led Climate Action (volunteer outside consultant)
With Dioceses
Since early 2021 and as my research schedule permitted, I have partnered with the Care for Creation Task Force in the Diocese of Syracuse, New York. My work with them has included a public lecture on the histories of Catholic environmental thought, a co-authored op-ed published in two Central New York Catholic newspapers, help crafting their monthly column in The Catholic Sun, advice their efforts to locally implement the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, and offering guidance to their Eco-Education sub-Task Force. I also developed a series of “Care for Creation” walks communities could use as a plug-and-play method for learning about Catholic socio-ecological teaching.
With Parishes
Additionally, for a year beginning in Summer 2020 I worked in a similar role with the Laudato Si’ Circle at Holy Cross in suburban Dewitt, New York. Work there included leading a guided reading group and organizing an Earth Day clean-up. I also helped the circle conceptualize, design, and disseminate materials for a 6-week Lenten program focused on socio-ecological relationships. Below I’ve uploaded a pdf containing the introductory overview and an example weekly program the Circle developed.
Syracuse University Environmental Storytelling Series
The Engaged Humanities Network (Syracuse) and the Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication Program (SUNY ESF) coordinate the Environmental Storytelling Series. This series of public-facing events aims to help people better understanding unfolding climatic and environmental degradation, especially in and around Central New York. The series also highlights potential ways for emotionally and collectively navigating these crises while providing workshops were those within and beyond the university can learn and practice these strategies. The ESS also publishes resource guides associated with each invited speaker. Working with teams of graduate and undergraduate students, I helped draft content for the three available for download below:
Dominic Wilkins 