| I give thanks for Sustainable Hudson Valley’s opportunity to work with some of the most creative people and organizations in the region. This year, we were delighted to work with the Tivoli Artists Gallery on a high-quality exhibit of art inspired by the environment, and to host a forum at the gallery, “Climate/Creative.”
As we turn the corner into 2025, our work will make maximum use of creative energy to create more resilient communities in the face of climate change and political division – building on our experience in bringing people together in countless convening and collaborations since 2007. Across the divisions, we see two huge common values in play: the desire to stop fighting and build, and the desire to connect people beyond the boundaries of tired ideologies.
We have been piloting exciting programs that speak to these values by:
- Helping communities to identify where renewable energy can be sited without upsetting people, and connecting with utilities to figure out affordable ways of upgrading the grid where needed;
- Working with local institutions like libraries to create “resilience hubs” where the lights will stay on in an emergency, where people can stay cool in extreme heat and find better ways to manage flood-waters;
- Working with county agencies and private sector partners on a circular economy strategy anchored in the Ulster Reuse Innovation Center in development.
In these big projects, our small organization plays a clear role as facilitator and translator, designing programs that can be widely replicated and show immediate benefits. This year’s work has also included new programs with young people, such as a public speaking training and a scenario planning workshop. These tools will add to the impact of our movement.
Between now and year-end, we will be sharing several announcements of programs and projects, and hope you will keep Sustainable Hudson Valley in mind in your year-end giving. New donor gifts of $50 and up will be matched through year-end! |
