Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions

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Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions

We help people of faith develop local solutions to the climate crisis. The faith community has the credibility and influence to move local elected officials.

Starting from a single committee in one Unitarian congregation in Oakton, Virginia in 2013, we have assembled a network of 50 congregations that represent a wide spectrum of voters, including Jewish, Muslim, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Unity faith traditions. This includes Virginia’s largest mosque (25,000 members) and the state’s largest synagogue (5,000 members). Through our programs,

we help congregations organize their own members while participating with us in our campaigns of direct advocacy (visits with government representatives and staff, public testimony) and earned media (press events, letters to the editor, and op-eds).

06/03/2026

We’re honored to welcome Congressman James Walkinshaw as the keynote speaker for FACS’ 10th Annual Sustainability Champions Awards tomorrow evening.

Representing Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, Congressman Walkinshaw has been a longtime supporter of climate action, sustainability, and community engagement. We look forward to hearing his perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing our region as we work toward a more sustainable future.

Join us as we celebrate the individuals, congregations, businesses, and community leaders making a difference across Northern Virginia. 🌎💚

05/31/2026

Join FACS for our 10th Sustainability Champions Awards Ceremony as we celebrate local leaders, organizations, faith communities, businesses, youth, and advocates who are taking meaningful action to address the climate crisis.

This annual celebration highlights Sustainability Champions across Northern Virginia and Rockingham County who are helping advance moral, equitable, and community-centered solutions to climate change.

Thursday, June 4
6:15-9 PM
Unity of Fairfax | Oakton, VA

Come celebrate the people and organizations making a difference in our communities.

Purchase your tickets today by visiting the FACS website.

05/29/2026

We’re proud to recognize Ray Martin as the recipient of FACS’ Chair’s Award at our 10th Sustainability Champions Awards Ceremony.

After a 50-year career in international development and public health with the USAID Foreign Service, the World Bank, and a Christian global health network, Ray continues to serve through his volunteer work in environmental and climate change advocacy.

Ray believes deeply in the untapped power of faith communities to help shape public policies that advance sustainability. His commitment to FACS’ Leadership Circle reflects that belief and his support for mobilizing faith voices to drive meaningful climate action across Northern Virginia.

His work reminds us that leadership does not end with a career. It continues through service, advocacy, and a commitment to building a more just and sustainable future.

Join us as we celebrate Ray Martin and other local Sustainability Champions making a difference across Northern Virginia and Rockingham County.

10th Sustainability Champions Awards Ceremony
Thursday, June 4
6:15-9 PM
Unity of Fairfax, Oakton, VA

Purchase your tickets by visiting the FACS website.

05/28/2026

We’re proud to recognize Amy Newman as one of FACS’ Individual Sustainability Champions at our 10th Sustainability Champions Awards Ceremony.

Amy’s leadership has helped move Arlington Public Schools toward meaningful climate action. Four years ago, she stepped forward to lead a community effort urging APS and the Arlington School Board to phase out fossil fuel use in buildings and transition from diesel buses to clean electric buses, with a focus on protecting the health of Arlington’s most vulnerable students and staff.

Through her calm, persistent, and effective leadership, Amy has organized coalition meetings, built strong relationships with School Board members and APS leaders, and continued pressing for progress and accountability.

Because of this work, APS has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and has advanced key implementation measures, including a School Board Climate Action Resolution, alignment with the Capital Improvement Plan, and measurable sustainability targets in the five-year strategic plan.

Amy’s work is a powerful reminder that lasting change often begins with one person willing to organize, lead, and keep showing up.

Join us as we celebrate Amy Newman and other local Sustainability Champions making a difference across Northern Virginia and Rockingham County.

10th Sustainability Champions Awards Ceremony
Thursday, June 4
6:15-9 PM
Unity of Fairfax, Oakton, VA

Purchase your tickets by visiting the FACS website.

05/27/2026

We’re proud to recognize Mary Kadera as one of FACS’ Elected Official / Public Sector Employee Sustainability Champions at our 10th Sustainability Champions Awards Ceremony.

As a member of the Arlington School Board from 2021 to 2025, Mary used strategy, leadership, and persistence to help move climate action forward at the School Board level.

Through her leadership, Arlington Public Schools committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and advanced key measures to support that goal, including the 2025 School Board Climate Action Resolution, direction for the Capital Improvement Plan to align with climate goals, and measurable sustainability targets in the 2024-2030 strategic plan.

Mary’s work shows what public leadership can look like when climate action, accountability, and long-term planning are treated as priorities. From championing creative solutions for energy savings to working directly with community advocates, she helped build support for meaningful climate commitments across APS.

Join us as we celebrate Mary Kadera and other local Sustainability Champions making a difference across Northern Virginia and Rockingham County.

10th Sustainability Champions Awards Ceremony
Thursday, June 4
6:15-9 PM
Unity of Fairfax, Oakton, VA

Purchase your tickets by visiting the FACS website.

05/26/2026

We’re proud to recognize Coalition for Smarter Growth as one of FACS’ Community Group / Organization Sustainability Champions at our 10th Sustainability Champions Awards Ceremony.

For nearly three decades, Coalition for Smarter Growth has worked across Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland to advance walkable, bikeable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve quality of life.

Their advocacy has helped shape sustainable development in places like Tysons, Dunn-Loring/Merrifield, and West Falls Church, creating more opportunities for people of all income levels to live and work in climate-friendly communities.

CSG has also played a major role in regional climate and transportation efforts, from co-founding the Fairfax Healthy Communities network to pushing for stronger action on transportation emissions and more accountable climate planning across the region.

Their work reminds us that sustainability is not just about protecting the environment. It is also about building communities that are more equitable, connected, and livable for everyone.

Join us as we celebrate Coalition for Smarter Growth and other local Sustainability Champions making a difference across Northern Virginia and Rockingham County.

10th Sustainability Champions Awards Ceremony
Thursday, June 4
6:15-9 PM
Unity of Fairfax, Oakton, VA

Purchase your tickets by visiting the FACS website.

05/25/2026

We’re proud to recognize Casual Adventure Outfitters as one of FACS’ Business Sustainability Champions at our 10th Sustainability Champions Awards Ceremony.

A family-owned small business in Arlington serving outdoor enthusiasts since 1945, Casual Adventure Outfitters has shown how local businesses can play a meaningful role in building more sustainable communities.

For the past three years, they have supported the FACS-sponsored Arlington Students for Climate Action clothing swap by serving as a donation collection site and lending clothing racks, helping community members access free, high-quality used clothing while keeping usable items out of the waste stream.

Their commitment to waste reduction also continues through their annual Earth Month sock collection, where old socks are repurposed into new “Second Cut” Smartwool products. Over the last five years, they have collected more than 1,500 pounds of socks that otherwise may have ended up in the trash.

From supporting youth climate action and environmental education to donating adventure backpacks for Arlington Public Schools’ Outdoor Lab, Casual Adventure Outfitters continues to show that sustainability, community, and love for the outdoors can go hand in hand.

Join us as we celebrate Casual Adventure Outfitters and other local Sustainability Champions making a difference across Northern Virginia and Rockingham County.

10th Sustainability Champions Awards Ceremony
Thursday, June 4
6:15-9 PM
Unity of Fairfax, Oakton, VA

Purchase your tickets by visiting the FACS website.

05/24/2026

We’re proud to recognize Helen Hass as one of FACS’ Youth Individual Sustainability Champions at our 10th Sustainability Champions Awards Ceremony.

As a senior at Washington-Liberty High School and a leader with Arlington Students for Climate Action, Helen has shown what youth climate leadership looks like in action. She helped organize major clothing swaps in 2025 and 2026, collecting more than 1,200 clothing items, mobilizing youth and adult volunteers, distributing clothing to community members, and donating remaining items to local nonprofits and Goodwill.

Her advocacy has also reached beyond her school. Helen spoke before the School Board in support of an APS climate resolution, participated in a county climate rally, joined Arlington County’s Climate Change, Energy and Environment Commission, and helped move forward a food scrap composting program at a local elementary school.

Helen’s work is a powerful reminder that young people are not just the future of climate action. They are leading it right now.

Join us as we celebrate Helen and other local Sustainability Champions making a difference across Northern Virginia and Rockingham County.

10th Sustainability Champions Awards Ceremony
Thursday, June 4
6:15-9 PM
Unity of Fairfax, Oakton, VA

Purchase your tickets by visiting the FACS website.

05/23/2026

We’re proud to recognize Harrisonburg Mennonite Church as one of our Faith Community Sustainability Champions at FACS’ 10th Sustainability Champions Awards Ceremony.

Through their Creation Care group, the church has taken meaningful action to care for the Earth and their community, from installing roof-mounted solar panels that supply one-third of the church’s electricity to planting 900 native trees and shrubs, reducing waste, supporting a community garden, and creating a path for walking, education, and prayer.

Their work is a powerful reminder that climate action can start right where we are, with faith, stewardship, and a commitment to building a healthier future.

Join us as we celebrate Harrisonburg Mennonite Church and other local leaders making a difference across Northern Virginia and Rockingham County.

10th Sustainability Champions Awards Ceremony
Thursday, June 4
6:15-9 PM
Unity of Fairfax, Oakton, VA

Purchase your tickets by visiting FACS' website by clicking the link in our bio.

05/21/2026

Big win for Fairfax County!

Congressman Walkinshaw (Rep. James Walkinshaw) announced $13.4 million in federal funding for critical community and environmental projects across Northern Virginia, including $750K to support street-tree planting and heat-island reduction efforts in Fairfax County.

This investment helps create cooler neighborhoods, improve air quality, expand tree canopy, and build a more sustainable future for our communities.

Cleaner air. Cooler streets. Stronger communities.

Address

Reston, VA

Telephone

+17032393748

Website

http://faithforclimate.org/

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