Grounded Strategies

The Monroeville Doctrine Talk by Patrick Vitale
2016-01-22 12:00 - 13:15 (America/New_York) | PA

Urban Transition Cities Movement Workshop
2016-01-22 - 2016-01-23 | Kingsley Association, 6435 Frankstown Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
The Environmental Justice Community Alert Matrix (EJCAM) initiative at the Kingsley Association is hosting the 4th Urban Transition Cities Movement Workshop (UTCM), on January 22nd – 23rd, 2016. EJCAM will be offering free trainings to willing residents on the topics of Energy, Air Quality, and Water. The UTCM workshop is geared toward educating Pittsburgh residents about environmental sustainability practices specific to energy reductions, minimizing air and chemical exposure, water consumption, and monetary savings. Participating parties may also qualify for a free Home Indoor Air Quality Assessment. (See Flyer) RSVP by Jan. 18th. Dinner will be served both days.

Dr. Martin Luther King Day
2016-01-18 | PA
The GTECH office will be closed on January 18, 2016, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Monitoring Groundwater Variability from Space
2016-01-14 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Alumni Hall, 4227 Fifth Avenue , Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Dr. Rodell describes how NASA’s satellite observations and hydrological models are being used to monitor groundwater resources worldwide, and what has been learned about global trends in freshwater resources.

GTECH Office Closed
2015-12-19 - 2016-01-03 | PA
The GTECH office will be closed from 12/19/2015 to 1/3/2016, reopening on 1/4/2016.

Envisioning a Sustainable, Collaborative and Inclusive Economy
2015-12-10 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium at the Kaufmann Center, 1825 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, United States
Inspire Speakers Series and p4 Pittsburgh present: Envisioning a Sustainable, Collaborative and Inclusive Economy, with Jeremy Rifkin and Bill Generett
Our current economic model is obsolete and inadequate at serving the needs of our communities, citizens, the environment and future generations. This model, based on availability of cheap fossil fuels, is ready to be replaced by a new and resilient model built on connectedness, collaboration, innovation and empathy. This Third Industrial Revolution will integrate the power and prevalence of the internet with twenty-first century renewable energy technologies, while ensuring inclusion, diversity and opportunity for all of our citizens. Mr. Rifkin will present his vision and perspective on the future of the global economy, while Mr. Generett will discuss how the Pittsburgh region can bridge the gap between the soaring innovation economy and struggling communities.
For more information and to register, click here.

In the Air: Visualizing What We Breathe
2015-12-09 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Pittsburgh Filmmakers, 477 Melwood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
Join Group Against Smog & Pollution (GASP) at the In the Air: Visualizing What We Breathe exhibit at Pittsburgh Filmmakers. Learn about the exhibit from the photographers and learn more about what GASP has been up to and what its plans are for 2016. More information and registration can be found here.

Back to Eden Film Screening
2015-12-05 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | The Parkway Theater, 644 Broadway Ave, McKees Rocks, PA, 15136, United States
Join Pittsburgh Community Capital for their inaugural fundraising event at The Parkway Theater. Half of the proceeds will be used to support Pittsburgh Community Capital’s community garden project in the McKees Rocks Bottoms to begin addressing the urban food desert situation in the Sto-Rox area. The other half will be used to sustain The Parkway Theater’s mission to promote the arts in the McKees Rocks/Stowe Township communities. Both organizations are registered 501(c)(3) charities.
Tickets are $10 per person plus a small convenience charge. Visit the EventBrite page to buy your tickets.

GWC Finale and Awards Ceremony
2015-12-02 17:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Andy Warhol Museum, 117 Sandusky Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212-5890, United States
Come celebrate the achievements of the 87 organizations who competed over the course of the past year in the Green Workplace Challenge. Find out who saved the most energy, water, and waste; who reduced their travel footprint the most; and who engaged their workforce the most. Congratulate the competitors in a festive atmosphere! The event is $35 for non-members. For more information and to register, click here. You can also read GTECH’s blog on the Green Workplace Challenge here.

Allegheny Land Trust: Into the Wild
2015-11-21 19:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Join Allegheny Land Trust on Saturday, November 21st, at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium to celebrate another year of protecting valuable green space for future generations.

The VIP hour will run from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and the main event will run from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The VIP portion of the celebration will feature live entertainment, animal interactions, a specialty cocktail, and delicious hors d’oeuvres.
The main event will feature aquarium exhibits, music, a cash bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres and small plates, exhibits of ALT’s green spaces, and much more.
For more information and to purchase tickets for Into the Wild, see the event description on ALT’s website here.

PSU Northside Design Presentation & Open House
2015-11-19 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Propel Northside, Columbia Place, Pittsburgh, 15212, United States
As an extension of the One Northside AIM project, Penn State University (PSU) landscape architecture students have been developing designs and connectivity strategies for portions of the Northside. GTECH is pleased to provide support for this project and can’t wait to see what the students have developed based on community feedback, research, and creativity.
Please join us for this exciting event from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Propel Northside on 11/19.

Resilient Pittsburgh Community Deliberative Forum
2015-11-19 18:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S Highland Ave , Pittsburgh, 15206
What are the most important shocks and stresses for you and your community?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of your neighborhood?

Please join us at one of two Resilient Pittsburgh Community Deliberative Forums, hosted by the City of Pittsburgh, to share your input. We want to hear from you and your community!
REGISTER HERE: http://goo.gl/forms/ DrhgXH5q0T
Food will be provided.
*For more information on Pittsburgh’s Resilience plan:http://resilient. pittsburghpa.gov
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 17
South Side Market House
1 Bedford Square, Pittsburgh PA 15203
6pm – 8:30 pm
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19
East Liberty Presbyterian Church (basement)
116 S Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
6pm – 8:30 pm

Energy Efficiency Educational Workshop
2015-11-18 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Carnegie Library of Hazelwood, 5006 Second Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15207, United States
Join GTECH for an energy efficiency education session, and receive a free energy efficiency toolkit!

Benefit Night at Franktuary (Lawrenceville)
2015-11-18 17:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Franktuary, 3810 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15201, United States
Grab a cocktail & a hot dog with us on Wednesday, November 18th
On November 18th Franktuary (Lawrenceville Location) will donate 10% of sales during dinner service from 5 pm – 10 pm to GTECH Strategies. The success of this fundraiser is based on how many SCC members, partners and friends of GTECH join us for dinner at Franktuary. At the benefit night we will be featuring GTECH’s key projects for 2016. This will be a fun event to connect with SCC Members, GTECH Staff and Board, as well as ReClaim Ambassadors and Ambassador Alumni. We hope you can join us and bring a friend or two…or ten.

Resilient Pittsburgh Community Deliberative Forum
2015-11-17 18:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Southside Market House, 1 Bedford Square , Pittsburgh, PA, 15203, United States

High-Energy Hoe-Down
2015-11-17 17:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Pittsburgh Opera House, 2425 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15222, United States
Join CCI for a foot-stompin’, fiddlin’, banjo playing good time. Bring the whole family down and don’t be afraid to dance!
Appalachian-style band, Lackawanna Longnecks, will provide mountain-style music. The “High-Energy Hoe-Down” will include a traditional Cake Walk and the presentation of the Conservation Luminary Award. The Conservation Luminary Award recognizes an individual who, through professional or volunteer work, has made a significant impact on residential energy and water conservation in low income communities in western Pennsylvania.
Get your tickets here.

2015 Homes Within Reach Conference
2015-11-16 09:00 - 2015-11-18 11:00 (America/New_York) | Harrisburg Hilton, 1 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, 17101, United States
“IMAGINE, a Home Within Reach of every Pennsylvanian! That is the consistent vision behind this year’s 11th annual conference – and the mission that drives the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania. The blend of forward-looking program content, excellent peer-to-peer training, networking and partnerships characterize the conference – year after year.
This year, like each year, the program is carefully crafted to provide workshops that help you respond to an ever-changing environment, core traditions that make the conference an institution, while adding innovation to make it fun, surprising, and new.
Our popular affinity-group summits are back this year. We’ve invited the governor and the new DCED staff. And as always, lots of networking and even more sponsors than last year! We can’t wait to see you in Harrisburg.”
– Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania
For more information on the 2015 Homes Within Reach Conference click here

Tree Planting in Swissvale
2015-11-14 09:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Universal Academy of Pittsburgh, 2103 Hampton Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Join Nine Mile Run Watershed Association to plant trees in Swissvale at their final tree event of 2015! Meet at the Universal Academy of Pittsburgh at 2103 Hampton Ave. Volunteers will learn how to properly install a balled and burlapped tree as well as enjoy refreshments.
This event will happen rain or shine. Please, dress appropriately for the weather. Register here.

Designing Places to Thrive
2015-11-12 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium at the Kaufmann Center, 1825 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, United States
Inspire Speaker Series and p4 Pittsburgh Present: Designing Places to Thrive, with Toni Griffin and John Fetterman.
To most people, urban and community design might not seem like the venue where conversations about equity, diversity and inclusion would take place. However, issues of justice, equity, and access are really part and parcel of the goal of urban design: to create places that thrive. Toni Griffin will share her vision and experience working in cities like Detroit, Newark, Chicago, and Washington, DC, while John Fetterman will present his vision for Braddock as a model for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development.
Register here.

Pittsburgh Ginkgo Fest
2015-11-07 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Maple Grove Shelter, Reservoir Drive Walk, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join Tree Pittsburgh for the first ever Pittsburgh Ginkgo Fest on Saturday, November 7! Did you know that the ginkgo tree is one of the oldest living tree species?
Come celebrate the fall season as the Ginkgo leaves change to their vibrant yellow hue across Highland Park. Have a picnic, enjoy the park, and learn about the natural and cultural histories of the tree with fan-shaped leaves.The festival will feature a performance by Pittsburgh Taiko (Japanese group taiko drumming), crafts and origami activities, children story time, face painting, tree ID walks, and photos in front of Pittsburgh’s largest ginkgo tree. Ginkgo trees are renowned for their medicinal properties, their outstanding urban tolerance, and their edible nuts. The ginkgo tree species dates back to over 150 million years. Come celebrate this timeless tree at Maple Grove Shelter (near Super Playground at Highland Park) on Saturday, November 7, from 1:00PM to 4:00PM.

Pittsburgh Blight Bootcamp
2015-11-07 08:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center, 100 Lytton Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15213, United States
The Pittsburgh Blight Working Group made up of the City of Pittsburgh, Neighborhood Allies, GTECH Strategies, PCRG and Design Center is proud to present Pittsburgh Blight Bootcamp, a one day event to learn about resources and best practices to increase the impact of community led blight elimination efforts.
The event will include a panel of blight remediation practitioners ranging from local community advocates, government officials, to nonprofit professionals, a keynote address from a regional expert and nine sessions on an array of subjects relating to blight elimination.
Session topics will cover a variety of themes that may include from Data Driven Decision Making, Community Arts to Fight Blight, Green Space Solutions to Securing Vacant Properties. Sessions will be accessible to a wide range of skill sets from a resident hoping to learn more about blight remediation to organizations looking to expand their skill sets.
The first 100 registrants will receive a free Pittsburgh Blight Bootcamp t-shirt.
Register for the Pittsburgh Blight Bootcamp here.
For additional questions and reduced ticket pricing due to financial limitations please contact Katie McAuley

Johnson Institute 2015 Emerging Leader Award Celebration
2015-11-06 15:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | 3911 Posvar Hall, 230 S Bouquet St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
Please join us in honoring this year’s winners of the Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership Emerging Leader Award:
Andrew Butcher, CEO and Co-Founder of GTECH and
Julie Butcher Pezzino, Executive Director of Grow Pittsburgh.
With this award, we recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of individuals who, relatively early in their professional careers, have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and high promise of future contributions.
Andrew has shown impressive leadership as a social entrepreneur in the fields of sustainability, energy, public policy and community development. Julie has shown great leadership in urban gardening as a means of working to end food deserts and works to improve the environment, nutrition and the sense of community in the Pittsburgh area. Both have a strong commitment to helping to make our region a vibrant and welcoming place for a new generation of community-minded leaders.

Pop-Up Picnic at St. John's Green
2015-11-01 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Open, grassy area at St. John’s, 3336 Fleming Avenue, Pittsburgh
The Urban Redevelopment owns a large piece of land called St. John’s Green in Brighton Heights which used to be the home of the St. John’s hospital. It’s time for the community to help decide what the future of this large vacant lot will be. If you’d like to learn more about the lot and speak with neighbors and partnering organizations about the St. John’s Green, please join us on November 1st.

Equity Summit 2015
2015-10-27 - 2015-10-29 | PA
“The nation is in a moment of transformational change. Across the country, movements to end police brutality, defend workers’ rights, and address widening income inequality have put issues of racial and economic justice on the national agenda—demanding action, collaboration, and meaningful change on a local, regional, and national level.
Thousands of dynamic leaders, advocates, and other equity stakeholders will take on some of the most pressing issues of our time at Equity Summit 2015 in Los Angeles, California. Summit attendees will get to explore Los Angeles through mobile workshops, build new skills through over 60 session offerings, and learn about cutting-edge strategies in organizing, research, communications, and advocacy from a dynamic cast of speakers and presenters who are putting equity at the center of their demands for real and lasting change.”
-PolicyLink
Photo credit: PolicyLink

Wethoptober 2015
2015-10-03 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse, 1055 Spring Garden Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, United States
Enjoy fresh-hopped libations, good conversation, autumnal treats and great music at the Wethoptober Fundraiser.
In 2013, GTECH set out to grow hops on an unused, vacant portion of Garfield Community Farm to see whether it could be a creative (and delicious) way to reuse some of the 4,500 acres of vacant land in the city. With the help of Noah of the Hop Project and the fine farmers of Garfield Farm, we planted to grow a few varieties of hops for East End Brewery and — guess what — it worked!
Inspired by the Hops on Lots project, GTECH throws the annual Wethoptober Fundraiser to celebrate and support our projects that creatively reuse vacant lots. This year we’re partnering with Wigle Whiskey and East End Brewery to offer an evening of wet-hopped brews and hopped whiskey, tasty food and great conversation at Wigle Whiskey Barrel House located in the Northside neighborhood of Spring Garden.
For $30 you will receive:
-A 12oz GTECH Beer Glass – yours to take home
-One hopped whiskey cocktail
-Three 6oz pours from three unique hopped beers from East End Brewery
-Two free raffle tickets
-Tasting demos with samples of hopped whiskey
Live Music and Food Trucks onsite with autumn themed menus from Berlin Street Foods and Brownstone Wood Fired Brick Oven. Note: Tickets sold out last year, don’t hesitate to purchase yours today.
Sponsored By:

PSU Pittsburgh Northside Charette
2015-10-01 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square, Pittsburgh, 15212
As an extension of the One Northside AIM project, Penn State landscape architecture students are now developing designs for areas in California-Kirkbride, Manchester and East Deutschtown as well as ways to connect the 18 neighborhoods of the Northside. Community input is a key part of this process, so we hope that you can join them at this event! Please meet at the New Hazlett Theater on 10/1/2015 from 6 pm – 8 pm. Light refreshments will be served.

ReClaim Northside Graduation
2015-09-24 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Halifax) | Neu Kirche Contemporary Art Center, 1000 Madison Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, United States
Join us to celebrate the good work of the 13 ReClaim Northside Ambassadors who have worked tirelessly to turn vacant lots throughout the Northside into beautiful community spaces. This event will include treats from Chateau Cafe and Cakery, music from Muddy Kreek Blues Band, and a gallery of photos of the vacant lot projects. Whether you want to celebrate the good work of your neighbors, meet fellow Northsiders, or enjoy some local entertainment, we’d love to have you!

RSVP on Eventbrite by following this link.

Solar Showcase Happy Hour
2015-09-18 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Grounded Strategies’ Office, 6587 Hamilton Ave., Pittsburgh, 15206, United States
The tenants of 6587 Hamilton Ave. – GTECH Strategies, Grow Pittsburgh and AE Works – along with our landlord AIM Ventures are throwing an open house at our office, which recently had a solar array installed by Energy Independent Solutions (EIS). Join us as we sunset the summer with a solar showcase at 6587 Hamilton Ave. on Friday, September 18 from 5 pm – 7 pm. While you’re here, take a tour of a solar array courtesy of EIS, enjoy a brew from our neighbor East End Brewery and grab yourself a bite to eat from the solar-powered Pittsburgh Taco Truck.
The event is free, but please RSVP below.

Volunteer Work Day: Green Playces: Homewood
2015-09-14 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Halifax) | Bible Center Churdh, 7238 Fleury Way, Pittsburgh, 15208
Join us as we begin to build out the Bible Center Church’s Green Playce in Homewood

Volunteer Form:Green Playces

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Volunteer Day, ReClaim McKeesport, Empty to Embellished
2015-08-30 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Rochelle Williams, Myer and Patterson , McKeesport , PA, United States
Join ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador Rochelle and volunteers as she begins work on her site in Myer Park. Located at the intersection of Patterson St and Myer Blvd in McKeesport, Rochelle is working on turning this overgrown eyesore into a welcoming garden.
Volunteers are needed to plant, mulch beds, clean up the site and paint some amenities. The workday will be help Sunday evening, August 30th, from 6-8pm.
