Organizers of an upcoming sustainability forum say it will offer the public updates on climate discussions and green initiatives both local and international.
Sally Stovall, cofounder of Green Community Connections, said the Oak Park/River Forest Resilient Communities Forum, happening Jan. 31 at the Nineteenth Century Club in Oak Park, is intended to be an evening of information and assistance.
The free event begins with refreshments and registration at 6:30 p.m.; the program starts at 7 p.m.
“We haven’t specifically done anything like this,” Stovall said. “The whole idea with resilience is to make our community stronger and more adaptable.”
After some local residents took part in climate forums in Chicago or the United Nations climate talks in Germany, Stovall said the organizing team — Green Community Connections, PlanIt Green, the River Forest Sustainability Commission and the Oak Park Environment and Energy Commission — thought it beneficial to have that information shared with a larger audience.
“We’re hoping to reach out beyond the inner circle,” Stovall said, adding that she also envisions the event as a networking opportunity to foster connections and further change. “I think that’s a really important part of resilience.”
Oak Park Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb and River Forest Village President Cathy Adduci both took part in the North American Climate Summit in Chicago, Stovall said, and they will share sustainability news from that event. Cathy Yen, executive director of the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce, will emcee the event.
The forum also will be a one-stop shop of sorts for residents looking to make green-minded changes, with many local sustainability groups and representatives sharing information and tips. Julie Moller, a member of the River Forest Sustainability Commission, hopes attendees find the event user-friendly.
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Stovall said information will be available on native gardening, composting, LED lightbulbs and more; organizations like the Park District of Oak Park will share changes made, like installing solar panels on several buildings.
“This is important because we’re trying to really say why you should do it, and how you should do it,” Moller said, adding that it’s notable both Oak Park and River Forest representatives are taking part and demonstrating their commitment to sustainability.
While climate action, or the lack of, at the national or international level often attracts attention, Stovall said she hopes to help people understand that grassroots changes are just as critical.
“I don’t know that people realize how important the community level is,” Stovall said. “When you have things you can do, you can stay positive.”
The forum also will mark what Stovall envisions as a year full of events and educational opportunities related to green initiatives or climate-friendly changes, and “make it a year of engaging more people and supporting the things people want to do,” she said.
“We all have a long way to go, but I think everyone’s contributing in a lot of ways,” Stovall said.
Doors open for the Oak Park/River Forest Resilient Communities Forum at 6:30 p.m., and the program will begin at 7 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Ave. in Oak Park. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP. For more information or to register, visit www.greencommunityconnections.org/oak-parkriver-forest-resilient-communities-forum.
Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.