January 15, 2019 [Boulder, Colorado] – River Rally 2019 will take place at The Westin Cleveland Downtown in Cleveland, Ohio, from June 21–24, 2019. Now in its 20^th year, River Rally is the premier national conference for grassroots water advocates and river conservation professionals. Hosted by River Network, River Rally provides an inspiring and energy-infused annual touchpoint for nonprofit groups from across the U.S. and beyond, as well as for agency and foundation representatives, industry innovators, philanthropists, academics, students, and community leaders. It includes over 70 learning opportunities, an awards ceremony, novel social events, and exposure to thought leaders and change agents.

River Rally 2019 takes place along the banks of the Cuyahoga River and marks the last time that river caught fire from unregulated pollution fifty years ago, a pivotal event that sparked the environmental movement that led to the establishment of the Clean Water Act. The River Rally 2019 program features speakers who will celebrate this and other clean-water victories while illuminating today’s most urgent water topics, including climate-resilient communities, addressing unsafe drinking water, and working with diverse stakeholders—uniting NGOs, tribal nations, government agencies, and businesses to achieve bigger impacts regionally and nationally.

“50 years ago, we were concerned with rivers that caught fire. We have made massive progress in this country to protect people and communities from contamination and pollution, yet our job as stewards is far from complete, says Nicole Silk, President of River Network. “At River Rally, we intentionally examine where we stand today, the key issues at the heart of today’s water crisis, and what we can do to assure that everyone has access to clean water and healthy rivers, both urban and rural,” says Silk. “What separates this conference from others is our focus on practical and inclusive solutions along with a large dose of inspiration. If you care about water and want to build your confidence and your toolbox, this is where you should be.”

Because healthy rivers and clean water are crucial to everyone—in all communities—the conference addresses issues at the intersection of water and equity, diversity, and inclusion. Content also includes a special feature on lessons from the Great Lakes.

River Rally will include an opening reception honoring the history of and hope for the Cuyahoga River (Friday night), a celebration of award recipients who have gone above and beyond for the waters of our country (Saturday night), a movie (Sunday night), and other social events along with over 70 keynotes, plenary panels, workshops, and field trips.

Learn more about the conference program at www.riverrally.org.

About River Network
River Network is the foremost nonprofit connecting water-focused organizations, agencies, businesses, and communities for greater local impact and healthier rivers across the U.S.

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