Pittsburgh’s First Blight Bootcamp

November 7th was the first ever Pittsburgh Blight Bootcamp where residents, nonprofit professionals and government representatives were able to meet, mingle, and educate each other on topics surrounding the issues of vacancy and blight in the Pittsburgh region. GTECH had the honor of being a central organizer of the Pittsburgh Blight Bootcamp as a member of the Pittsburgh Blight Working Group, a partnership between the City of Pittsburgh Office of the Mayor and Permits, Neighborhood Allies, PCRG, the Design Center of…

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All in for All

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…

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Wethoptober 2015 Wrap Up!

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…

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ReClaim Ambassadors Graduate!

We love celebrating the great work of the ReClaim Ambassadors—recently, we were lucky enough to celebrate with two graduations in one week! ReClaim McKeesport Graduation The proclamations, given to each of the Ambassadors at the graduation ceremony, explained the program well; "...ReClaim McKeesport has brought together nine civic-minded individuals for the benefit of this city as the initiative is aimed to beautify neighborhoods and establish a sense of community among those who volunteer..." The Heritage Center was a perfect backdrop - allowing us to celebrate the…

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Volunteers needed for Wethoptober Fest

Looking to attend this year's Wethoptober Fest for free? Sign up to volunteer. We are looking for 13 individuals to volunteer from 5:30-9:00P on the evening of October 3 to assist at registration table, pour beer and help us keep everything looking snazzy. During the event we will provide breaks so that you have the chance to enjoy the hopped libations and autumn-themed fare. Sign up below and a GTECH staff member will get in contact with you. If you have…

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Two Wheels Lots of Green 2015 Wrap Up!

More than 90 bikers visited just a few of the community-driven spaces that the Northside has to offer. Altogether we visited 14 different Northside-based assets, met 10 awesome, active Northside residents and raised more than $12,500 to support neighborhood-based greening initiatives   Did you bike with us this year? [View the story "2015 Two Wheels Lots of Green" on Storify]

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The 5 types of bikers who should check out Two Wheels Lots of Green

1. The Explorer Maybe we’re biased, but exploring Pittsburgh by bike is the best and most fun way to see the city. If you agree, this ride is for you!  You’re sure to notice new Pittsburgh-based gardens, shops, murals, buildings and other beauty on this year’s Two Wheels Lots of Green bike cruise as we weave through historic Northside neighborhoods. Whether you know the Northside well, or have had little interaction with it, we’re confident you’ll stumble on a hidden…

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Event – The 4th Annual Two Wheels Lots of Green Bike Tour is August 22.

Pittsburgh Nonprofit Hosts Event Combining Biking and Community Development in Conjunction with Bike PGH’s Bike Fest PITTSBURGH–GTECH’s fourth annual fundraising bike tour and post-ride celebration will be held Saturday, August 22, 2015 starting at 2PM at the Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse at 1055 Spring Garden Ave. The day will kick off with a bike tour highlighting GTECH’s vacant land reclamation sites and other resident-driven community projects throughout the Northside’s 18 neighborhoods. The bike tour is followed by an after event at…

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The #BLKSHP Do Pittsburgh.

The BLKSHP ("black sheep") visited Pittsburgh on May 4, 2015. The BLKSHP are a group of "misfits" who are currently on a cross-country bus trip around America. They are visiting towns that are home former urban industrial powerhouses (like Pittsburgh!), massive cornfields, revitalized communities and everything in between. The have one goal– to re-discover America's "True North" through conversation and interactions with other positive deviants and mavericks in the fields of education, the economy, and culture and civic society. Check out a…

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Rediscovering America’s True North

The BLK SHP (black sheep) believe that, America’s institutions, be it capitalism itself, political and media institutions, as well as industries, are suffering from an extreme lack of leadership. We feel that American citizens deserve better and can offer more. Founded by Peter Sims, the BLK SHP is a loose guild of America’s leading creative thinkers, writers, policy makers, artists, and social entrepreneurs looking to support and disseminate cutting-edge thought leadership. This spring the BLK SHP are embarking on a bus tour to build relationships with…

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3 Must See GTECH Events in May

It is a busy, busy spring here at GTECH.  We have 3 events during the month of May that we think you might like. Check them out on GTECH's event calendar by clicking the links below. ReClaim the Route MAY 3 @ 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Free As a part of an annual partnership with the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, GTECH and community partners work to activate one of the hundreds of vacant lots that line the marathon route. This…

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Pittsburgh, We Need Your Cans for Marathon Day!

For a one-of-a-kind event for Pittsburgh Marathon Day! For the past few years GTECH has partnered with the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon to activate a vacant lot along the marathon route in Homewood. This year the vacant lot is along Frankstown Ave. Clean Up Day - April 24 GTECH, along with 50 other Fed EX Ground employees, will clean up the space and plant a community garden with Operation Better Block in Homewood. Race Day - May 3 On race day, Canstruction…

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