River Rally Program

Plenaries at River Rally

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation President and CEO Ridgway White will precede the River Network 2024 Legacy Award Honoree, John Echohawk. Mott has supported its hometown of Flint and communities around the world for nearly a century, and the Foundation has provided funding for River Network for 25 of those years. These investments in river, water and justice advocates have left a legacy of progress across the Great Lakes region and beyond. Few people exemplify the spirit of legacy better than John Echohawk, who has personally touched nearly a third of all Indian water rights cases that have resulted in settlements, each of which were spearheaded by local river, water and justice leaders. 
Sarah Diringer of the Pisces Foundation will moderate a panel discussion that dives deep on priorities, roadblocks and accelerators of policy action led by local leaders. Learn from Ayanna Jolivet Mccloud (Bayou City Waterkeeper) and River Heroes Dennis Mabasa (Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy) and Jill Ryan (Freshwater Future). Speakers will explore their paths to success as well as their advice to funders, agency leaders, and network colleagues.
Explore how your organization can leverage federal resources for impactful water initiatives at the grassroots level! Join moderator Travis Loop for an engaging and interactive panel discussion featuring local leaders, including Celina Mahabir, Thérèse d'Auria Ryley, and 2024 River Hero Kirsten Shead as they delve into the intricacies of federal funding for water-related projects. Hear the panelists’ stories and insights, followed by group discussion. Audience members will have the chance to ask questions and contribute their own insights to the conversation.

The River Rally Schedule

Filter the schedule by the following tracks and event types:

Climate Resilient Communities ● Safe Affordable Drinking Water ●  Healthy Rivers ● Organizational Development ● Policy & Advocacy ● Science & Climate ● Plenary or Meal ● Reception ● Social Event ● Pre-Conference

This program is subject to change as sessions and speakers are finalized.

View the River Rally 2024 schedule & directory.