The Integral Ecology Initiative (IEI) has identified six principles for becoming an integral organization:
These principles guide our thinking, decisions, and actions to shape how we live our mission today and in the future.
PRINCIPLE SPOTLIGHT: EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED
“Everything is connected. Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings.”
—Pope Francis, Laudato Si’
Human organizations, like ecosystems, are webs of relationships. Decisions about energy, education, or social supports are never isolated—they ripple across people, communities, and the planet.
We are putting this principle into practice throughout the IEI’s ongoing work.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Planning: Understanding how every choice we make regarding energy consumption affects infrastructure, costs, community health, and the environment will help us move toward system-wide carbon neutrality.
Integral Ecology Curriculum: Education and formation connect directly to community life and advocacy. Drawing on JPIC’s social justice leadership and CPSVP’s work alongside vulnerable communities, we can weave diverse perspectives and knowledge into one shared framework for caring for people and the planet.
Partnerships: Exploring a climate resilience hub in Leavenworth recognizes that clean energy, climate change, basic needs, and human dignity are inseparable. Doing it in partnership with the Climate and Energy Project demonstrates that we must work in collaboration for lasting transformation..
Social Aid Campaigns: The Centro Pastoral San Vicente de Paúl addresses human well-being and ecological care by pairing healthcare, water, and legal services with environmental responsibility education in communities most affected by climate change.
When we recognize that everything is connected, we see our mission not as a series of separate actions, but as one unified expression of God’s love for people and planet.
ACT WITH US FOR PEOPLE AND THE PLANET
In the months ahead, we invite you to reflect on this principle in your own life and work. Where do you see connections between care for creation and care for people? How can we strengthen those connections together?
