In the early days, as the recovery from the tornado got underway, it became clear that Greensburg was in a unique position to pass on information and advice to other communities, both at home and abroad. One of the things that gives meaning to tragedy is being able to turn around and help others.

Two years out, we find that we are being called upon more and more to share from our experiences. As we like to say, “We can help you learn what to do and what NOT to do.” There is a lot in Greensburg that is working quite well; of course, as with any human endeavor, mistakes are made as well. We like to give people the whole story behind the Green Initiative.

On June 26 we hosted a group from Oklahoma who represent the United Methodist Environmental Coalition. Mark Davies, Don & Donna Combs, and Denny Hook made the trip up from Oklahoma City to tour Greensburg and meet with local church representatives. One of the Coalition’s functions is to advise and inspire Oklahoma’s Methodist churches about sustainability issues. (This is potentially a huge job, as there are an estimated 635 Methodist churches in the state.) On their website they encourage their congregations to “Take Five Steps to a Healthier and more Environmentally Friendly Church”. These suggested activities consist of conducting an energy audit of the church building, practicing conservation landscaping of the church grounds, using environmentally friendly cleaning products, hosting environmentally friendly activities, and reducing waste.

The group who visited Greensburg was specifically interested in how local churches have rebuilt in an energy efficient, green manner. They wanted to garner tips and advice they can go home and share with their constituents. (You might want to check out the Environmental Coalition’s website to get a full picture of their mission and activities.)

GreenTown’s Catherine Hart set up meetings with Rev. Terry Mayhew at the First United Methodist Church, Rev. T.J. Lawson from First Christian, and Pastor Marvin George at the First Baptist Church. The Oklahoma folks got to tour each facility and ask a lot of pertinent questions related to the planning and building processes. They learned much from the experience of each church – what to do, what not to do, what could be done differently, etc. It was a rich afternoon of learning. Each pastor was extremely generous with his time.

This is one of the most important things happening quietly in town – the sharing of post-tornado experience with groups of all stripes from all over the world. Greensburg inspires people for many reasons; chief among them is demonstrating the ability of a tiny community to positively impact the world. And it has taken - and will continue to take - hundreds of residents working together, generously giving of their time and attention, to pass on the benefit of their experience to others seeking to make positive change in their own communities.