River Voices

Explore River Voices, River Network’s monthly digital newsletter. In every issue you’ll find fresh thinking on water issues, upcoming events and learning opportunities, and success stories from across the network. Read the most recent issues below, visit our archive to view earlier issues, and subscribe to receive new issues of River Voices directly to your inbox. If you would like to have the great work of your organization shared across the network, click here to submit your success story.

Welcome to the November 2024 edition of River Voices. This month, we’re sharing stories of community through our leadership development work. In case you missed it: read CEO Raj Shukla’s message to the network following last week’s election.

Welcome to the October 2024 edition of River Voices. In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating floods, we’re highlighting new floodplain management resources in the State Policy Hub. Plus, in recognition of Source Water Protection Week, learn how holistic river management safeguards our drinking water.

Welcome to the September 2024 edition of River Voices! This month, we’re excited to announce our latest Equitable Development Toolkit: Community-Centered Solutions for Green Gentrification and Displacement. Check out our recap of the 2024 Urban Waters Learning Forum, and consider applying for our upcoming paid SRF Advocacy Cohort. Plus, hear from one of the organizations represented in the new toolkit with a Meet Your Network interview from Arif Ullah.

Welcome to the August 2024 edition of River Voices. This month, our summer of federal funding continues, with a deeper dive into how groups can access current funding opportunities. Learn about EPA’s WaterTA support and hear from the American Flood Coalition about funding for resilience. Plus, mark Water Quality Month with a Meet Your Network interview from Saraly Gonzalez.

Welcome to the July 2024 edition of River Voices. This month, we are highlighting the River Rally 2024 panel, Navigating Federal Funding for Local Impact, and more resources to help organizations access and leverage this historic opportunity.

Welcome to the June 2024 edition of River Voices. This month we’re sharing our efforts, and efforts across the network, to build a community of practice around environmental flows: the amount, timing and quality of water in a river or stream required to sustain ecosystems and people. Plus, meet Amy Campbell, a water practitioner in California.

Welcome to the May 2024 edition of River Voices. This month, we’re sharing an update on the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program as the program nears its end this year. Plus, meet a water policy analyst in Michigan and get excited for River Rally 2024! 

Welcome to the April 2024 edition of River Voices. This month we’re sharing our complete collection of litter-free water resources and the impacts our litter programs have had for over 15 years. Plus, meet partners in this work from Minnesota.

Welcome to the March 2024 edition of River Voices. This month we’re exploring what small organizations need to maximize their impact. Learn about capacity needs and equity considerations for organizations that are leading on watershed restoration in Colorado. Plus, River Rally 2024 registration, including 12 amazing local field trips, is open!

Welcome to the February 2024 edition of River Voices. This month we’re featuring member organization Milwaukee Water Commons. Learn about how they’re leveraging federal water infrastructure funding to create change in their communities and meet co-Executive Directors Brenda Coley and Kirsten Shead. Plus, River Rally 2024 registration is open! Register before we meet our cap!

Happy New Year and welcome to the January 2024 edition of River Voices. This month we’re showcasing our Online Learning Platform – which now includes a certificate program! Plus, River Rally 2024 scholarship and volunteer applications are open and we’ve released the preliminary River Rally 2024 program – full registration opens on January 22.

Welcome to the December 2023 edition of River Voices. This month we’re highlighting members in the Hudson River Valley and looking back on a busy year of supporting strong organizations and leaders.

Welcome to the November 2023 edition of River Voices. This month we’re looking at community engagement around litter by sharing the first in a new video series. Plus, River Rally session proposals close this Friday, 11/10.

Welcome to the October 2023 edition of River Voices. This month we’re talking all things federal funding: from barriers groups are facing to how River Network is helping unpack these complicated programs. Plus, River Rally session proposals are open until November 10!

Welcome to the September 2023 edition of River Voices. This month we’re sharing our advocacy work, done both for and in collaboration with the national network. Plus, explore two new learning series join the Online Learning Platform and support the network for World Rivers Day!

Welcome to the August 2023 edition of River Voices. This month we’re connecting the dots between our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and our communications and philanthropy work with a new Inclusive Communications guide and celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. Plus, the launch of our new Online Learning Platform and Giving Circle.

Cover of River Voices, July 2023 issue.

Welcome to the July 2023 edition of River Voices. This month we’re sharing two powerful stories from Flow Funders on how their participation in River Network’s trust-based philanthropy journey is affecting and inspiring their work. Plus, a video message from our new CEO, Raj Shukla!

Welcome to the June 2023 edition of River Voices. This month you’ll find stories of how River Network’s community-led research support is making change across communities in New Jersey and Houston, including our first Spanish-language Meet Your Network interview, with Carla Rodrigo. And, ICYMI: read our Policy Team’s reaction to the catastrophic Sackett v. EPA Supreme Court decision.

Welcome to the May 2023 edition of River Voices. This month we’re sharing the many different ways we’re supporting network members in meeting this historic moment for federal funding for water. Plus, an update on the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program.

Welcome to the April 2023 edition of River Voices. This month, learn how network groups in the West are accessing federal funding for rivers by building formal collaboratives. Plus, watch a roundtable conversation for this month’s Meet Your Network interview!

Welcome to the March 2023 edition of River Voices. This month, learn about how we’re supporting communities across the country to address litter in their waterways, thanks to the support of our corporate partners. Plus, meet Luke Ramsey, an ecologist, artist, and educator working for the Salt River.

Welcome to the February 2023 edition of River Voices. This month, meet the five communities we’re collaborating with to support leadership development for equitable climate resilience. Plus, what we’re reading for Black History Month.

Welcome to the January 2023 edition of River Voices. This month, we’re thrilled to release our State Revolving Fund Advocacy Toolkit – a first of its kind, comprehensive resource that will make you an expert on how to advocate for equitable implementation of historic federal investments in water infrastructure. And, we hope your new year is off to a good start, whatever that means for you!

Welcome to the December 2022 edition of River Voices. This month, watch a new video featuring partners in our work with Water Now Alliance to build trust between water utilities and community organizations. Our gratitude for your support on Giving Tuesday and Colorado Gives Day! If you missed the giving days, you can still support our work this year.

Welcome to the November 2022 edition of River Voices. This month, we’re sharing the culmination of four years of river planning in Colorado’s Yampa River Basin and looking ahead to the action to come. Plus, next Tuesday is Election Day!

Welcome to the October 2022 edition of River Voices. This month, we’re gearing up for the release of the 3rd edition of our Clean Water Act Owner’s Manual on October 18, and celebrating 50 years of this landmark water law.

Welcome to the September 2022 edition of River Voices. This month, dive into community-led research (CLR) through a story map highlighting the work of four network members employing CLR to equitably and successfully carry out climate resilience solutions in their communities.

Welcome to the August 2022 edition of River Voices. This month, join us on the Wild & Scenic River system, with a visit to Oregon’s Umpqua Watershed, and meet the 2022 Wild & Scenic Rivers Stewardship Partnership grantees. We also have expert guidance on data visualization in a guest blog from Princeton Hydro. Plus, an update on the next River Rally!

Welcome to the July 2022 edition of River Voices. This month we’re sharing our journey exploring and implementing trust-based philanthropy. Instead of articles, you’ll find a plenary panel recording from River Rally and an audio experience some of the Flow Funding participants and some of our staff, along with additional reading materials and network-wide events. We hope you enjoy! Look for continued storytelling around trust-based and decolonized philanthropy throughout upcoming issues of River Voices.

Welcome to the June 2022 edition of River Voices. This month we’re pleased to release two new sections of the State Policy Hub, and a new story map on how our Equitable Development Collaborative goes beyond resilience, ensuring communities don’t face gentrification and displacement following urban waters restoration projects.

Welcome to the May 2022 edition of River Voices. It’s Drinking Water Month! Learn how we’re supporting the network in navigating new opportunities for equitable water infrastructure funding through SRFs and LIHWAP.

Welcome to the April 2022 edition of River Voices. This month we’re taking a look at our recent work at the intersection of rivers and agriculture. Plus, we’ve extended the River Rally Early Bird pricing deadline and are thrilled to announce keynote and plenary speakers!

Welcome to the March 2022 edition of River Voices. This month we’re launching the State of the Network Survey – and you’re invited to participate! Plus, hear from President Nicole Silk on our upcoming Strategic Refresh and why our commitment to our key issues is stronger than ever.

Welcome to the February 2022 edition of River Voices. This month we mark Black History Month by sharing stories of Black leaders from across the network.

Plus, River Rally registration is OPEN!

Welcome to the January 2022 edition of River Voices. Start off the new year the new year with a look at how we’ve worked with Partners for Environmental Justice to take their organization to the next level, and support your own personal and organizational development goals with our new and improved Resource Library.