Grounded Strategies

Volunteers Needed: Clairton Green Playce
2017-06-29 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax) | PA
Join us in Clairton at the Morningstar Baptist Church as we aim to finalize the Green Playce next door!
Community Volunteer Day:
Tuesday, July 18th from 3-7 pm.
307 Shaw Avenue
Food will be provided for all volunteers.

Property Data Learning Circle
2017-06-28 14:00 - 16:00 | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Hazelwood, 5006 Second Avenue, pittsburgh, PA, 15207, United States
Data about properties is incredibly valuable in developing neighborhood plans and redevelopment strategies. Data at the property level has also been used to target interventions and investments within a neighborhood. To build the capacity of neighborhood stakeholders, The Western Pennsylvania Regional Data Center and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh are collaborating to offer a learning circle to provide hands-on training and support to people that want to use property data to understand more about their communities. We’ll be using Alan Mallach’s “Neighborhoods by Numbers, an Introduction to Finding and Using Small Area Data” as a companion guide to the course.
By participating in the four-session learning circle, participants will learn how to:

Organize and conduct neighborhood property surveys
Create tables and charts based on neighborhood statistics
Make sharable, interactive property maps using open data
Tie data to neighborhood redevelopment strategies and actions
Tell stories about their neighborhood

There are no prerequisites to the course, but it will be helpful to know how to perform basic tasks in a spreadsheet, including sorting a table based on the values in a column, and adding new columns to a spreadsheet. It helps to have access to a laptop for two of the four classes, and a limited number of computers will be available if you don’t have one.
All classes will be held at the Hazelwood Branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Classes will be held according to the following schedule:

Wednesday June 28th from 2-4 pm: Conducting neighborhood property data surveys
Wednesday July 12th from 2-4 pm: Creating neighborhood statistics from property data
Wednesday July 26th from 2-4 pm: An Introduction to geographic information from the Data 101 series
Wednesday August 9th from 2-4 pm: Making online property maps in Carto.

* Optional work sessions may be held between classes based on need.
Learning Circles are a way for people to come together in an environment that allows you to ask questions and discuss with fellow learners. Participants come together to learn through lectures and tutorials, and then are led by a facilitator in discussion and activities. Learning Circles combine the best of self-directed and in-person learning.
Space is very limited. Please register and the course facilitator will contact you with additional information, including reading assignments and details on what to bring to the first class.

Volunteers Needed! ReClaim Clairton: Art and Healing Garden
2017-06-22 09:00 - 13:00 | Art and Healing Garden, 509 Miller Ave, Clairton, PA, 15025
Our Reclaim Ambassador, Felix Fusco, will be turning his lot into a place for community healing and expression. Neighbors will be able to make their own mark on the community chalkboards at the center of the space.

Volunteers Needed! ReClaim Clairton: Rest for the Weary
2017-06-21 15:00 - 19:30 | 634 Baker Ave, 634 Baker Ave, Clairton, PA, 15025
Our ReClaim Ambassadors, Jawanna Warren and Janella Hamlin, will be creating a passive garden and seating area, complete with birdhouses, books and benches to help neighbors rest and rejuvenate during their treks through the neighborhood.

Measuring Outcomes
2017-06-21 09:30 - 12:30 | carnegie library of pittsburgh – Squirrel Hill, 5801 Forbes Avenue , Pittsburgh , PA, 15217, United States
Moving from your Logic Model to an Outcome Measurement Plan:
This class will address how to turn your logic model into an outcome measurement plan. Outcome Measurement is a process for demonstrating a nonprofit’s accountability and transparency that, in addition to affecting programs and services, can influence all major operations of the organization. In this time of increased competition for grants, it is more crucial than ever that nonprofits are able to clearly communicate their impact to their funders and stakeholders. More importantly, nonprofits owe it to themselves, and those they serve, to be able to analyze their programs and make improvements when necessary, so that their desired outcomes will be met.
In this workshop, attendees will gain an understanding of the value of outcome measurements specifically for program managers. They will become familiar with the outcome measurement process and learn how to implement an outcome measurement based approach to program evaluation. Prior experience with logic models is recommended.
The speaker, Martha Riecks, is an independent consultant with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit field. She specializes in providing services that allow small-to-medium nonprofits to clearly communicate the impact of their programs, secure grant funds and measure their successes. Ms. Riecks received a Master’s of Public Administration in Nonprofit Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and is a Registered Professional Fundraising Counsel with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Charitable Organizations, as well as a member of the American Evaluation Association.
This program is free! However, space is limited and registration is required by calling the Nonprofit Resource Center at (412) 622-6277.

Volunteers Needed! ReClaim Clairton: Clairton Community Garden
2017-06-19 15:00 - 19:00, 2017-06-15 09:00 - 16:00 | PA
Our ReClaim Ambassadors, Toni Schley and Bikila Darden, will be tackling the existing community garden in Clairton. They hope to revitalize this place so that local families can come together to grow their own food. This space has laid farrow for quite some time, but this team of Ambassadors are excited and eager to get the ball rolling this spring!

2017 Corporate Equity & Inclusion Roundtable
2017-06-19 08:00 - 12:00 | Duquesne University Power Center Ballroom, 1015 Forbes Ave , Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, United States
Over 200 business, government, higher education, and non-profit leaders convened last year to share ideas and energy around advancing opportunities for African Americans and people of color in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Come this year to learn about progress, share opportunities for making a difference in your organization, and network with others who share a common interest in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in Pittsburgh’s workforce and supplier contract opportunities.
The Corporate Equity & Inclusion Roundtable (CEIR) is an initiative of the Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) in collaboration with Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, the Allegheny Conference on Community Development and area agencies and organizations. Key funding is provided from the Urban Affairs Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Community Relations Council (CRC), with additional financial support from the Pittsburgh Foundation, and in-kind support from Vibrant Pittsburgh and Duquesne University.
7:00 am – Full Breakfast and Networking
8:00 am – 12:00 pm – Conference
Registration Fee*
Employee – Business or Higher Education: $50
Employee – Community Agencies: $35
Unaffiliated Individuals: $25
Students: $10
*Registration fees will allow CEIR to be in a better position to implement its goals and objectives going forward. CEIR thanks you.)
For more information, email ceiroundtable@gmail.com.
Learn more about CEIR.

Volunteers Needed: ReClaim Clairton, Revitalization of Nicholas Field Workday #1
2017-06-16 09:00 - 15:00 | PA
This will be a fun workday that will lead to the revitalization of a great resource for kids in Clairton. We will be cleaning and repairing playground equipment at Nicholas Field in order to bring it back to a usable condition.
Contact l.kramer@gtechstrategies.org if you are interested in volunteering!

Volunteers Needed: ReClaim Central, Gathering Place Workday
2017-06-14 10:00 - 15:30 | 2808 Bedford ave, 2808 Bedoford ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, United States
Join us and our Ambassadors, Cheryl and Louise, as we begin the implementation of an intergenerational space that will serve as a place the people can relax, laugh, and play.We will be Cleaning and clearing for the installation of amenities for the site. Email T.Turner@gtechstrategies.org if you’re interested in volunteering.

Volunteers Needed: Webster Workday!
2017-06-12 09:00 - 14:00 | 2956 Webster Ave, 2956 Webster Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Join us! To help install benches and transplant perennials and annual plants for the pollinator garden. If you are interested in getting involved email T.Turner@gtechstrategies.org.

Volunteers Needed: Warrington Ave Greenspace workday
2017-06-12 03:30 - 19:00 | 821 E Warrington Ave, 821 E Warrington Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15210, United States
Re-purposing an empty lot on the main drag if E. Warrington Avenue in Allentown. The projects that will take place in the lot (i.e. sidewalk repair, a small fence, entryway pergola, shed) as well as providing green stormwater infrastructure on site. If you are interested in volunteering email T.Turner@gtechstrategies.org.

Stormwater Hike&Learn at the Heritage Day Festival in Observatory Hill
2017-06-10 12:00 - 16:00 | Riverview Park, Pittsburgh, PA, 15214, United States
Adam, our GTECH GSI Community Liaison from the Brighton Heights neighborhood, will be leading attendees from the Observatory Hill Inc. Heritage Day Festival on a fun and educational stormwater hike through Riverview Park this Saturday, 6/10. The festival runs from 12pm-4pm. The stormwater hike will leave from the GTECH tent at 2pm.

Invasive Plant Identification Training
2017-06-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Falls Ravine Trail Entrance, 2005 Beechwood Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA, 15217, United States
Learn how to identify and remove common invasive plants at this informative event. Join Parks Conservancy staff in Frick Park for tips on how to differentiate invasive plants from native lookalikes.
Families are welcome! Event will meet at the entrance to Falls Ravine Trail on Beechwood Boulevard, a short walk from the new Frick Environmental Center. Car and bike parking is available at the Frick Environmental Center.
This event is part of the Urban EcoStewards program. The Urban EcoStewards program is a partnership between the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Nine Mile Run Watershed Association, Tree Pittsburgh, Allegheny CleanWays, and Allegheny Land Trust.

Volunteers Needed: ReClaim South, Mt Oliver Ambassador Project
2017-06-09 09:00 - 13:00 | Let’s Talk At Mountain and Fisher, Mountain Ave and Fisher St , Pittsburgh , United States
Join Suzanne and Patti for their kick off maintenance workday this Friday, June 9th from 9am to 1pm. This volunteer opportunity will have you outside, planting flowers at Patti’s Corner, gardening improvements to “Let’s Talk”, helping to update the old St. Joe’s school, and general neighborhood trash clean-up.
Volunteers will be meeting at the corner of Mountain St. and Fisher St. to gather tools and meet the Ambassadors. All tools and materials will be provided through the PGH Mobile Toolbox.
Please RSVP by emailing Lydia Kramer, GTECH Strategies Coordinator at l.kramer@gtechstrategies.org

Integrative Design Workshop
2017-06-07 08:00 - 12:30 | Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Inc., One Schenley Drive , Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
GBA is partnering with 7group to offer a unique half-day workshop where we’ll examine how integrative design thinking actively seeks to design and construct projects that are cost-effective to design, build, and operate for the life of any project.
Experience:
7group literally wrote the book on the Integrative Design Process and was integral to the design process of Phipps Conservatory’s Center for Sustainable Landscapes, where this workshop will be held. This is a special chance to learn from 7group’s John Boecker, an internationally recognized integrative design consultant.
The session begins by looking at natural systems as our model for whole systems thinking, followed by concrete case study examples. Exercises help attendees experience how an integrative process can shift our mental model to embrace living systems thinking and move beyond mere green buildings toward restorative and regenerative design. The discussion also addresses how to neutralize first costs, while achieving high levels of building performance.
We’ll ask questions, challenge assumptions, and unearth the unique purpose of each project team member in this interactive session. You are welcome to attend as an individual, or as part of a project team. Building owners, developers, contractors, trade specialists, architects, engineers, and students are will find this information useful. You won’t want to miss it!
Cost:
GBA Member
150.00
GBA Non-Member
200.00
Individual Membership + Event Fee (member rate)
225.00

Inspire Speakers Series: Food and Sustainability
2017-06-06 17:30 - 19:00 | Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium at the Kaufmann Center, 1825 Centre Ave. , Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, United States
The Inspire Speakers Series is honored to host Stephen Ritz as we discuss the intersection of food and sustainability. From the mountains of Colombia to the streets of Cairo, Stephen Ritz builds global partnerships that bring the power of a plant to the world. Stephen teaches Pre-K through 5th grade at CS 55 in the Bronx, and is the founder of the Green Bronx Machine. He was a Top 10 Finalist for the Global Teacher Prize, and is one of NPR’s 50 Greatest Teachers. His work has been featured multiple times at the White House, and a replica of his classroom was installed in the US Botanic Gardens. Stephen will be joined by farmer Karen Washington, co-owner of Rise & Root Farm and a co-founder of Black Urban Growers, as well as several local leaders.
This event is a collaboration with Grow Pittsburgh, Repair the World, and Chatham University’s Food Studies Program, in addition to support from all Inspire Speakers Series partners.

Urban Hike in the Hill District
2017-06-01 16:30 - 18:30 | Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium at the Kaufmann Center, 1825 Centre Ave. , pittsburgh, PA, 15219, United States
Did you know that Pittsburgh’s Hill District is a neighborhood rich with fascinating history, green development, and intriguing reuse projects? Terri Baltimore, of the Hill House Association, has led walking tours of the Hill District to scores of people, including visitors from France, Ireland, England, Brazil, and Peru. Now she’ll lead GBA and its friends on a special tour of the neighborhood.
We’ll begin the afternoon gathered on the patio of the Hill House Kaufmann Center where we’ll enjoy beer, wine, cold lemonade, and appetizers while Terri offers an overview of the community and some of its green and historical highlights. Then we’ll embark on the walking tour. In an effort to see a variety of neighborhood highlights along an easily walkable route, we’ve identified the following locations as our stopping points. But there is so much more to see! So we’ll also hand out a list of additional stops that Terri recommends you check out in your own time, in addition to those we’ll be hitting on the tour!

Hill House Kaufmann Center – Hill House Association is “the heart of the hill” and offers integrated community services including family and workforce development, senior services and neighborhood engagement. The Kaufmann Center was renovated in 2010 and achieved LEED Silver certification. This rehab restored the majestic stairs leading the wooden doors. Additional enhancements – including a new stage, lighting, sound system and elevator – made the Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium a destination for performances, lectures, and other events (like GBA’s Inspire Speakers Series!).

Wylie Avenue Carnegie Library – This is one of six free libraries that were established with Andrew Carnegie’s original donation to the City of Pittsburgh. Carnegie saw libraries as “vital, non-luxury assets to be supported by public dollars.” While the Wylie Avenue location is no longer used as a library – it’s now a Mosque – “Free To The People” is still carved above the entrance.
Crawford Grill – Imagine meeting up with friends at the famous Crawford Grill and hearing jazz greats like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, and John Coltrane. This local club was once known across the country as a destination for great music. While it closed more than 10 years ago, jazz enthusiasts and community members are hoping to see it resurrected.
August Wilson House – August Wilson’s childhood home is a project of the Daisy Wilson Artist Community, a non-profit organization. Their purpose is to foster and promote greater appreciation for and understanding of African-American literature, the performing arts and the literary, artistic and professional legacy of August Wilson by transforming the August Wilson House, at 1727 Bedford Avenue, into a world-renowned artist residency and studio space.

** Space is limited for this event, so be sure to sign up early! Children are welcome to join their parents on this tour (but remember it’s a walking tour!).

GBA Member$20
GBA Non-Member$30
Student / EP$10
Individual Membership + Event Fee (member rate)$95

ReClaim Clairton: Rest for the Weary Workday #1 with Landforce
2017-05-31 09:00 - 17:00 | PA
This will be a fund workday filled with planting and landscaping. Our Ambassadors Jawanna and Janella plan to create a nice seating space for reflection and contemplation.

Volunteer at the Clairton Communications Park
2017-05-26 09:00 - 15:00 | Clairton Communications Park, 500 Miller Avenue, Clairton, PA, 15025, United States

Volunteer Day at The Clairton Corner Corral
2017-05-25 09:00 - 15:00 | Clairton Corner Corral, 517 Miller Avenue, Clairton, PA, 15025, United States

PCRG Community Development Summit: CommUNITY
2017-05-24 - 2017-05-25 | Omni William Penn Hotel, 530 William Penn Place, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, United States
CommUNITY: The Power of People in Action examines how people take concepts, build support, and put them into action. Community development leaders across the spectrum want to know how to smartly effect change, in every area that impacts our communities and their people. We seek lasting change that pays dividends to residents, entrepreneurs, responsible developers and investors. We want to break the cycle of triage management and create true wealth and opportunity. At the 2017 Community Development Summit, we will lift up models that have successfully achieved these goals.
For more information on the Summit Program, please visit the Summit website at pcrg.org/conference/

The Summit will take place on May 24 and 25 at the Omni William Penn Hotel in beautiful downtown Pittsburgh. Exciting sessions on a range of topics relative to community development practitioners are currently being confirmed with our presenters, and the list will be released on our website as soon as possible. We invite you to come and examine with us how people take concepts, build support, and put them into action.
The registration fee provides attendees with access to two full days of conference activities – plenary sessions, breakout sessions, the exhibitor hall, materials, and more – as well breakfast, lunch, and heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks at an evening cocktail reception.
Scholarships for the Summit are generously supported by a number of local foundations and contributions of excess tickets provided by Summit sponsors. Awards are determined at the discretion of PCRG and the foundations who underwrite scholarships. Scholarship applicants should submit applications for themselves online.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn from, connect with, and grow alongside other members of the community development industry. Visit our conference website for more information! This years theme of CommUNITY: The Power of People in Action, is defined below:
CommUNITY: The Power of People in Action examines how people take concepts, build support, and put them into action. Community development leaders across the spectrum want to know how to smartly effect change, in every area that impacts our communities and their people. We seek lasting change that pays dividends to residents, entrepreneurs, responsible developers and investors. We want to break the cycle of triage management and create true wealth and opportunity. At the 2017 Community Development Summit, we will lift up models that have successfully achieved these goals.​

Container Gardening Workshop
2017-05-20 14:00 - 16:00 | East End Food Co-op, 7516 Meade Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15208, United States
Don’t have the space for a full garden? Learn the basics of growing vegetables in pots, including site selection, possibilities for pots, making potting mixes and choosing what to grow for spring, summer and fall enjoyment. Participants will receive one starter seedling and plans for a simple self-watering container. Snacks and drinks provided with admission! Grow Pittsburgh memberships will be offered at an exclusive discounted rate of $20 if you sign up at the event. Register in advance for a chance to win a cedar planter as part of the Plant Something Day Sale at East End Food Co-op on Friday, May 19th.
Sign up online.

ReClaim Clairton: CommUnity Garden Workday #1 with Landforce
2017-05-18 09:00 - 17:00 | PA
This garden has laid fallow for a few years. Out ReClaim Ambassadors Toni and Bikila are determined to make it an inviting space to grow food! This workday is intended to bring the space back to life and prep it for some late spring planting!

Green Space Initiative Launch with Providence Connections
2017-05-16 16:00 - 18:30 | Providence Connections, 3113 Brighton Rd, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, United States
Join Providence Connections and GTECH as we come together to celebrate Remake Learning Days and the groundbreaking of a new schoolyard garden!

Volunteers Needed: GTECH Build Day, Food City
2017-05-06 09:00 - 13:00 | Food City, East Deutschtown/Spring Garden
Volunteers are needed to build raised beds and a corner garden entrance at the garden.
GTECH will be coming to Food City to lead the effort, but we need as many helping hands as we can get. Both skilled and unskilled labor are needed.
Food City is a food forest turned community garden in the East Deutschtown/Spring Garden neighborhood.

ReClaim Central Ambassador Presentations
2017-05-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Center for Family Excellence, Inc., 409 Dinwiddie Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, United States
The ReClaim Central Ambassadors have spent the winter planning and designing their community greenspace projects. Now they are ready to share their vision with you!
Join us on May 3rd at the Center for Family Excellence (409 Dinwiddie St) to hear from Ambassadors as they present their plans for parklets, play-spaces, gardens and gathering places in your neighborhood.
At the event, you can meet the Ambassadors and learn how to become a part of the ReClaim Central effort by adding support to a greenspace project.
FREE admission, food, and refreshments. See you there!

Physical Activity, Air Pollution and Asthma in the Urban Environment
2017-05-03 17:00 - 20:00 | Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, Hutchinson and Hayashi Auditorium, 300 Halket St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
Join GASP for the next event in the Making the Connection Series: Physical Activity, Air Pollution and Asthma in the Urban Environment on Wednesday, May 3rd from 5pm – 8pm at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. Dr. Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir will discuss her research and afterwards there will be a panel of health and community experts to respond to her presentation. Networking and refreshments will be from 5pm – 6pm in the Hutchinson and Hayashi Auditorium.
Registration is $5 per person. Please sign up online before attending.

ReClaim Clariton: Reed Street Playground Workday #1 With US Steel
2017-05-02 09:00 - 17:00 | PA
Another big workday with US steel! We plan to give this 10 year old KaBOOM playground a refreshing pop of color and building a new kid friendly play tunnel.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUGUST WILSON BLOCK PARTY!
2017-04-29 12:00 - 17:00 | PA
In its second year, the August Wilson Birthday Block Party promises to become a tradition, uniting Pittsburghers and visitors in a happy event in honor of the great playwright. On Sat., April 29, Noon-5 pm, the party will take over several blocks extending eastward from the August Wilson House (AWH) at 1727 Bedford Ave. in the Hill District.
The free event is for all ages. Attractions will include food trucks and vendors of many kinds, performances, singers, dancers, drummers, children’s activities, a fire truck, a glimpse of AWH restoration, tours of the August Wilson Park, fun, friendship and, of course, a cake!
Hourly on the half-hour, 12:30-4:30, there will be excerpts from AW’s plays performed in the AWH backyard, while on the hour, 12:00-4:00, there will be music, song and dance performances further up Bedford.
August Wilson (1945-2005) would be 72 on April 27. As one of his greatest fans, Denzel Washington, who spent much of 2016 in the Hill filming “Fences,” has said, “August is one of the five great American playwrights,” and, “you just play the music” of his language. He came to the Hill to get the music right.
