Checkout Waterspirit’s latest weekly mailer HERE!
Inside are details for upcoming events like:
-Faith & Ecology Meetup (with food-register & share!)
-A Beach Cleanup
-Rain Barrel Workshop
-A Wild Edible Walk
and ways to protect what we hold so sacred using our voices. Join us!
CLICK HERE to read this week’s mailer, featuring:
trainings to sharpen our advocacy skillsets
invitations to Earth Month programs
opportunities for mindfulness in nature
and so much more!
CLICK HERE to read this week’s mailer, featuring:
photos from the spring equinox and from our gala, Joys of the Sea
invitations to Earth Month programs
and so much more!
On Friday, Waterspirit was delighted to host the sold-out Joys of the Sea gala at Rooney's Oceanfront Restaurant in Long Branch. As a leading eco-spiritual organization, Waterspirit inspires our community members to build a deeper connection with our waters and the earth as a whole. Attendees were treated to a wonderful vegan meal, stunning ocean views, and a vibrant silent auction along with beautiful remarks by our honoree. Waterspirit's Executive Director, Blair Nelsen, presented the Suzanne Golas Spirit of Water Award to Jenna Reynolds, Founder and Executive Director of Save Coastal Wildlife. Jenna was also presented with a special commendation by the New Jersey legislature. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our Joys of the Sea sponsors: Ann Marie and Robert Reardon, and Kathryn and Robert Chambers. We hope to “sea” you at the sea again in 2025!
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
Media Contact:
Blair Nelsen
Executive Director
Waterspirit
[LONG BRANCH, NEW JERSEY, 3/22/24] - In commemoration of World Water Day themed “Water for Peace,” Waterspirit hosted a spectacular "Joys of the Sea Gala" on March 22nd 2024 at Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant, bringing together a diverse array of environmental advocates, community leaders, and ocean enthusiasts to celebrate the beauty and significance of our marine ecosystems.
The gala served as a platform to raise awareness about the critical importance of healthy waterways and sustainable water management practices. Participants gathered to honor the wonders of the sea and emphasized the need for collective action to protect our marine environments for generations to come.
Key highlights of the event included:
- **Renowned Keynote Address: ** Jenna Reynolds, Suzanne Golas Spirit of Water Award winner, spoke passionately to the attendees. An environmental science expert and professor, she expressed the ongoing need for awareness and conservation. She led in the celebration of the deep connection of biodiversity, humans, coastal wildlife and spirituality.
- **Jersey Shore Views & Silent Auction: ** Attendees enjoyed the ambience of the venue, which captured the essence of the sea's beauty, highlighting the importance of preserving ecosystems. The silent auction allowed attendees to peruse both unique experiences and artwork with the backdrop of scenic views.
- **Entertainment:** Guests were treated to music filled conversation over delicious vegan prepared fare by Jared Brown while bonding over storytelling sessions about their connection to sacred water.
The Joys of the Sea Gala served as a call to action, inspiring attendees to take tangible steps towards protecting our local watersheds, promoting sustainable practices, and advocating for policies that safeguard our precious water resources. By fostering a spirit of collaboration and environmental stewardship, Waterspirit instills a sense of responsibility and reverence for our oceans and waterways.
The event opened with a Prayer for Water, Peace and Harmony, written by Waterspirit’s Public Policy & Justice Organizer, Rachel Dawn Davis: “May the waters be cleansed and purified, free from pollution and harm. May they continue to nourish and sustain all life, from the smallest creature to the largest tree. We offer our deepest gratitude for the blessings of water and her protectors; and we commit to being mindful stewards of this precious resource.”
"We are thrilled to have hosted the 'Joys of the Sea Gala' in honor of World Water Day," said Blair Nelsen, Executive Director of Waterspirit. “Water is sacred. Sometimes working in the environmental field can feel overwhelming because there is no shortage of work to do. Events like Joys of the Sea remind us that we are always doing this work in community. We love water and we will do everything we can to protect it. Waterspirit is delighted to present Jenna Reynolds with the Suzanne Golas Spirit of Water Award. Jenna is a tremendous coastal wildlife advocate and dear collaborator. It has been a joy to host beach cleanups and other events together over the years, and we hope to continue taking care of our local waters together for years to come.”
The event brought together individuals from all experiences of life who share a common goal: to protect and preserve waters and build community for a sustainable future. Waterspirit’s team is humbled by the support and enthusiasm of our Joys of the Sea attendees and look forward to continuing water centered programming and advocacy efforts.
“Many people know that clean water is essential for living species to survive on Planet Earth. Yet simply having clean water is not enough. Although we are able to see our reflection in a pool of clean, clear water, we are not able to view what’s beneath the surface, we are not able to see a person’s values and emotions,” said Jenna Reynolds, Executive Director of Save Coastal Wildlife, and 2024 Suzanne Golas Spirit of Water Awardee. She continued, “Waterspirit is a unique organization that not only works to obtain clean water and a healthy environment, but will go deeper than what is at the surface to help people find a profound connection with Mother Earth and spirituality while aspiring towards enlightenment. I am truly honored to be recognized by a passionate and loving organization that generates the qualities of love, compassion and generosity to all living species according to the principals of Dharma.”
“I am so grateful to Waterspirit for helping the community deepen their connections to creation. Since joining Waterspirit, I have learned that Water Is Life and I have become even more dedicated to protecting water and all life that needs clean safe water. Being involved with all of the conservation minded, caring individuals that work and volunteer for Waterspirit lifts my spirit,” said Anne Price, Waterspirit’s Program Manager.
"I have been involved with Waterspirit since Sister Suzanne established the organization in 1998. Their eco-spiritual programming has brought so much joy and connectivity to my family. Joys of the Sea has been at the forefront of their programming; an event we look forward to every year when we can acknowledge and thank the honorees for their environmental successes," said Marguerite Stocker, long time Waterspirit volunteer.
“When I think of water as it cycles through the biosphere, it becomes for me an image of the grace that washes over, flows through and connects all things. The Waterspirit community connects me to this energy and enables me to more fully appreciate water's profound importance and to take actions to protect this precious source of life,” said Sister Mindy McDonald.
Waterspirit’s Board Chairperson, Kate Chambers shared, “The funds we raised this afternoon will support our ongoing projects, education programs, seasonal celebrations and advocacy work. It will help Waterspirit continue into the future, make an impact on the quality of our water, the health of our planet, and contributing to peace through the equitable use of water. We acknowledge and thank our Event Sponsors, the Reardon and Chamber families
Today is an opportunity for us all to be water sponsors! Every single one of us can make a difference for water. And we make that difference together. Let us remember that our collective efforts and generous contributions will help grow our community and ensure the survival and prosperity of Waterspirit for years to come.”
For more information about Waterspirit and upcoming initiatives, visit Waterspirit.org or follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube.
###
Waterspirit is a spiritual ecology non-profit organization dedicated to promoting water stewardship, environmental conservation, and community engagement. Through advocacy, education, and collaborative initiatives, Waterspirit works to protect and preserve our water resources for current and future generations.
Happy #WorldWaterDay to all of the water protectors out there on Earth! Be sure to take our Calls to Action regularly. Today, on World Water Day 2024, we want to offer a prayer written by our Public Policy & Justice Organizer, Rachel Dawn Davis. We hope that you honor water and peace today however you might. Waterspirit is here to support you in your journey of water centered contemplation and collective action.
PRAYER FOR WATER, PEACE, AND HARMONY
By: RACHEL DAWN DAVIS
We gather together and individually
with open hearts and minds.
We pray for peace to prevail in our world;
for harmony to be restored
among all nations and peoples.
In this sacred moment, we turn our attention to water,
the life-giving force that sustains us all.
We honor the rivers, lakes, and oceans;
the veins of Mother Earth
flowing with celestial essence.
May the waters be cleansed and purified,
free from pollution and harm.
May they continue to nourish and sustain all life,
from the smallest creature
to the largest tree.
We offer our deepest gratitude
for the blessings of water and her protectors;
and we commit to being mindful stewards
of this precious resource.
May we walk gently upon the Earth
respecting and protecting the sacredness of water
for generations to come.
In unity and reverence
we pray for peace and water;
knowing that when water flows in harmony,
so too shall our world.
We joyfully celebrated the arrival of Spring with music, dancing, poetry and laughter. Thank you to all who participated both in-person and online. And a great big THANK YOU to our musical guest Michele Mountain who performed a musical piece written for Waterspirit’s Equinox Celebration by her talented daughter Jen Mountain.
Hello friends. We are experiencing technical difficulties. To participate in Meditation for Earth online today at 7PM ET, please visit our Facebook Channel.
CLICK HERE to read this week’s mailer, featuring:
an invitation to tonight’s spring equinox ceremony, online and in-person;
an opportunity to connect with your neighbors in Monmouth County;
a chance to practice mindfulness in nature;
and more!
Interconnectedness is the way of water. It flows knowing no bounds, both powerfully creating and destroying life in its path. We know the limited water supply is being affected dangerously by climate crisis. All decisions now must be informed by reducing precious, sacred fresh water consumption; the waters are running dry. Colorado, Lake Mead, Medina River, Amazon River, Catalonia, River Derwent, and so on.
Waterspirit has been working on prevention and accountability with respect to water rights, water contamination, and false energy solutions. Democracy, like water, is fluid. We prove time and again through people powered action, we make a difference when we show up. Thank you all for showing up for the NJ Green Amendment, the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act, the Clean Energy Standard and the Open Public Records Act in a myriad of ways. When we coalesce, we direct energy with a greater goal in mind, one that is interconnected, filled with unity and hope.
The New Jersey Green Amendment (SCR43), a critical legislative initiative aimed at safeguarding environmental rights and promoting sustainability, has gained momentum in the state. This week, it was voted upon, favorably, after being heard by NJ’s Senate Environment and Energy committee last week. The bill was almost heard alongside the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act (S198) but was pushed ahead a week, after (S198) also saw advancement. This amendment seeks to enshrine the protection of natural resources and ecological balance in the state constitution, reflecting a commitment to honoring the interconnectedness of all life forms and the sacredness of the environment. In parallel, the movement towards fossil fuel divestment has gained traction, signaling a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable and equitable energy practices.
By divesting from fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy sources, New Jersey is taking a proactive stance in mitigating climate change, protecting the planet, and aligning with eco-spiritual principles that emphasize stewardship of the Earth and respect for all living beings. The Clean Energy Standard was also up for a vote this week and ultimately including proposed amendments by the most affected residents. That said, as per usual, there is a need for assurance that violations to these laws will hold concurrent consequences. Those overburdened already must be given utmost communication as these laws move through the legislature. Did you know in New Jersey, the percentage of poor and low-income households that goes towards energy costs is 5 times greater than what is spent by an average household income, and the cost of water is 3 times as greater than what an average household spends? (NJPPC Fact Sheet)
In the middle of these movements throughout the legislature for bills Waterspirit has been educating and organizing people around, a major threat befell Trenton and the entire state; a potential gutting of the Open Public Records Act. Ultimately the bill was pulled but from the Assembly Appropriations committee this week but only after a widespread opposition kept the Budget committee hearing testimony from 10AM through 6:30PM. Efforts to prevent the gutting of the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) in New Jersey have boldly underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and public participation in environmental decision-making processes. Upholding the principles of open governance and access to information is essential for ensuring environmental justice, empowering communities to advocate for their rights, and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship rooted in eco-spiritual values of interconnectedness and respect for the natural world. You and your voice matter.
Without the Open Public Records Act, how else might we obtain records to understand and rectify environmental injustice in the state? The process to obtain records would benefit from relevant updates but the reasoning was flawed and transparently a power grab away from people. One has to wonder; why would such a bill be proposed in the first place?
Waterspirit has long advocated for sound energy consumption considering those most overburdened by decisions that have resulted-for so long- in pollution and contamination of water, air and life. We are educating and advocating for sound energy consumption investments, processes and procedures. Through support of proactive legal grounding, accountability and preservations of transparent civic engagement, we are advancing a holistic vision of sustainability, justice and harmony with the natural world.
Thank you for being connected with Waterspirit and consider volunteering with us on these campaigns and/or our program offerings! Check out our calendar here.
