From Concern to Community Power: Practical Tools for Community-Led Change
This virtual convening is for you if you’ve ever seen a problem and wanted to fix it, but didn't know where to begin. Across three days, residents, organizers, researchers, advocates, and public partners will share practical tools for turning local concerns into (collective) action.
Each session will offer a different entry point, but all will return to the same question: How can regular people gain the knowledge, relationships, and confidence to help create the changes they want to see?
Learn from people who have documented problems, gathered evidence, built coalitions, engaged agencies, and pursued changes in policy, practice, and public investment.
Move from “I have a problem” to “I know how to begin, who to work with, and what steps I can take.” Leave with examples, connections, and practical know-how to start shaping solutions.
You do not have to be an expert, have an organization, or solve the problem alone to get started. A concern becomes more powerful when neighbors connect, identify what they are experiencing, learn how decisions are made, and choose a practical first step (together).
This is for you, if you have ever asked:
What can I do?
I have a problem—how do I begin to solve it?
Who else is dealing with this?
How do I make sure the people with power listen?
Schedule
Day 1: October 27
Day 2: October 28
Noon Session 1: How Ecology Supports Community Engagement
Noon Session 2: Community Gardens: Gateway to Science in Community
Noon Session 3: Understanding Lead Exposure: From Community Awareness to Public Health Action
6.30 PM: Municipal Airports & Community Partnerships: Building Trust, Engagement, and Accountability
Day 3: October 29