Sustainable Faith Leadership: SoSA Monthly Meeting at The HÜG Place
Ross Widenor of Bridgestone presents a welcome from the Summit of Sustainability Alliance at The HÜG Place.
Akron, OH — September 28, 2023 • In a harmonious convergence of spirituality and sustainability, The HÜG Place in Akron played host to a transformative event on September 27. The Summit of Sustainability Alliance (SoSA), orchestrated by a collective of local faith leaders led by Rev. Michael Anthony Howard of the Living Water Association, unfolded as a remarkable dialogue that transcended traditional boundaries.
The HÜG Place, situated at 133 Merriman Rd, emerged not just as a venue but as a sacred space fostering peace, compassion, and unity. A gathering ground for diverse perspectives, it became the ideal backdrop for a meeting that melded faith, sustainability, and community well-being.
Click on the image above to access Rev. Michael Howard’s presentation deck for Faith-Based Organizations and UN’s Sustainability and Development Goals.
The event was facilitated by Rev. Michael Anthony Howard of the Living Water Association, Ohio NorthEast, United Church of Christ, a SoSA member organization, is an association of 147 congregations striving to embody Christ in the contemporary world. Attendees were not only welcomed into a physical space but into an atmosphere designed to nurture the core values that align with both The HÜG Place's mission and the principles championed by SoSA.
The meeting, scheduled from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, was enriched by the "Images of Eden" exhibit. Crafted by artist Julie Holman, the exhibit painted a vibrant picture of the Cuyahoga Valley Watershed. Excerpts from Scott Myers' latest work, "Eden Unburied," added a literary layer to the exploration of our connection to the environment.
Recognizing the significance of the exhibit, the organizers extended a separate viewing option for those with additional time and interest. The decision underscored the commitment to providing a comprehensive experience, allowing attendees to delve into both the spiritual dimensions of the gathering and the artistic expressions within the "Images of Eden" exhibit.
SoSA's vision of a sustainable Summit County was the driving force behind this collaborative meeting. Partners from nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government entities, and businesses came together to forge connections, inform policy, improve practices, and support innovation. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, SoSA aims to elevate Akron's ranking in the US Cities Sustainable Development Report over the next five years.
Rev. Michael Anthony Howard, with his role as the Minister of Faith in Action, infused the gathering with a transformative vision. His call to transform crisis into creativity, nostalgia into adaptability, anxiety into trust, and weariness into compassion resonated with the ethos of both The HÜG Place and SoSA.
Distinguished panelists, Will Fenton-Jones and Jeff Campbell, added diverse perspectives on sustainability and faith leadership. Will Fenton-Jones, the Director of Multicultural Ministries for the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church, shared insights from urban planning and community connections. Jeff Campbell, the Director of the Catholic Commission of Summit County, contributed a wealth of experience in advancing social justice causes and sustainability initiatives.
While this event took place in the past, its impact lingers as a testament to the potential unleashed when diverse voices converge for a shared cause. The HÜG Place, with its mission of fostering peace and unity, continues to be a symbol of hope and inspiration for future dialogues that bridge the realms of faith and sustainability.
Listen to Rev. Michael Anthony Howard share about The HÜG Place and his work as an organizer in the Akron area, leading up to the SoSA general meeting.