Welcome!

Happy New Year! The Creation Stewardship Initiative is getting right down to business in 2010, starting right here. First, for an introduction. The Creation Stewardship Initiative is a task force at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana. Currently our membership is at six individuals who share common interests in sustainability and Creation Care. Our stated purpose and mission is this: 

"Indiana Wesleyan University sees the need to address sustainability in relation to its mission and vision. The roots of this need are grounded in the Christian faith and the belief that God calls us to care for the creation He has made and given us. A core group of champions (That's us!) have emerged and shall provide all manners of support, constructive criticisms, and encouragement as needed to attend to the fulfillment of long-term and short term goals outlined in a Strategic Sustainability Plan. These champions shall serve as an advisiory body to the President's Cabinet. The initial workings of sustainability at IWU should operate withing existing resources until otherwise given latitude."

Our six individuals are Dr. Todd Voss, Executive Vice President; Dr. Darlene Bressler, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences; Brendan Bowen, Vice President for Operations and Facilities Planning; Dr. Grace Miller, Associate Professor of Biology; Melissa Sprock, Housing Director for Student Development; and myself, Megan Stephens, Project Manager for Operations and Facilities Planning. 

Second, we have/are working on several short-term goals. We have fostered a paralell student group called the Creation Care Alliance, with whom we hope to have a mutually beneficial relationship moving forward. The Creation Care Alliance is spearheaded by Collin Rhoade (So) and Melissa Morgan (Jr). Creation Stewardship is also working with Pioneer College Caterers on a Trayless Tuesday program, to illustrate the benefits of not using a tray in Baldwin Dining. Other initiatives in the works include a "Garbagology" or waste audit, setting up a Carpool network for students and employees, examining IT energy standards, and pursuing grant opportunities.
This blog is intended to share our sucesses, promote sustainability and Creation care, and be a resource for Indiana Wesleyan and others.