An opportunity to make a commitment, receive a cool wristband (made of sustainably-harvested rainforest materials!) and join others working to make the planet a better place for the people and creation with whom we share it.

Join the Band commitment form

Meet the Band

Many people in the NCP circle have made substantial commitments to living differently with the earth and its people. Others are actively seeking new directions for their lives, finding the spiritual and material effects of consumerism harmful to their own, the earth's, and their neighbors' well being.

People such as these are often looking for a way to signify their commitment, and to link with a larger "band" of like-minded individuals. The Bible is filled with such groups, from the nomadic Israelites, to the simple yet rewarding life of our Lord and his disciples, to the early church, which was so different from the dominant society that it was seen as a threat to the established order of the day.

Francis St. Francis of Assisi also serves as model for this other path. Francis gave up a career as the heir-apparent to his father's business to follow a path of poverty and service, earning the name "God's Troubadour" for his irrepressible spirit. He is also well known for his sense of kinship with the natural world, often pausing along his way to speak with animals about their Creator. One of the outgrowths of Francis' ministry was the formation of the Third Order, a group of laypeople who took vows of service, simplicity and peacemaking. This movement was a revolutionary force in the church and wider community of the day, challenging the violence and greed that often characterized their society. It is in the spirit of the Third Order that NCP invites people to Join the Band .

The Cofan A wristband made of sustainably harvested materials by the Cofan people of the Ecuadorian Amazon signifies membership in the Band. The Siona were nomadic hunter-gatherers until the early 1960's when oil companies--with the backing of the government--invaded their part of the Amazon. Now their numbers and range are severely reduced, and they struggle to hold on to their way of life. Purchasing the wristband ($5) provides economic support to the Cofan and serves as a tangible sign of solidarity with the world's marginalized people.

You Joining the Band and wearing the wristband brings you into the circle of those who have committed themselves to another way of living. You join with other Band-members in supporting one another and challenging one another to live with greater harmony toward the earth and its people.

What do you have to do?

• Make a commitment to live more responsibly with the earth and more fairly with our global neighbors, and share you commitment with your community. Unless you state otherwise, your name and commitments will be posted on the Meet the Band page of the NCP website.

What will we do?

Support you by:

.  Sending you a wristband made by the Cofan community of the Ecuadorian Amazon of sustainable rainforest materials ($5 donation suggested)
.  Putting you on our special Join the Band mailing list to receive challenging and encouraging communications from NCP and beyond
.  Helping you find ways to connect to the Join the Band community

Get cool introductory materials for telling your group about Join the Band!