In a conference center dominated by CNN coverage of the human and environmental calamity resulting from Hurricane Katrina, Amory welcomed me.

I used those minutes to summarize ITC's ecumenical history -- working across our many differences to serve a Greater Good; our commitment to Liberation Theology and taking Jesus seriously when he called us to serve “the least of these”; the national and international reach of our ITC students, graduates and alumni.

I then described our remarkable location -- contiguous with our sister-institutions within Atlanta University and sharing a MARTA stop with the World Congress Center, CNN Center, the Georgia Aquarium and the new World of Coke.

The ITC, I proposed to him, could bring together people of all ethnicities and persuasions on behalf of the earth. In short, I proposed the ITC be a magnet to the world, the physical and spiritual embodiment of a Green Civilization.

Amory Lovins' response was simple, instantaneous and electrifying. “This is wonderful!” he said.  “And I think David will also see its promise. We'll both be in Atlanta in November, let's get started.” The “David” to whom he referred had taken on his fair share of “Goliaths”. David Orr is our mutual friend and another world-class visionary. Dr. Orr was “there at the creation” of the entire field of “Environmental Education”. As Director of Environmental Studies at Oberlin College , Bill and I knew David through our radio/Internet Show. And we know Oberlin, it is my alma mater.

David Orr listened intently. It took him the same nanosecond to conclude along with Mr. Lovins, “I think you're on to something here, Paula.” November beckoned. So we had the idea. And we had leadership at the ITC and from world-class environmentalists.