River Voices: November 2024
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.
As new generations step into leadership roles at river, water, and justice organizations across the country, how is the movement changing? In this month’s River Voices, hear from Brenna Goggin, Director of Leadership Development, as she reflects on supporting leaders – both at the Executive and early career levels – and the communities we’re building with and between each group.
We emphasize this work because it’s people, networked together, who bring about the changes we need to protect our rivers and waters. Connecting local water leaders, from ALL generations, and giving each group the specific support they need is foundational to River Network’s mission. As the environmental movement prepares for monumental changes at the local, State, and Federal levels, building a community of leaders who have the tools and support for success are more important than ever.
“I found a community of individuals that I can reach out to that understand the unique challenges I have faced in my first year in my [Executive Director] role.”
-Executive Director cohort member
We’re looking for an enthusiastic professional to support our work increasing access to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water as River Programs Associate.
This position’s primary objective is to support the Drinking Water team with resource and training development, writing, and communications activities related to our work on clean, safe, and affordable drinking water and equitable water infrastructure implementation.
At the Water Table: Conversations with River Network is a new podcast showcasing inspiring stories and experiences from water advocates across the US.
We explore diverse perspectives on building a just water future, featuring educators, scientists, and community leaders. We’ll also be sharing stories from the Urban Waters Learning Network, a partnership between River Network and Groundwork USA.
“In order to be successful agents for change, we must provide space and invest resources that directly support those on the frontlines. RN’s commitment to invest in and elevate local activists and bring national attention to local issues is one of the reasons I came to work here.”
Brenna Goggin (she/her) provides local nonprofit leaders and organizations with support and resources to help them be effective and sustainable. She joined River Network in 2019.
State Policy & Advocacy Success Stories
Recorded in the Story Lounge at River Rally 2024, hear directly from network leaders on state policy successes and advocacy strategies.
Federal Tools for Environmental Justice: Understanding and Addressing Health Disparities and Community Impacts
November 14, 10a PT/1p ET
In this webinar, speakers will share more about tools that map and understand the vulnerabilities impacting our communities’ land and waterways, and connect ecosystem health with the health disparities shown by local socioeconomic data.
Post-Election Debrief: Implications for Water Policy & Water Equity Goals
November 14, 12p PT/3p ET
Join fellow water protectors to debrief the 2024 election results and hear from experts with insights on what we know so far, what results could mean for water policy, and potential opportunities or implications for equity and environmental justice. Hosted by Clean Water for All, the Water Equity & Climate Resilience (WECR) Caucus, RN, and Clean Water Network.
Community-Centered Solutions for Green Gentrification and Displacement
January 9, 10a PT/1p ET
This webinar will review “Community-Centered Solutions for Green Gentrification and Displacement, An Equitable Development Toolkit.” Speakers will outline historical context, common barriers, and suggested practices for incorporating equity and equitable development into urban waters work.
Apply for Environmental Justice Grants
The EPA’s Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program aims to make it easier for small, community-based organizations—particularly those with low capacity or resources—to access federal environmental justice funding for projects that identify, document, address, and respond to conditions related to environmental and/or climate injustice.
Interested applicants should apply through the program for their geographic region. Specific details and application timelines vary by program, so reach out to the program for your region directly if you have questions. Even if your program is not yet open, websites for each program have information that will help you begin preparing your application.
More Career Opportunities Around the Network
We aren’t the only ones hiring! Check out our Careers & Professional Opportunities page for open positions from network members like Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Waterkeepers Chesapeake, Utah Rivers Council, and others.
