River Rally 2024 Recap
The 25th River Rally brought the network together on the banks of the Grand River in Grand Rapids, Michigan; the traditional territory of the Anishinabek, including the Odawa, Ojibwa, and Bodéwadmi peoples. Together, we built community and shared knowledge, building bridges across distance and difference to connect and inspire the network.
This year, 414 of you came together for a whirlwind of energy and inspiration, fueled by the passion and dedication of the local planning committee who infused the unique spirit of Grand Rapids into every corner of the event. From impactful sessions to joyful outdoor celebrations, this local spirit permeated every moment, leaving attendees empowered, connected, and reinvigorated to tackle the work ahead.
The 25th River Rally was our most joyful, community-driven, and fun-filled event yet!
“This was the best conference I have ever been to. It was so energizing to be around people who care so deeply about people, the planet, and the water that connects all of us.”
Monday, May 13
River Rally kicked off with an event to help River Rally newbies get the lay of the land, hosted by River Hero Dennis Mabasa, and a Welcome Reception on the Blue Bridge. Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and the Grand Rapids Local Planning Committee shared a warm welcome that set the stage for our transformative week in Grand Rapids!
Earlier that day, the Urban Waters Learning Forum delved into Justice40 funding, fostering collaboration between community groups and funding agencies. The Urban Waters Learning Network is a peer-to-peer group working to improve urban waterways and revitalize neighborhoods.
💡 “Flexibility and creativity are as important as expertise and experience when it comes to successful fulfillment of our organization’s mission.”
Tuesday, May 14
💡 “Persistence is key, no matter what you’re doing. Find ways to connect with people where they are.”
Tuesday’s full day of sessions culminated with powerful keynote speeches from Ridgway White of the C.S. Mott Foundation and 2024 Legacy Award recipient, John Echohawk, who has been instrumental in securing water rights for Indigenous peoples.
At the third Leaders of Color Social Hour, over 70 BIPOC water leaders made their way downtown for an evening of connection, joy, delicious tacos, and an impromptu dance party! The Leaders of Color community is an online peer group open to all BIPOC folks in the national network of water, justice, and river advocates.
River Rally combats feelings of isolation and burnout for network members working at the intersection of water and justice by building knowledge and skills, diversifying perspectives and solutions, recognizing achievements within the network, and strengthening connections.
Wednesday, May 15
Wednesday morning, 4 Emerging Leader awardees – Kevin Jeffery, Megan Nguyen, Charles Miller, and Hira Ahmad – gathered at River Rally 2024 to share their stories and approaches to water and justice work.
💡 “Generally, I learned the importance if intersectionality for sustainable and real change.”
Morning sessions were followed by an afternoon of field trips exploring the Grand River and the shores of Lake Michigan, all made possible by the generosity and enthusiasm of Grand Rapids’ water leaders and organizations like the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds (LGROW), the City of Grand Rapids, Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC), GR Outside, and Plaster Creek Stewards.
Lifting up our host city is at the heart of River Rally. Water leaders in Grand Rapids generously shared their insights, ensuring attendees experienced the Grand River and the surrounding community firsthand.
The second live-streamed plenary panel, Policy from the Ground Up, explored paths to effective policy action and advice to funders, agency leaders, and network colleagues with moderator Sarah Diringer (Pisces Foundation) and panelists Ayanna Jolivet Mccloud (Bayou City Waterkeeper), Dennis Mabasa (Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy), and Jill Ryan (Freshwater Future).
Built by and for the national network of water, justice, and river advocates, River Rally ignites collective action and power for the years ahead.
The final celebration at Ah-Nab-Awen Park came with live music, food trucks, and the chance to celebrate the 2024 Emerging Leader, Hira Ahmad, and River Heroes Kirsten Shead, Justinn Overton, Dennis Mabasa, Sharee Harrison, and Freshwater Future.
Congratulations, River Heroes!
“River Rally is simply a wonderful venue to get together and share. Seeing the diversity of folks as well as rivers is invigorating and gives me hope for the future.”
Thursday, May 16
Thursday morning sessions continued to spark new connections and ideas. The closing plenary capped off the week with a focus on equity-driven solutions. Travis Loop (waterloop) and panelists, Celina Mahabir (Community Water Center) and Kirsten Shead (Milwaukee Water Commons) explored the “how” of navigating federal funding, ensuring dollars reach the places most in need, and advancing impactful, long-term solutions.
Sponsorship and scholarship support is the lifeblood of River Rally. Thanks to presenting sponsors the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, and The Wege Foundation and all sponsors for their generous support.
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