Peer Learning Network on Community Climate Response

Question: How can I help my community plan for change in our watershed?

Answer: Team up with other watershed leaders from across the country using successful community-based approaches.

River Network is looking for people to join in a Peer Learning Network who want to inspire their community, participate in and lead climate response efforts.

Watershed groups are already on the front lines of climate change. Floods, water shortages and energy development issues are capturing national headlines. Communities need help coping with these changes and sustaining both water and energy resources. Starting in October, 2011, selected staff members and volunteers of water protection organizations will come together for 8 months of professional support towards becoming more effective leaders on climate issues.

Participants and peer-mentors will receive:

• Access to national experts on climate and water issues
• Opportunities to learn from the experiences of other participants
• 12 hours of web-assisted training sessions
• 10 hours of direct mentoring.
• Assistance developing fund raising programs
• Priority access to Rally scholarships funds

Training topics we expect to cover are:

• Working with local utilities
• Effective water and energy conservation programs
• Responding to floods, drought and extreme weather events
• Watershed resiliency/ Climate adaptation
• Sustainable energy development
• Leading collaborative stakeholder processes
• Using federal resources and scientific tools
• Finding financial support

The first PLN will run from October 2011 through May 2012. During that time River Network will host a series of conference calls, webinars and other online presentations. Each participant will be expected to develop a local project or practicum. Mentors and technical experts will be available to help the PLN and support individual projects. Projects should involve public outreach, community planning and building community partnerships and need not be finished by May. Successful projects will be showcased at the National River Rally in May 2012 .

We are no longer accepting applicants for this first Peer Learning Network. If you would like to learn more about the PLN process or opportunities to participate in future PLN sessions, please email Travis Leipzig at tleipzig@rivernetwork.org.

What is a Peer Learning Network? PLNs provide a structure for leadership development and project implementation on emerging issues, such as how to meet the challenges of climate change in your watershed. These PLNs are envisioned as providing broad networking, a place to share experiences, and supporting specific projects.

Project Leadership: The Peer Learning Network will be coordinated by Marc Alston, under contract with River Network. Marc brings his career-long experience in watershed protection and project coordination to the project and is a Professional Coach.