The Earth Charter is an international declaration of core values and implementing principles that form a road map for getting to full-circle sustainability (respect for nature,universal human rights,economic justice,grassroots democracy and a culture of peace) in every community on planet Earth.
Earth Charter Indiana is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Indianapolis,Indiana. Earth Charter Indiana has fraternal relationships with Earth Charter U.S. and Earth Charter International.
“Let ours be a time remembered for the awakening of a new reverence for life,the firm resolve to achieve sustainability,the quickening of the struggle for justice and peace,and the joyful celebration of life.” (closing words of the Charter)
Our Projects:
- Food Security initiative for Central Indiana
- Sustainable Indiana 2016 bicentennial initiative (sustainableindiana2016.org)
- Organizing public forums and summits that promote Earth Charter values and build sustainable communities
Founders’Biographies
Earth Charter Indiana co-founders,John Gibson and Jerry King,have been friends and collaborators on Indianapolis neighborhood projects for nearly two decades. In 2001,they teamed up to convene a community assessment of the Earth Charter;an assessment which led to the formation of a new nonprofit organization that would promote the Charter’s integrated approach to sustainable community development.
As a team,Gibson and King brought years of grassroots organizing skills to the table. Jerry King was active in the Near East Side Community Organization and later elected chair of the Marion County Alliance of Neighborhoods Association. John Gibson was active in the Mapleton Fall Creek Neighborhood and in 1999,ran as an independent candidate for Mayor of Indianapolis.
In addition to their respective volunteer involvements,both men held professional posts as Executive Directors of nonprofits:King at Indiana Public Health Association and Gibson at Institute of Cultural Affairs.
Currently,Jerry King chairs the Earth Charter Indiana Board of Directors and in February 2008 was selected by Earth Charter U.S. to head up the inaugural 2009 National Earth Charter Conference held at Butler University in Indianapolis.
John Gibson is now serving as the first Executive Director of the organization with responsibilities for building coalitions across Indiana that will educate the public about the values of and resources for sustainable living.
Board of Directors
Rachel Butler is a Master of Public Health and Master of Health Administration graduate student at Indiana University School of Medicine,Department of Public Health.
John Drake (Treasurer) is a CPA and CFO for non-profit industries.
Lynette (Lynn) Herold (Secretary) retired from AUL as Director of Human Resources Development and is an accomplished marimba musician.
Anne Jay is a Registered Nurse and graduate of Saint Mary of the Woods Earth Literacy Master Program.
Shary Johnston is retired Sr. Manager of Time Warner and former Executive Director of Fall Creek Development Corporation.
Jerry King (President) is the Executive Director of the Indiana Public Health Association.
Manunya Nookong is a Master of Public Relations and a Master of Communications graduate of Indiana University School of Liberal Arts who has a keen interest in web technologies and social media.
Bob Proctor (Vice President) is a green builder,remodeler,and past Board member of the Mapleton Fall Creek Development Corporation.
Paul Severance is the retired Founder and Executive Director of United Senior Action and the Founder of the Center for the New Elder.
Rosemary Spalding is an attorney with Spalding &Hilmes,PC and practices in the area of environmental law
Gary Thompson is a physician with St. Francis Hospital.
Honorary Green Ambassadors
Bill Brown
Philip Gulley
Boniface Hardin
Rick Lopez
Carrie Newcomer
Judy O’Bannon
Pat Payne
Scott Russell Sanders
Sara Snow