YFC

ADVOCACY HANDBOOK
2013 EDITION

ADVOCACY FOR ENVIRONMENT

RATIONALE

In the story of creation, the Lord created everything else before man. Not just to have a place to
live in but it comes with a responsibility to nurture and cultivate it. “Then the Lord God placed
the man in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and guard it.” Genesis 2:15

The call to take care God’s creation has been one of our purposes; to be stewards of His
creation. But instead of taking care of it, we seem to take it for granted. It’s beauty and
magnificence slowly fades because the very hands that is supposed to nurture it, is the same
hands that destroy it. We became selfish with our own comfort.

This call still continues to speak to us as we hear the cry of our environment as we experience
calamities and disasters. It is time that we as members of Youth for Christ take a stand in
fighting the apathy towards nature, and start taking proactive measures in helping reverse the
effects of our previous actions. It is after all in the heart of our mission as Christians to take care
of what was given to us by God. Most of us neglect the fact that in order to love and serve
Christ fully, we must also love, protect and care for the environment that He blessed us with.

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DEFINITION

YFC Greeneration is an advocacy of Youth for Christ that aims to rally today’s generation to be a
green generation for a greener nation. It is an expression of love to God by a generation called
to take care of His creation. This is Youth for Christ‘s response to the call for responsible
stewardship, that is deeply rooted to the attitude of Catholic stewardship. It acknowledges that
everything that we are enjoying right now came to be because of God. From the food we eat, to
the place that shelters us, none of these will be in existence if not for Him. As others mistakenly
adore so much the creation to the point of ignoring the Creator, YFC Greeneration’s every
action is directed towards the Creator channelled through His creation.

This advocacy anchors on the verse:

"Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." (John 1:3)

Therefore, YFC Greeneration is defined as:

a) RECEIVING GOD’S GIFT WITH GRATITUDE

This means that as Christians we acknowledge that the life we are enjoying including the air we
breathe in, the planet we inhabit and the resources we use are indeed a gift from God, a gift
that we are to receive with gratitude. We will never cease in thanking the source and creator of
all of these, God Himself.

b) CULTIVATING GOD’S GIFT RESPONSIBLY

This means that receiving God’s gift entails a responsibility of cultivating them making sure that
we use it properly without causing any harm to the entire humanity and creation alike. We are
not just to consume and use what was given to us, we are to develop and nurture them.

c) SHARING GOD’S GIFT LOVINGLY

This means that what we are enjoying is not intended only for our use but it was meant to be
shared to others even to the future generations that have yet to experience the gifts we are

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experiencing. It is part of our responsibility to make sure that there is enough for all and that
future generations will be able to have a taste of what we have experienced here on earth.

In other words, we proclaim: GREEN GENERATION FOR A GREENER NATION.

THE GREEN GENERATION

YFC GREENERATION is grounded in 3G’s BASIC PRINCIPLES and made firm by SIX CONVICTION
STATEMENTS. The Green Greeneration lives to:

a) GUARD

GUARD stands by the conviction statements of conservation of energy and water. This means
using this resources effectively and wisely, giving its importance before it’s lost.

• Unplug

A small act of unplugging unused appliances/devices & turning off unused lights can save much
energy. Aside from the savings from our electric bill, we partake on saving our environment as it
cut downs the effect of green house effect that causes global warming.

Unplugging hair dryers, phone chargers, toaster ovens and power cords when not in use can
save up to 20% on home energy use. (http://www.climatecrisis.net/)

Energy – use less, save more. (Jon Clift, Amanda Cuthberd)

• AQUare (Aqua Care)

Every drop counts. So we conserve water in our own ways. Like turning off the tap while
brushing teeth or cleaning the dishes, fixing the leaks and many more. And also saving water
means to protect the water bodies.

Water is a critical resource for human survival. If we fail to conserve water, eventually an
adequate, healthy water supply may not be available. Lack of water can lead to dramatic
consequences. Water conservation can help prevent local and global problems such as rising
costs, reduced food supplies, health hazards and armed conflict.
(http://www.livestrong.com/article/159169-what-happens-when-we-do-not-conservewater/
#ixzz26AMwP7WT)

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A water faucet leaking only a drop every second will waste over 160 gallons of water in a
month. (http://livinggreenandsavingenergy.com/saving-energy-frequently-asked-questionsand-
fun-facts.html)

Did you know that less than 1% of all the water on Earth can be used by people? The rest is salt
water.(http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/kids/whysave.html)

b) GOVERN

GOVERN stands by the conviction statements to manage and prevent waste and trash that
causes pollution. It supports the principle that we as consumers are responsible to what we
consume.

• Plastic Less

Environment Protection is our foremost concern. Plastics are dangerous to human and animal
health. Improper plastic disposal results to degradation of our natural resources. The
manufacture of plastic bags and other plastic products translates to the use of large quantities
of non-renewable resources and adds to the acceleration of global warming. Plastics make the
earth look like an astronomic trash can.
(http://leadmovement.wordpress.com/tag/wastesegregation/)

Did you know?

Plastic carry bags decompose in 15 to 1000 years.

Plastic bottles and cans never decompose.

(http://www.memios.com/index.php?id=27)

• LITTERate

We can have a pollution-free environment as long as we manage our trash properly, through
segregation and throwing our trashes in to the proper places.

Actually proper waste management is the solution to the problem on garbage. If you would
only throw the solid wastes properly - not just dump everything in the garbage bin - then we
can all be healthy. Under proper waste management, the solid wastes are classified into

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different groups - this is the meaning of segregation. From the garbage that your throw, you
have to pick those that you can reduce, reuse or recycle. We put these in one container of bin.
What remains after are the real garbage that you need to throw away.
(http://www.abcarticledirectory.com/Article/Waste-Segregation---A-Way-To-Reduce--
ReuseAnd-Recycle-The-Garbage/961628)

Did you know?

About 90% of the contents of our bins could be reused or recycled. Think twice before throwing
the trash into dustbin. You can reduce the use of some items, can reuse some of them like
paper and cardboard and take some of them (cans, plastic, bottles etc) to recycle bin.
(http://www.memios.com/index.php?id=27)

c) GROW

GROW stands by the conviction statements to nurture what the Lord blessed us, His other
creations that has life.

• TREErrific

Trees’ roots prevent soil erosion, which keeps good organic material from washing away in the
rain. They also provide leaves yearly, which can be used for valuable compost.

Lowers your A/C Bill:

Yes, as few as 3 trees planted carefully around your home can slash your energy bill
dramatically. This is because they shade your house, and prevent it from warming up as much.

A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.

(http://gomestic.com/gardening/the-seven-benefits-of-planting-a-tree/)

• ANImate

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over
the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over
all the creatures that move along the ground.” Gen. 1:26

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God didn’t just call us to protect and cultivate the environment that He blessed us with; He also
called us to protect the animals. We could do this through fighting against animal abuse,
respecting the animal rights.

A cow can give far more milk that a human can consume their lifetime. Any guesses? Almost
200,000 glasses full of milk! (http://www.factsaboutanimals.net/amazing-animal-facts.htm)
TALK OUTLINE

GREENERATION: GOD’S CREATION

“And right before He rested, God looked at everything He made and He was pleased with what
He saw”. Gen.1:31

OBJECTIVES

1. To be aware that GREENERATION is an advocacy given by the Lord as an answer to the

continuing problem our world is facing today.

2. To appreciate GREENERATION as a gift from the Lord entrusted especially to the young.

3. To put faith into action in protecting and preserving the environment and its natural
resources through GREENERATION.

4. To inspire every people especially the young to be advocates of protecting and

preserving the environment summarizes in GREENERATION advocacy.

DYNAMICS

1. This is a whole day activity. First part will be the session in which the speaker will set the
hearts of the participants for the second part. The second part will be the action part
wherein, the participants will do series of activities.

2. The session will start with worship or opening prayer (depending on the audience since
we also aim to give this to non-YFC).

3. AVP showcasing the natural wonders of the world will be shown as well as the
destructions made by man to it (this is for the participants to be aware of the realities
that is happening in our environment today).

4. Session proper.
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5. Sharer enters before the end of the session.

6. End with a reflection and closing prayer.

7. From the menu of activities provided below, choose one activity applicable to the
participants.
SPEAKER’S PROFILE

1. A Fulltime Pastoral Worker, Mission Volunteer, OSYH or PYH who has a deep conviction
of taking care of the environment.

2. He/she must be a passionate speaker and must be able to rally the people.

SHARER’S PROFILE

1. A YFC member who lives in the province, whose environment is very in touch with
nature. He/she will share about how he/she values nature so much or learned to value
and appreciate nature growing up in his/her kind of environment.

2. A YFC Couple Coordinator whose work is very in line with taking care of the
environment. He/she will share about how much he/she not only appreciates nature but
truly values it, thus leading him/her to his/her line of work.

3. A YFC member who lives in the big city, whose environment is very far from nature.
He/she will share about how he/she developed an appreciation of nature growing up in
his/her kind of environment.

TALK PROPER/OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION

Creation is not just the first divine act of God; it is the beginning of our story. It identifies us,
defines us and invites us to participate in His story. The story of the Creation continues up to
this day. The day we were born into this world we have become part of the story. Simply
because everything we see around us, God created, FOR US.

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All of God’s creation was not only entrusted to Adam and Eve but also to us. Since we were
born in this earth and we have become one of His people, then we too are entrusted with the
task to take care of this world we live in.

NATURE IS GOD’S GRACE TO MANKIND

The story of creation in Genesis chapter 1 will tell us how the Lord created everything carefully
and wonderfully. The Lord created everything before he created man and woman for them to
enjoy it. He made sure that all of us will be well provided.

The Lord made sure that He himself will be the first one to be delighted before He turns it over
to Adam and Eve. It simply shows how everything was created perfectly by the Lord. He sees to
it that everything He created will be sufficient and an answer to the needs of them. This story of
creation first defines the immense love of God to mankind.

GOD’S CALL: STEWARDSHIP

It is very clear that the Lord does not create human beings just to enjoy the beauty and
abundance of His creation. It is evidently stated in Genesis 2:15 “Then the Lord God placed man
in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and guard it.” We are all called to be good and responsible
STEWARDS of His grace – NATURAL RESOURCES!

• S – STRONGLY OPPOSE DESTRUCTIONS OF NATURE

We saw the different destructions made by human every day, but failed to do something about
it. Some of the best examples of this destruction are illegal logging, illegal fishing, smoke
belching, and removing animals from their natural habitat. It is everywhere. A true steward
does not only sit down, watch, and do nothing. The lord equipped us with a mind to think of
how we can do concrete ways to oppose abuses of nature and a heart not to be touch by those
abuses.

• T – TO BE PROACTIVE IN PROTECTING AND PRESERVING THE ENVIRONMENT

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Various organizations and movements are doing campaigns and programs in protecting and
preserving the environment. However, on a personal level, how much effort has we made in
protecting and preserving the environment? A true steward is not just active but proactive in
taking part in nature preservation and protection. (Proactively advocating by posting status
about how to take care of the environment in facebook, hashtags on twitter, and other social
networking sites, proactively joining campaign and movements about helping the environment)

• E – ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE ENVIRONMENT

Everyone is called to be good and responsible stewards. A good steward does not only do their
thing but encourage everyone as well. They also push and influence other people to take part in
preserving and protecting the environment. (Sharing our advocacy to our classmates,
workmates, friends, family, neighbors, etc.)

• W – WITNESSING HOW IT IS TO BE GOOD STEWARDS OF GOD’S CREATION

Being an advocate must be personal. It also means we are not only vocally promoting
protection and preservation but putting words into action. To be a witness is to be a good role
model not only in front of other people but also in our family, friends, schools, and workplaces.

• A – AIM TO PRESERVE THE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE FUTURE GENERATION

We are not the only persons to enjoy God’s creation but also the next generations to come. In
lieu of them, let us be mindful of how we make use of this beautiful creation. Our future sons
and daughters deserve to enjoy what we are enjoying right now. Let us then realize that we are
accountable to God through them.

• R – RESPONSIBLE USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Natural calamities happen due to unbalanced use of natural resources. The sad reality is that,
when we continue to be greedy and self-centered, time will come when there will be no longer
enough resources for all of us. (When we cut trees, make sure that we plant another one to
replace it. We also make sure that we are not throwing our waste into rivers and seas. We must
also stop using dynamites for fishing.)

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• D – DUTIFULLY DOING SMALL YET SIGNIFICANT ACTS OF PRESERVING THE

ENVIRONMENT

Multiple small acts combined makes bigger impact. Let us try to ask ourselves, “Does my little
ways contribute to preserve or to destruct nature?” Let us be reminded that success not only
happens in the grander and bigger ways. Our little and simple ways can make a difference!
(Putting candy wrappers on our pockets rather than throwing it wherever we want. We use
glass when we brush our teeth to avoid too much spillage of water.)

YFC’S RESPONSE

YFC GREENERATION “GREEN GENERATION FOR A GREENER NATION”

YFC Greeneration is defined as an advocacy of Youth for Christ that aims to rally today’s
generation to be a green generation for a greener nation. It is an expression of love to God by a
generation called to take care of His creation. This is Youth for Christ‘s response to the call for
responsible stewardship, that is deeply rooted to the attitude of Catholic stewardship. It
acknowledges that everything that we are enjoying right now came to be because of God. From
the food we eat, to the place that shelters us, none of these will be in existence if not for Him.
As others mistakenly adore so much the creation to the point of ignoring the Creator, YFC
Greeneration’s every action is directed towards the Creator channeled through His creation.
(see Greeneration Handbook)

4 A’S OF GREENERATION

a. AWARE (GREENERATION: GOD’S PROJECT)

To be an advocate starts in awareness and understanding of the whole program or advocacy.

Awareness here starts from realizing that the Lord called us to be stewards of His creation. It
also means that to be aware is to know that GREENERATION is God’s answer to the continuing
problem our world is facing today.

b. APPRECIATE (GREENERATION: GIFT OF GOD)

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YFC’s response, which is the GREENERATION is a gift given by the Lord. It came up because the
Lord wants this world to stay longer. We are to appreciate the fact that the Lord still finds hope
that this world will be restored into its origin through GREENERATION. At the same time, we
must appreciate the very fact that the Lord entrust no one but us!

c. ACT (THE-GRAND-GREEN-ACT)

A single and simple act combined with others makes a grand act. This is all about putting our
faith into action. Loving the nature is not just about professing it, but doing something to prove
it. GREENERATION offers us numbers of great activities that would really help restore the
beauty and sanctity of this world. Let us participate actively in bigger activities of
GREENERATION.

d. ADVOCATE (G24/7: I AM FOR GREENERATION)

Preserving and protecting the environment and its natural resources is a lifetime challenge,
thus, it must be our lifestyle. This is not a one-time big-time advocacy. We aim that everyone
will be into it and make it part of their daily lives. “I am no longer just a nature lover, but a
nature saver.”

THE CHALLENGE

God created us with free-will to choose and to have different choices. However, let us be
reminded that taking care of this world is non-negotiable. It is a task given by God in the
creation story. Aside from the menu of activities that we will be doing today, the call to
preserve and protect is personal. We must think of steps on how we can help more in
preserving this world. What we will be doing today will be benefited by the future generations –
our future sons and daughters.

CONCLUSION

YFC Covenant Card no. 5, part 5: * It is my responsibility to preserve and protect the
environment.

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Preserving and protecting the environment is a call from the Lord. It is a personal call to YFC’s
and to all young people. With the downgrade effects of the different destructions made by
man, the call is urgent. To be part of this advocacy is a challenge of a lifetime.

Hence, more than thinking that all of this is a difficult task and a cross we must carry, this is
privilege. Let our being blessed be the inspiration that will move us to do bigger and grander act
in protecting and preserving the environment and its natural resources. Let this generation be a
real GREEN GENERATION FOR A GREENER NATION!
CLOSING ACTIVITY

a. Reflection (reflection song: What a wonderful world)

• Challenge and rally the people to the next part of the activity.

• Challenge them to a greater task that lies ahead of them.

• Challenge them to actively take part in this advocacy especially after the activity.

• Closing prayer

b. The speaker or the team leader will form a group of 7 to 10 members. (This is to evenly
distribute participants to the different activities of GREENERATION.) After the groupings,
the groups must assign a team leader.

c. Orientation to the different activities.

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MENU OF ACTIVITIES

1. Area/Coastal clean-up

• Secure permits needed for the activity

• Prepare Cleaning Materials (broomsticks, trash picker, gloves, trash bags, etc.)

• Pick up trash along the area, road canal, coastline, etc.

• Ensure proper trash disposal

2. Bottle/ newspaper drive

• Secure permits needed for the activity

• Do house to house collection of bottles, newspapers, cans, cartons and other

recyclables

c. Put a YFC Greeneration sticker outside the house

• Sell the collected items in a junkshop

• Proceeds will go to greeneration “materials” (trash bins, broomsticks, dust pans,

etc.) to be donated to schools or churches

3. Operation Baklas

• Prepare Cleaning Materials (broomsticks, scraper, gloves, trash bags, etc.)

• Take down posters and other campaign materials

• Ensure proper trash disposal

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CAMPAIGN STRATEGIES

Goal of the advocacy within the 5 years

1. YFC Greeneration Information Drive

- Release facts about the environment once a week or once a month

- Link to the official YFC Website for detailed information. “blog-like”
- Release info-graphics to attract youth

2. 3000 YFC Green Advocates

This is applicable to community or non-community member. Number of advocates will

be based from the following:
- Attendance of a “stand-alone” greeneration activities
- Assemblies whereas Greeneration is the main topic
- Supports Greeneration Merchandise
- Actively promoting the advocacy. This may be personal or online thru hashtags,
retweets, likes, status, blogs, etc.

3. 3000 TREErrific Campaign

- At least 1 major monitored tree planting activity per area (Sector, province,
country) every year
- Include in the planning the maintenance of the seedlings/trees

4. GREENERATION 24/7 Lifestyle (G 24/7 Lifestyle)

We believe that to start a lifestyle is to practice it daily. So below are lists of day to day
little acts of kindness for our environment that an individual can do.

Intensify G 24/7 by shouting out

- Utilize social networking sites and use hash tags (i.e. #g24/7, #savingsaturday,
#yfcgreeneration)

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