GTECH Launches New Resource Page Posted on January 20, 2015 by Grounded Strategies Useful community development tools and open data are available on the GTECH website. This month GTECH launched a brand-new resource page. On the page you can find the data that we collect for our projects and reporting as well as the tools and methodologies that we use when approaching a particular issue. Currently there are 5 full-length reports available on the site. Topics cover themes like vacant lot classification in the Northside, to an aggregation of environmental youth programming in the Pittsburgh region as…Read More
ReClaim Ambassadors vacant lot designs come to life Posted on January 16, 2015 by Grounded Strategies As Ambassadors design, there are two ways to approach vacant land projects. Haven't met our Ambassadors yet? Check out the Northsiders and McKeesporters who are participating in the ReClaim program year! ReClaiming a vacant lot takes a lot of imagination, time, and careful thought before you even break ground. That's why our Ambassadors have been attending classes since last October. They’ve learned about how to transform vacant land into activated, green community spaces, the processes that come before and the partnerships that need to be…Read More
Thank You! Posted on January 8, 2015 by Grounded Strategies With your help we raised $18,627 during our year end fundraising campaign! Here are a few things to look forward to in 2015: 1 brand new, very helpful website that will help Pittsburgh residents tackle vacant land in their communities. 20 new, Ambassador-led green spaces popping up on vacant lots in the Northside and Mckeesport. 300 residents in Millvale, Homewood and Hazelwood competing to save the most energy. What are you looking forward to in 2015? Tell us below.Read More
An Ambassador Holiday Tale Posted on December 11, 2014 by Grounded Strategies An Ambassador Holiday 'Twas the eve of December 10 and all through the venue, GTECH Ambassadors shuffled in, bearing dishes to add to the menu. An old-fashioned potluck was all that was promised, But, boy oh boy, were those Ambassadors in attendance astonished! See there were 6 generations of Ambassadors present that eve, With 16 communities being represented, I do believe. They chatted and laughed -- sharing stories and tips aplenty, About building gardens, comfy homes and filling lots that were empty. Miss Lisa…Read More
Blue State of Mind Posted on December 10, 2014 by wpengine On November 13, 2014, over 130 people came out to the Inspire Speaker Series event to hear Lisa Schroeder of Riverlife and Dr. Wallace J. Nichols talk about the effect water has on the social, economic and environmental health of communities. There was a lot of social buzz about the event, including a blog by audience member Cheryl Speir. After the talk audience members, including GTECH Staff and Ambassadors who attended the event provided testimonials about what change they would…Read More
Resilient Pittsburgh Posted on December 5, 2014 by wpengine This week, The City of Pittsburgh joined The Rockefeller Foundation's 100 Resilient City Network. This means that The City will join the elite ranks of a few cities around the world whom are recognizing that the key to bouncing back from catastrophic events such as flooding, and extreme weather is to plan to "bounce forward." This means integrating public services, smart planning, investing in social networks, and prioritizing sustainable infrastructure in all domains. What is resiliency really about? Resiliency is the…Read More
5 Ways to Give Back your Energy This Holiday Posted on December 3, 2014 by Grounded Strategies Here are a few of my favorite ways to give back your energy this Holiday Season: Seal any air leaks If it feels like Jack Frost is blowing at your window, it is time to seal up your windows. Plastic and a little caulk can go a long way for not a lot of money. Anywhere you feel a little air coming into your home means that you’re losing energy! Don’t pay to heat the outside, find these spaces and seal them up.…Read More
Hilltop residents taking action Posted on December 1, 2014 by Grounded Strategies Hilltop community members know what it takes to reclaim vacant land. This past month we released a mini documentary that sheds light on the issue of vacancy in the City of Pittsburgh, focusing on the people that are doing something about it in the Hilltop neighborhoods. "The people that live here are the ones that really know the issues and assets here. They know what the people really want to see in their neighborhoods. That's what we want - people to have…Read More
Happy Thanksgiving: What are you thankful for? Posted on November 25, 2014 by Grounded Strategies We asked staff, "What are you thankful for this year?" Andrew: "I am thankful for having such an incredible team of hardworking, creative, gumption-filled GTECH'ers to work with. (I'm also grateful for the people reading this post - cause they make it worth it all.)" Cassandra "I am thankful for my family, friends and my relationship with God! I am thankful for a reasonable portion of health for my loved ones and myself." Ellie "I'm thankful for having my own…Read More
This Cyber Monday make us smile with AmazonSmile Posted on November 21, 2014 by Grounded Strategies AmazonSmile is that easy & free way to keep to have your online gift giving give back. The Monday following Thanksgiving come to be known as "Cyber Monday". On this day many people shop online to take advantage of the holiday deals. If you shop at the online retailer, Amazon and sign up for AmazonSmile -- GTECH gets 0.5% back on your items purchased. It isn't a whole lot, but every little bit helps. It’s very easy to use, especially if you…Read More
3 Surprising Effects of Community Gardens Posted on November 8, 2014 by Grounded Strategies A community garden is a wonderful idea for a vacant lot. The benefits outside of fresh produce, became very real to Lisa Freeman after founding the Manchester Growing Together Community Garden in 2011. Just a few blocks from her home in Pittsburgh's Northside, the garden has had a lasting impact not only on her, but the surrounding community as well. Gardens Are a Tool for Crime Prevention Lisa had a hard time ignoring the illegal activities happening on the corner near her garden. She would…Read More
Happy Book Lovers Day! Posted on November 1, 2014 by Grounded Strategies The first Saturday of November is Book Lover's Day! In honor of that we are encouraging you at attend an upcoming Inspired Speaker Series bookclub event. Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols About the book: "Combining cutting-edge neuroscience with compelling personal stories from top athletes, leading scientists, military veterans, and gifted artists, Nichols shows how proximity to water can improve performance, increase calm, diminish anxiety, and increase professional success." Join GTECH, Green Building Alliance and other water lovers, for…Read More