This program will be the Chapter's first event where the attendees build the content of the event based on the feedback provided during the registration process. This session will focus on what local communities can do to achieve sustainability and how the USGBC - Illinois Chapter, as one of the recognized leaders in advocacy and membership in Illinois, can help achieve these goals. Expert speakers will guide four focused discussions chosen by the attendees prior to the event. Possible topics include access and training for youth in the green movement, access to sustainable curriculum in schools and training programs, and access to resources such as agriculture and food. All organizations representing community initiatives have recently received a Greenbuild 2010 Legacy Grant based on the work of one of their employees.
[Green Jobs / Youth Outreach] - Youth Build Lake County is a seven year old non-profit that provides education and job training services. Our mission is to help low income young adults complete their education, learn the necessary skills to become employed and build a hopeful future for themselves and their families.
[Sustainable Education] - Academy for Global Citizenship is located on Chicago's underserved southwest side. Their mission is to empower all students to positively impact the community and world beyond. Dedicated to rigorous academic standards, environmental sustainability and global education, they use integrated teaching methods as a powerful way to connect the ABCs and 123s with plants and trees.
[Food Desert] - Food Desert Action creates community based solutions to address the lack of grocery stores in low income urban neighborhoods. The organization plans to launch a mobile market: a CTA bus retrofitted as a one-aisle grocery specializing in fresh produce.
[Urban Agriculture] - Sunlight of the Spirit empowers individuals who are homeless,ex-offenders, recovering from addiction, low-income, and other disenfranchised individuals who have the common goal to work towards self-sufficiency. The Sunlight of the Spirit Rooftop Recovery Garden is a new food-producing rooftop garden atop an existing residential and community service building.
We ask that you help us create this event and let us know what topics regarding local community sustainability you want to hear discussed. During the registration process for this event, be sure to submit a topic to "Build Your Own Event".
Agenda:
5:30 - 6:00 Networking
6:00 - 6:15 Welcome and USGBC - Illinois Chapter Overview
6:15 - 7:15 Panel Discussion
7:15 - 7:30 Networking
Thank you to our Event Sponsors -
CTA
Transwestern