Dr. Joanne Moyer

Biography

The roots of Joanne’s love for God’s creation were planted during her childhood through family treks in the Old Man River valley, wildlife safaris in Tanzania, East Africa, and summers working at a church camp in the Alberta foothills. Throughout her university studies, she found ways to integrate her passion for creation care and her interest in human motivations and behaviours, which culminated in her doctoral thesis studying learning for sustainability among faith-based organizations in Kenya. Her recent research explores how faith communities are engaging in environmental work in Canada, and her broader research interests centre on the relationships between humans and their socio-ecological environments, the factors that influence these relationships, and how they can be modified and transformed.

She has worked as a writer, researcher, and consultant for various environmental projects, including serving on the Simply in Season cookbook advisory committee, and writing the Mennonite Central Committee’s 7 Days website, which was later published as a book: Earth Trek: Celebrating and Sustaining God’s Creation (2004). She currently serves as a council member for the Mennonite Creation Care Network, and on the Sustainability Leadership Group for Mennonite Church Canada. Joanne cycles to work (in almost all weather), participates in the King’s community garden, and takes the train as often as possible. She also enjoys exploring Edmonton’s river valley and ravines, singing in her church choir, and knitting socks.

Courses

ENVS 200 - Introduction to Sustainability
ENVS 320 - Simplicity and Consumption: Living Sustainably
ENVS 410 - Natural Resource Management
ENVS 491 - Becoming Environmental Citizens: University and Beyond
GEOG 210 - The Global Village: Flourishing in an Interconnected World
GEOG 310 - Human Geography

Research Interests

• Environmental sustainability within faith communities
  • Research website: http://faithenvironmentcanada.jigsy.com/
• Learning for sustainability (Transformative Learning Theory)
• Worldviews, beliefs, and values about sustainability
• Community-based sustainability initiatives, public participation, and governance

Recent Academic Publications

Moyer, Joanne M., and A. John Sinclair. (Forthcoming) “Faith-Based Environmental Engagement in Canada: An Environmental Governance Perspective.” Society and Natural Resources, DOI: 10.1080/08941920.2022.2079786

Moyer, Joanne M., and Claire Brandenbarg. 2021. “The Landscape of Faith-Based Environmental Engagement in Canada.” Local Environments 26:10: 1267-1283. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2021.1973395

Kits, Gerda, Roy Berkenbosch, and Joanne M. Moyer. 2021. “Cultivating Hope in the Christian University Classroom.” International Journal of Christianity & Education, 25(1): 31-43. DOI: 10.1177/2056997120972140

Moyer, Joanne M., and A. John Sinclair. 2020. “Learning for Sustainability: Considering Pathways to Transformation.” Adult Education Quarterly, 70(4): 340-359. DOI: 10.1177/0741713620912219

Moyer, Joanne M., and Stephen Bede Scharper. 2019. “The Fabric of Faith-Based Environmentalism in Canada: Exploring the Strands of Ecological Worldviews.” Worldviews 23(1): 33-58. DOI:10.1163/15685357-02301003

Moyer, Joanne M. 2018. “Faith-Based Environmental Work in Canada: A Profile.” Western Geography, 23: 60-85. http://www.geog.uvic.ca/wcag/WesternGeography23.pdf

Moyer, Joanne M., A. John Sinclair, and Lisa Quinn. 2016. “Transitioning to a More Sustainable Society: Unpacking the Role of the Learning-Action Nexus.” International Journal of Lifelong Education 35(3): 313-329.

Moyer, Joanne M., and A. John Sinclair. 2016. “Stoking the Dialogue on the Domains of Transformative Learning Theory.” Adult Education Quarterly 66(1): 39-56.

Moyer, Joanne M. 2015. “‘Let Earth Rest’: A Consumption Sabbath Tent Revival Meeting to Inspire Simplicity and Environmental Action.” Conrad Grebel Review 33(2): 270-281.

Moyer, Joanne M. 2015. “Faith-Based Sustainability in Practice: Case Studies from Kenya.” Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature, and Culture 9(1): 42-67.

Moyer, Joanne M., A. John Sinclair, and Alan P. Diduck. 2014. “Learning for Sustainability among Faith-Based Organizations in Kenya.” Environmental Management 54(2): 360–372.

Sinclair, A. John, Wachiraporn Kumnerdpet, and Joanne M. Moyer. 2013. “Learning Sustainable Water Practices through Participatory Irrigation Management in Thailand.” Natural Resources Forum 37(1): 55-66.

Moyer, Joanne M., A. John Sinclair, and Harry Spaling. 2012. “Working for God and Sustainability: The Activities of Faith-Based Organizations in Kenya.” Voluntas: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations 23(4): 959-992.

Academic Appointments

Director of the Environmental Studies Program, The King’s University, 2020-Present

Interim Director of the Environmental Studies Program, The King’s University, 2018-2019

Recent Community Presentations

Moyer, Joanne M., and Heather Prior. 2022. “Share Creation Care Experiences across the World.” Workshop presented at the Mennonite World Conference Assembly in Salatiga, Indonesia, July 5-10, 2022.

Moyer, Joanne M. 2022. Climate Change Panel. Hosted by the Canadian Mennonite magazine on Zoom. May 25, 2022.

Moyer, Joanne M. 2021. “Working for God and Sustainability: Tales from Two Continents.” The King’s University Public Lecture Series, presented on Zoom, June 3, 2021.

Moyer, Joanne. 2020. “Personal Action and Climate Change.” Presented on Zoom as part of Climate Hope Edmonton’s Turning Down the Heat on Climate Change Series. Edmonton, AB, May 24, 2020.

Moyer, Joanne. 2017. “Voluntary Simplicity: How can simple living transform you and the world?” presented at Ascension Lutheran Church, Edmonton, AB, November 19, 2017.

Moyer, Joanne. 2017. “Green Disciples: Working for God and Sustainability,” presented at St. Paul’s United Church Solar Panel Event, Edmonton, AB, November 17, 2017.

Moyer, Joanne. 2016. “Watershed Discipleship: A Faithful Response a Hurting Planet.” Workshop presented at the Christian Reformed Church Day of Encouragement. The King’s University, Edmonton, AB, October 29, 2016.

Moyer, Joanne. 2016. “Faith-Based Creation Care Activities: Mennonite Creation Care Network and Beyond.” Presentation at Caring for God's Good Creation: A National, Church-Wide Consultation on Living out our Calling. Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Saskatoon, SK, July 10, 2016.

Moyer, Joanne. 2016. “Every Creature Singing: Introducing Watershed Discipleship.” Workshop presented at Mennonite Church Canada Assembly: “God, Faith, People.” Saskatoon, SK, July 6-10, 2016.

Moyer, Joanne. 2016. “Voluntary Simplicity.” Workshop presented at the Edmonton Social Justice Institute Conference: “Care for our Common Home: A Faithful Response to Today’s Ecological and Social Crisis.” The King’s University, Edmonton, AB, April 8-9, 2016.

Moyer, Joanne. 2015. “Connecting to Creation Care” and “Acting on Creation Care.” Adult Sunday School Series presented at Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren Church, Winnipeg, MB. March 29, and April 12, 2015.

Moyer, Joanne. 2014. “Connectedness, Climate Change, and Hope.” Meditation presented at Mennonite Church Canada Assembly: “Wild Hope: Faith for an Unknown Season.” Winnipeg, MB, July 3-6, 2014.

Moyer, Joanne. 2013. “Caring for Creation: Making your Voice Heard.” Mennonite Church Canada Youth Assembly: “The Fat Calf Festival.” Headingly, MB. July 30, 2013.