MONTPELIER – Members of the newest Climate Catalysts Leadership Program met at the North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier to kick off the start of their six-month journey together on June 2. They introduced themselves and their project ideas, heard from guest speakers and Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) Executive Director Denise Smith, then shared a meal together.
“As we face ever more complicated impacts to our planet caused by a changing climate, we see people like you from all over the state taking action to make a difference,” said Smith. “VCRD is committed to supporting leaders who want to be part of the solution. For over 30 years, we have helped Vermonters build leadership skills as they tackle projects that make their communities more prosperous and resilient.
VCRD will provide these leaders with opportunities to build peer connections, strengthen leadership skills, and receive project development. “The Climate Catalyst program continues to adapt to fit the needs that are present in local climate efforts. This year’s cohort will focus on finding common threads needed to develop equitable climate actions and building out their state wide networks,” said Climate Economy Program Manager Laura Cavin Bailey. “The range of projects, from climate storytelling to community meals, speaks to the multi-faceted ways we can solve our climate crisis and become more resilient.”
Since the program’s inception in 2020, nearly 75 Vermonters have participated in this program sparking innovative projects in their hometowns and beyond. To find out more about the new cohort members and their projects go to vtrural.org/climate-economy/climate-catalysts-leadership-program, or contact Laura at [email protected] and (802) 234-1646.
