Trainings & Events

Public Life has become less civil. Would you like to learn practical skills to manage incivility? This workshop is sponsored by The University of Hartford Governor M. Jodi Rell Center For Public Service, CT Public, Connecticut Association of Boards Of Education, Connecticut Council of Small Towns, Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, Senate President Pro Tempe Martin Looney, Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly, House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora, and Speaker of the House Matt Ritter.

This interactive ONLINE coaching session focuses on building better community relationships through increased empathy, greater awareness, and decreased reactivity. This active and engaged session will be led by the Civil Certified Master Facilitators from the Institute for Civility in Government (https://www.instituteforcivility.org/). The event is free and will provide practical skills for anyone dealing with incivility.
 

Sustainable CT is excited to host the May Community Match Fund Office Hour on the new Social Change Amplifier Fund (SCAF) launched with the generous partnership of the Supporting Organizing Work – CT funders collaborative. The Social Change Amplifier Fund dedicates funds via the existing $1:$1 Community Match Fund program to projects led by Black, Latinx, Multiracial, Indigenous and other People of Color (POC) community organizers and organizations, with adjustments to help the campaigns reach scale and fundraising goals efficiently.

If you, or an organization/person you know, could benefit from this program, please share and plan to join Joseph Dickerson, Sustainable CT's Community Partnership Manager, on Thursday, May 26th from 12-1pm to discuss the details of this exciting new funding opportunity.

What are the criteria for the Social Change Amplifier Match Fund?

• Organized by Black, Latinx, Multiracial, Indigenous and People of Color (POC) leaders (grassroots groups, individual resident or nonprofit organization)


• Provide broad public benefits to your community (not to support private businesses or individuals through such methods as bail funds or rental assistance)


• Align with Sustainable CT’s action roadmap


• Planned for one or more Sustainable CT registered towns

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Projects, events, campaigns or community activities that promote public awareness and education


• Community canvasing, surveys, forums and meetings


• Vision sessions, focus groups


• Community leadership training


• Restorative justice projects


• Murals and other public art

How does the Social Change Amplifier Match Fund work?

Unlike traditional grant programs, Sustainable CT offers a quick, simple application process (starting with a conversation) with no deadlines, no lengthy review period, and minimal reporting requirements. Sustainable CT helps you create your project description on their crowdfunding platform, provides a crowdfunding coach, spreads the word about your project to bring in support from outside of your networks, and will match up to $7,500 in one-to-one matching dollars from the Social Change Amplifier Match Fund. Please contact [email protected] to schedule a call to discuss your project idea at any time.

NOTE: All Sustainable CT online events are recorded, including audio, video and chat texts. We make these recordings available, verbatim, to participants and to the public through our website and on YouTube. We may also use these recordings, in whole or in part, in social media posts, promotional and press material, in Actions & Impact, a Sustainable CT newsletter, and in the creation of The IMPACT, a Sustainable CT podcast, to support the action framework and further the mission of Sustainable CT. Be advised that by participating in a Sustainable CT virtual online event, and acknowledging that recording is taking place, you are accepting our use of your depiction, voice and chat texts in the manner(s) described.
 

In October 2021, the Environmental Health Matters Initiative (EHMI) organized the workshop Communities, Climate Change, and Health Equity—A New Vision, which provided an overview of how changing climate conditions exacerbate existing health inequities experienced by communities across the United States. The workshop identified a broad set of potential actions and actors that could lead efforts to address the intersection of climate change, health inequity and environmental injustice.

Given that much of the authority for addressing these issues rests at the individual state level, EHMI is organizing an additional workshop – the next in a series – from 12:00 - 3:00 PM ET on May 24 and 26, 2022.

This workshop will delve deeper into specific state-level actions and actors that could help improve climate-related health outcomes in disproportionately impacted communities, particularly through the deeper integration of health equity into climate programs and consideration of climate justice in public health programs.

Intended participants include representatives from: state agencies, legislatures, and governors’ offices; state consortiums; federal agencies and universities with programs that intersect state implementation; and community based organizations, state and national advocacy organizations, foundations, and private sector organizations that focus on action at the state level.

This workshop will take place on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 12:00 - 3:00 PM (ET) and Thursday, May 26, 2022 12:00 - 3:00 PM (ET). The workshop will be highly interactive and include breakouts for attendees to share lessons learned and discuss best practices. This workshop is public and free to attend. A recording of each session will be made available following the event.

Visit the event webpage for more information and to see a detailed agenda.
 

This webinar will provide an overview of the different phases of site investigation (typically called Phase I, II and III), typical costs for each and potential funding sources, how to plan and request an RFP to have an investigation conducted by a contractor and what municipal or regional agency officials can expect in the resulting reports. Presented by the UConn Technical Assistance on Brownfields (TAB) program.
 

Greenwich Food System Forum 2022 is a six part series that will engage thought leaders on the interconnectedness between the industrialized food system and our greatest ecological and social challenges; human and ecological health, economic disparity, racial inequity, food insecurity and access, affordable housing and climate change. Local and state-wide advocates and community organizers, who understand the layers of complexity within our food system, will discuss the ways in which root causes are embedded in policy, practice and mindset. Panel discussions will set context, connect dots, and provide solutions that call for systemic and structural change. Most significant, will be the sharing of ways WE can help reweave our social fabric through food and agriculture.

*WE have the power to be food system changemakers! Together, we can realize a future that advances a regionalized, regenerative, equitable and just Connecticut food system. Please join us!

*"We acknowledge that the place commonly referred to as “Connecticut” is located on the occupied and/or unceded traditional lands and waters of Indigenous peoples, and that we have a responsibility to help make that truth visible and to support efforts toward indigenous sovereignty and well-being.” Greenwich Conservation Commission and The Foodshed Network.

Save the Dates!

• June 1 - Cultivating Connecticut Grown: By Sea


• Sept 14 - Just Food: Access, Opportunity and Economic Empowerment


• October 5 - Seasonality: A Celebration of Taste, Place and Connection


• November 2 - Pathways to Engagement: Regenerating Resilient CT Foodshed

Activity-friendly streets, public spaces, and active transportation options became critical components of daily lives during the COVID-19 crisis for physical activity, accessing essential needs and being outdoors safely. But the vulnerability towards and the burden of the pandemic was not spread evenly across our communities.

Smart Growth America's newly released field scan, Shared Spaces and Health Equity: Lessons from a Pandemic, explores how decision-makers did (or did not) account for the existing inequities in their emergency-responses and identifies common barriers and lessons for the future.

Join Smart Growth America for a virtual dialogue with some of the contributors to this field scan on Thursday, June 2nd, 2022 at 2pm ET and share experiences from your work and/or local communities.

Who will be in the room?

• Rayla Bellis, Director, Thriving Communities, Smart Growth America


• Anushka Thakkar, Program Associate, Thriving Communities, Smart Growth America


• Michelle Lieberman, Consulting and Program Support Director, Safe Routes Partnership


• Mike McGinn, Executive Director, America Walks

Live captioning and ASL interpretation will be available for this event.

Questions? Email Anushka Thakkar at [email protected].
 

The New Jersey Climate Change Resource Center at Rutgers University is offering a free virtual training on the use of Rutgers’ climate change data visualization and mapping tools, NJADAPT. These data tools are designed to support efforts by communities to understand their impacts from climate change using the latest science and data. There are openings for 30 participants in this highly practical and interactive two-hour training. Rutgers invites individuals eager to participate to express their interest by May 15, 2022.
 

This free, three-part, virtual equity workshop series provides a comprehensive framework of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI). Attendance at all three sessions is required. Sessions run 9:30 am - 12:30 pm on: April 12th, May 10th, and 10:00 am - 1:00 pm on: June 7th. Content will be geared to help Sustainability Teams integrate equity considerations into their Sustainable CT initiatives. Who should attend? Sustainability Team members (elected officials, municipal staff, commissioners, volunteers) in registered Sustainable CT communities. Attendance is capped at 35.

Attendees will participate in three different workshops:

Equity 101 (April 12): This workshop provides an understanding for how racial equity increases the prosperity, health, and safety of the entire community. In order to transform structures, organizations, communities, and systems, today’s leaders need to be able to lead with an anti-racism/racial equity lens. We will discuss how leading with a racial equity lens is an essential component of a strategy for structural transformation to create equity for all.

Everyday Anti-Racism for Leaders (May 10): This workshop provides an understanding for how racial equity increases the prosperity, health, and safety of the entire community. TPS shows leaders how to apply anti-racism strategies to policies, practices, programs, evaluation, and financial decisions that advance equity in practical, tangible ways. Participants will strengthen their knowledge of strategies and tools to achieve racial equity.

How to Have Conversations about Race (June 7): This workshop provides an in-depth focus on major cross-cultural communication theories, ways that cultural values, power, privilege, and differences affect the way we communicate, tools for questioning assumptions, and ways to improve cross-cultural communications. Thought Partner Solutions offers leaders resources and materials to help kick off, prepare for, and facilitate conversations about race, bias, and equity.

Workshop leaders offer a variety of tools and teaching methods including graphic facilitation, visual imagery, theoretical models, small group dialogue, and kinesthetic interaction, to create a dynamic space that supports all types of learners.
 

Wondering how you calculate residential solid waste disposed per person and how you can use this data to reduce solid waste generation in your town? Join us to hear from Jennifer Weymouth of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection as she walks attendees through the steps to calculate your residential solid waste disposed per person and meet the requirements of Sustainable CT’s sub-action action 9.1.1. Ginny Walton, Recycling Coordinator for the Town of Mansfield will share insights about why this information is important, and how a community can use it to reduce waste.
 

Explore the basics of climate change and climate impacts we’re experiencing in the northeast and along the Connecticut River. You’ll hear highlights of work happening on-the-ground to help our human and natural communities become more resilient in the face of the climate crisis.

Speakers: TBA
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions on the third Friday of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are open to all.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions on the third Friday of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are open to all.
 

This free, three-part, virtual equity workshop series provides a comprehensive framework of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI). Attendance at all three sessions is required. Sessions run 10:00 am – 1:00 pm on: August 4th, August 25th, and September 14th. Content will be geared to help Sustainability Teams integrate equity considerations into their Sustainable CT initiatives. Who should attend? Sustainability Team members (elected officials, municipal staff, commissioners, volunteers) in registered Sustainable CT communities. Attendance is capped at 35.

Attendees will participate in three different workshops:

Equity 101 (August 4): This workshop provides an understanding for how racial equity increases the prosperity, health, and safety of the entire community. In order to transform structures, organizations, communities, and systems, today’s leaders need to be able to lead with an anti-racism/racial equity lens. We will discuss how leading with a racial equity lens is an essential component of a strategy for structural transformation to create equity for all.

Everyday Anti-Racism for Leaders (August 25): This workshop provides an understanding for how racial equity increases the prosperity, health, and safety of the entire community. TPS shows leaders how to apply anti-racism strategies to policies, practices, programs, evaluation, and financial decisions that advance equity in practical, tangible ways. Participants will strengthen their knowledge of strategies and tools to achieve racial equity.

How to Have Conversations about Race (September 14): This workshop provides an in-depth focus on major cross-cultural communication theories, ways that cultural values, power, privilege, and differences affect the way we communicate, tools for questioning assumptions, and ways to improve cross-cultural communications. Thought Partner Solutions offers leaders resources and materials to help kick off, prepare for, and facilitate conversations about race, bias, and equity.

Workshop leaders offer a variety of tools and teaching methods including graphic facilitation, visual imagery, theoretical models, small group dialogue, and kinesthetic interaction, to create a dynamic space that supports all types of learners.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions on the third Friday of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are open to all.
 

The one-day conference will feature an engaging agenda that includes appearances from guest speakers Governor Ned Lamont and Waterbury Mayor Neil O'Leary. Interactive sessions with expert panelists will help frame the Greater Naugatuck Valley’s path on issues related to transportation, affordable housing, and public involvement. This year's discussions and presentations will be underpinned by the concept of equity.

The event is facilitated by the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG). Presentations begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m. There is no cost to attend and the conference is open to the general public.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions on the third Friday of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are open to all.
 

Greenwich Food System Forum 2022 is a six part series that will engage thought leaders on the interconnectedness between the industrialized food system and our greatest ecological and social challenges; human and ecological health, economic disparity, racial inequity, food insecurity and access, affordable housing and climate change. Local and state-wide advocates and community organizers, who understand the layers of complexity within our food system, will discuss the ways in which root causes are embedded in policy, practice and mindset. Panel discussions will set context, connect dots, and provide solutions that call for systemic and structural change. Most significant, will be the sharing of ways WE can help reweave our social fabric through food and agriculture.

*WE have the power to be food system changemakers! Together, we can realize a future that advances a regionalized, regenerative, equitable and just Connecticut food system. Please join us!

*"We acknowledge that the place commonly referred to as “Connecticut” is located on the occupied and/or unceded traditional lands and waters of Indigenous peoples, and that we have a responsibility to help make that truth visible and to support efforts toward indigenous sovereignty and well-being.” Greenwich Conservation Commission and The Foodshed Network.

Save the Dates!

• October 5 - Seasonality: A Celebration of Taste, Place and Connection


• November 2 - Pathways to Engagement: Regenerating Resilient CT Foodshed

This free, three-part, virtual equity workshop series provides a comprehensive framework of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI). Attendance at all three sessions is required. Sessions run 10:00 am – 1:00 pm on: October 19th, November 16th, and December 7th. Content will be geared to help Sustainability Teams integrate equity considerations into their Sustainable CT initiatives. Who should attend? Sustainability Team members (elected officials, municipal staff, commissioners, volunteers) in registered Sustainable CT communities. Attendance is capped at 35.

Attendees will participate in three different workshops:

Managing Unconscious Bias (October 19): This workshop is designed to increase awareness of bias and to explore how conscious and unconscious bias impacts communication and decision-making when we interact with individuals and groups that are different from us. Participants will also explore the effects of bias in everyday situations and determine alternative behaviors that stop bias in its tracks.

Race, Racism, and White Supremacy (November 16): This workshop explores the origins of race, white supremacy, and racism. We begin to discuss and how white supremacy and racism continue to manifest in our cities and towns.

How to Change Someone's Mind (December 7): In this workshop participants will learn about beliefs and behaviors of folks and how to navigate racist comments and the complexities of people’s beliefs.

Workshop leaders offer a variety of tools and teaching methods including graphic facilitation, visual imagery, theoretical models, small group dialogue, and kinesthetic interaction, to create a dynamic space that supports all types of learners.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions on the third Friday of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are open to all.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions on the third Friday of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are open to all.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions on the third Friday of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are open to all.