As the area’s leading nonprofit organization advocating for sustainable transportation and land use, Sustain Charlotte organizes and hosts events that inspire, educate, and connect people. They’re planning a full schedule of events for 2023 including greenway walks, panel discussions, an advocacy workshop series, and sustainability board game nights.

Greenways are hugely popular for recreation and active travel, but the pace at which the network is being built is falling behind the needs of our rapidly growing population. Sustain Charlotte partners with the Carolina Thread Trail, Partners for Parks, AARP, and various neighborhood-based organizations to highlight the benefits of greenways. Residents are invited to join Growing Our Greenways (see featured image) events to explore the recreational and transportation value of greenways throughout the county. During the walks, guest speakers talk about how each greenway was built, and Sustain Charlotte educates participants about ways that they can become effective advocates for greenways.

For those who want a more structured training experience to become effective community advocates, Sustain Charlotte launched Impact 704 Academy in the fall of 2022 and plans to offer it again this fall. This intensive three-workshop series focuses on building social capital and deepening our understanding of transportation and sustainable urban development in the Charlotte area. Participants learn from expert guest speakers, experienced community advocates, and each other through panel discussions, presentations, and group exercises.

Advocacy is most effective when neighbors and community members know each other and work together. As people find new ways to reconnect in these post-pandemic times, Sustain Charlotte is bringing the community together through events like Sustainability Game Night to have fun, build connections with each other, and find common ground in shared advocacy interests. Talking to our neighbors and people who may have different perspectives can inspire reflection and a deeper understanding of land use and transportation issues facing the Charlotte area.

When the weather cools off this fall, Sustain Charlotte will gear up to host Biketoberfest (October, exact date TBD), the biggest event of the year. It’s a family-friendly urban adventure that invites participants to explore Charlotte by riding a bike or walking and asks the question, “What can each of us do to help make Charlotte a better place to live without needing a car?”

The Sustain Charlotte team would love to see you at an upcoming event! The best way to find out what’s happening is by visiting the Events page: https://www.sustaincharlotte.org/events.