As the year draws to a close, I find myself pausing to reflect on all that we’ve experienced and accomplished together in 2024. It has been a year of growth, challenges, and profound lessons—and through it all, one feeling continues to resonate: gratitude.
At Iowa Interfaith Power & Light, our mission is to mobilize Iowans of diverse faith and spirituality to take bold and just action on the climate crisis. This mission is not just a guiding principle—it is a call to action that drives everything we do. It reflects our commitment to be rooted in faith, inclusivity and respect, equity, and collaboration—and comes to life through the passion and dedication of the individuals and communities we are privileged to support and serve.
Despite being a small team of just three, we work tirelessly to live into Iowa IPL’s mission. Every program, partnership, and conversation reflects our dedication to creating a healthier, more just, and sustainable future. Our incredible 10-member board, inspired by the passion of our supporters, is committed to nurturing leadership and equipping individuals and communities to take meaningful climate action. Together, we are building an organization grounded in faith and collaboration, empowering others to make a real difference.
Next year, we are excited to embark on a new chapter in our journey. We will roll out a strategic plan that will launch Iowa IPL in a bold and exciting direction. This plan represents months of thoughtful discernment and collaboration, and we believe it will deepen our impact as we continue to work for climate justice across Iowa. We can’t wait to share it with you.
Our work would not be possible without you—our supporters, congregations, and faith communities. You are the heartbeat of this network across the state of Iowa. Your commitment to climate action, prayers, and generous contributions fuel our work and remind us of the strength found in a shared vision of the future. Your dedication to caring for creation is an inspiration, and it gives us hope for a more just and sustainable world.
This year has also been a time of personal growth for me as a leader. I’ve learned to embrace the challenges to become a stronger executive director who is taking bold risks to pivot what we have done and step into something new. In this process, I’ve discovered the vision I want to imprint on this organization—a vision rooted in faith, inclusivity, equity, and collaboration. I’ve come to prioritize the importance of creating space for others to grow, nurturing their leadership, and encouraging them to contribute in ways that align with their strengths and passions. These lessons have shaped not only my approach to leadership but also the future of Iowa IPL.
As we move into the year ahead, I invite you to join us in carrying gratitude in our hearts. Gratitude connects us to one another and to the sacred responsibility we share to care for creation. Rooted in faith and guided by our values, we will continue working together to nurture hope, nurture leadership, and build a healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable future for all.
Thank you for walking this journey with us. Thank you for your faith, passion, and unwavering support. I am profoundly grateful for you.
With gratitude,
Irene