All in for All Posted on October 29, 2015 by wpengine Live from Los Angeles at the Equity Summit 2015 Over three thousand people are assembled to learn, listen and expound upon the movement of social equity and inclusion that defines national policy priorities and serves as an ethical mandate. The three day Equity Summit organized by PolicyLink has attracted a diverse tribe of policy advocates, community development practitioners, philanthropic leaders, local government officials and progressive social entrepreneurs to stack hands around an "Equity Manifesto." The Manifesto put forth by the grace and wisdom of PolicyLink serves as…Read More
GTECH attends the Pennsylvania APA Conference Posted on October 27, 2015 by wpengine Linking Current Planning Methodology and Ideals to GTECH's Work The American Planning Association-Pennsylvania Chapter held its annual conference this past week (October 18-October 20) in downtown Pittsburgh. Thinking through community design and implementing best practices is especially relevant to GTECH's work in helping citizens facilitate positive change in their respective communities. The theme of the conference, “Making Great Communities Happen,” was highlighted in the breakout educational sessions as well as the keynote speakers. GTECH is looking to show the economic…Read More
Wethoptober 2015 Wrap Up! Posted on October 14, 2015 by wpengine Over 100 people attended Wethoptober in celebration of applied innovation in the form of local hops cultivation. Thank you everyone who supported GTECH through the Wethoptober fundraiser. We enjoyed sampling hopped libations from Wigle Whiskey and East End Brewery, autumnal bites from Berlin Street Foods and having great conversation about the work of GTECH. Each guest got a GTECH "g" jar to sample three hopped beers from East End Brewery, including their Pedal Pale Ale, Big Hop Harvest Ale and specially…Read More
Lawrenceville United uses Pittsburgh LocalData Collaborative to sign up neighborhood children for pre-K and kindergarten Posted on September 30, 2015 by wpengine For the past three years GTECH has facilitated the Pittsburgh LocalData Collaborative (PLDC), a digital platform that makes it easy to gather and visualize hyperlocal data about the environment, local businesses, homes and people. LocalData enables members to collect and understand complex data, allowing for better data-driven decisions, without the need for a technical expert. Members of the PLDC range from government municipalities to community based organizations. Surveying and data storage with PLDC is highly accessible. Members of PLDC have access to tablets…Read More
Explore 23 maps that showcase Northside treasures Posted on September 24, 2015 by wpengine Treasure mapping in a quest to build community resources This summer, we had the pleasure of working with 11 student researchers from Chatham, CMU and Penn State to map assets throughout the 18 Northside neighborhoods as part of the One Northside Asset Inventory and Mapping (Northside AIM) project. We aimed to: Engage the community to find as many resident-identified assets as possible Map gems in every one of the 18 Northside neighborhoods Encourage and support student talent and creativity Package…Read More
7 reasons we love the Green Workplace Challenge Posted on September 18, 2015 by wpengine Here at GTECH, we love to be challenged, to be inspired, to learn and to improve our ability to be environmental stewards. Participating in the Green Workplace Challenge (GWC), sponsored by Sustainable Pittsburgh, has allowed us to do those things and more. From an internal green competition to the opportunity to show off our solar panels, we've really enjoyed participating in the GWC and hope that your organization considers participating next year! 1. Solar Showcase Happy Hour: We're excited to have friends, partners and fellow…Read More
How to gain Community Support for your Vacant Land Project Idea Posted on August 25, 2015 by wpengine The key for your community project's success is getting the community's support. So you've checked out Lots to Love, found a vacant lot in need of some love and have the perfect idea for the space – now what? Well, the first step to getting your idea off the ground is building a community around it. 1. Make a plan Develop a plan with as much detail as you can. Where is the proposed site? What do you plan on doing with…Read More
GTECH’s Next Three Years Posted on August 23, 2015 by wpengine GTECH CEO, Andrew Butcher, unpacks GTECH's three year strategic plan. As you may know, we at GTECH started off this year with a healthy dose of strategic planning. It has been three years since our last planning process and a lot has happened since then. We doubled our staff and revenue, hosted more than 90 Ambassadors in more than 60 communities, launched new initiatives like Lots To Love; Green Playces; and The Healthy Home Incentive Program, retired the ReFuel Pgh program, and transitioned our energy…Read More
It’s a Family Affair! Northside Ambassador and Family ReClaim Vacant Lot Posted on July 29, 2015 by wpengine ReClaiming vacant land is tough work. This is a job for the whole family! A Place for Moms: Welcome Corner is becoming more beautiful by the day. Cynthia Mendoza, a ReClaim Ambassador and resident of Observatory Hill, has overwhelming support for her project (Just check out her feature in Next Pittsburgh from last month). Whether it is grateful neighbors giving kind words as they drive by, volunteers showing up for workdays or donors contributing to her crowdfunding campaign, the Welcome Corner has…Read More
Volunteer Opportunity: Two Wheels Lots of Green Posted on July 17, 2015 by wpengine Bikers needed to help lead a ride through Northside neighborhoods Our 4th annual project showcase and fundraiser Two Wheels Lots of Green is happening August 22nd, and we need a few good volunteers to help make it the best that it can be! If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the form below. Once your responses have been submitted we will contact you with more information about your role and logistics for the day. Thank you for…Read More
CEOs for Cities workshop in Pittsburgh Posted on July 5, 2015 by wpengine Little Bets + Positive Deviants = Social Capital An equation for innovation Most problems don’t have an easy answer. Most greatness isn’t achieved without considerable adversity. Even our most basic needs requires significant care and attention – just ask my 10-day-old son. In this spirit, most cities aren’t organic bastions of fairness, health, access and opportunity. This reality was presented front and center at the recent CEOs For Cities workshop in Pittsburgh with a stark confrontation that the more innovative –…Read More
11 Pittsburgh-based grad students are mapping what the Northside has to offer Posted on July 1, 2015 by wpengine Have you heard of these spots in the Northside? This summer I am one of a group of local graduate students that will be working on an asset identification project in the Northside. We are currently in our fifth week of exploration and research, and I would like to share a few of my favorite places while trekking the Northside's 18 neighborhoods. Neukirche is an art center in East Deutschtown that is community focused and works to make art accessible to everyone. Their Fallow…Read More