A Spiritual Awakening for Climate and Democracy
Background
In Spring 2024, A. Brown Olmstead Associates (ABOA) began the planning and execution of a groundbreaking summit in Atlanta, Georgia, inspired by Democracy in a Hotter Time: Climate Change and Democratic Transformation, a timely and visionary book by Professor David Orr of Arizona State University. The book calls for a renewed commitment to democratic values as a response to the escalating climate crisis that the two issues are deeply intertwined. ABOA was tasked with translating this message into an in-person experience, one that would awaken a sense of shared purpose and moral responsibility among key influencers and decision-makers
Planning and Strategy
Working closely with leaders from All Saints’ Episcopal Church, ABOA curated the event, including agenda development, speaker coordination, guest outreach, and more. The planning process emphasized inclusivity, moral clarity, and action-oriented dialogue, ensuring that the summit would be as spiritually moving as it was intellectually rigorous. Recognizing the importance of setting the right tone and environment, ABOA selected All Saints’ Episcopal Church as a venue not just for its central location, but for its history of civic involvement and spiritual openness.
Event Execution
On September 26, 2024, over 100 thought leaders, activists, and scholars gathered at All Saints’ Episcopal Church. Participants represented many sectors, including environmental justice organizations, academia, faith communities, nonprofit institutions, local and state governments, and the private sector. The day was intentionally designed to foster interdisciplinary and interfaith dialogue to build bridges across diverse belief systems and perspectives.
The panels and discussions were centered around 5 themes: Democracy at Risk, The Value of Truth, The Climate Crisis, Climate, Democracy, and Health, and Our Moral Responsibility. Each session was structured to begin with a panel of thought leaders, followed by small group discussions, where attendees were encouraged to share experiences, challenge ideas, and co-create solutions. Facilitators guided each table, helping translate conversations into actionable takeaways
Highlights
Reflections from Ambassador Andrew Young
In his reflections, Andrew Young shared profound insights into the role of divine guidance and spiritual purpose in navigating life’s unexpected journey. Through personal stories, he illustrated how serendipity and faith have shaped his path, emphasizing the importance of being open to spiritual revelations and the inner voice that guides individuals toward their destiny.
Keynote from Professor David Orr
David Orr’s remarks further reinforced the necessity of a spiritual dimension in tackling global issues. He advocated for a shift from individualism to collective responsibility, encouraging a prophetic imagination to envision a fair and sustainable world. Orr’s perspective emphasized that spiritual reflection is not merely an abstract concept but a practical tool for inspiring action and fostering a sense of shared purpose
Tangible Outcomes
Due to the rich dialogue and collaborative spirit, the summit produced actionable guidelines, which ABOA compiled into a strategic framework for continued work. These guidelines include:
- Cross-Sector Partnerships:Encouraging alliances between faith leaders, policymakers, educators, and activists to align moral messaging with public policy.
- Advocacy for Reform:Calling on governments and institutions to implement climate-forward policies that also strengthen democratic participation, transparency, and equity.
- Public Education:Launching campaigns and resources that illuminate the intrinsic link between climate action and the health of democratic systems.
ABOA also committed to facilitating post-summit engagement through a follow-up report.
Conclusion
The summit A Spiritual Awakening for Climate and Democracy marked a pivotal moment in the national conversation about the future of our planet and the resilience of our democratic institutions. It reframed the climate crisis not only as a technical challenge but a profound moral test, one that requires both practical solutions and spiritual courage.
ABOA’s leadership in conceptualizing and executing this summit exemplifies the firm’s deep expertise in strategic communications, event development and execution, and public impact event design. More than just an event, this summit ignited a movement. One that ABOA hopes will continue to influence policy, faith, and civic life.