River Rally 2026

We hear it constantly: "Community members already know the solutions to the problems they face." How then, can local organizations help community members actually access what they need to implement those solutions? Community Leadership Development programs are filling this gap in communities across the country, connecting individuals to knowledge, skills, power, and resources to advance the solutions they know are most responsive and effective where they live. Hear from three leadership development practitioners engaging in different stages of this work: New Orleans East Green Infrastructure Collective (New Orleans, LA), Girl Plus Environment (Atlanta, GA and Mobile, AL), and Defensores de la Cuenca (Maryland / Chesapeake Bay). Participants can expect to learn not only about designing a successful climate leadership program, but doing so in ways that are culturally responsive, iterative, and inclusive of changing community needs. Anyone is invited to attend this session.