Climate change can seem overwhelming, but there are actions we can take to faithfully steward God’s creation. Michael Richardson of Rivers & Mountains GreenFaith will lead the first of two interactive talks at St. Vincent's on how to move your finances from funding and insuring fossil fuel extraction, production and distribution, and instead direct your bank deposits, insurance premiums, use of a credit card and investment portfolio to financial institutions that invest your money to fund local businesses and farms, affordable housing, and development of renewable clean energy.

This program is sponsored by St. Vincent’s Adult Faith Formation Committee and the Creation Care Team.

Part One - Sunday, October 15, 9:45 - 10:45 am, Upper Level of the Parish Hall

• Personal Banking: If you bank with Chase, Citi, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, TD Bank, U.S. Bank or other major Wall Street banks, some of your money is likely being used to fund climate destruction. Learn how to find regional and local community banks and credit unions that use your deposits to fund local ventures and not fossil fuel projects.
• Credit Cards: If you have a credit card with Chase, Citi, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Capital One, or Credit One, the money from transaction fees, annual fees and interest on debt is being used by these banks to fund fossil fuel projects. Learn how to find an alternative credit card.
• Home & Auto Insurance: If you insure your home and/or auto with Liberty Mutual, Travelers, All-State, GEICO, State Farm or other major insurance companies, then some of your money is likely being used to both insure and invest in the excavation, production and distribution of oil, tar sands, coal and gas. Learn how to find local, small insurance companies that do not insure nor invest in fossil fuel projects.

and join us for Part Two on Sunday, December 10, 9:45 - 10:45 am, Upper Level of the Parish Hall

• Retirement Investments: Most financial institutions are complicit in the climate crisis. Large asset managers - companies that people pay to manage and invest their money - such as BlackRock, Vanguard, State Street, and Capital Group are the world’s largest investors in fossil fuel companies. Learn about the funds you are now investing in, how to find alternative investments, and how to find an environmentally conscious financial advisor.