Community Action Partnership, in partnership with California Human Development, is proud to host the

6th Annual Community Dialogue: A Greenprint for Prosperity

Global climate change poses significant risks and opportunities for California and for low income communities within California. Although California has moved energetically to adopt measures to offset the risks associated with global climate change, certain populations have been left behind in this effort. Because the penetration rate of green measures is often inversely related to income status, low income communities carry an energy burden that is disproportionate to their income. Nonprofit organizations serving the low income populations have a specific role to play in meeting the current and future demands of the green economy.

In response to the inverse relationship that exists between the green movement and the low-income population Community Action Partnership is committed to developing a Greenprint for Prosperity that will aid in leading Sonoma County towards developing policy and programs that engage the low-income community in this movement. As a first step in moving the community towards meeting the current and future demands of the green economy, the 6th Annual Community Dialogue will focus on creating a GreenPrint for Prosperity, resulting in the development of specific, tangible and measurable activities aimed at moving Sonoma County forward in the green movement.

As the only conference of its kind in Sonoma County, you can be part of a unique opportunity for community leaders, representatives from local government, civic organizations, and business groups to convene, connect, and discuss the green future of Sonoma County. Community Action Partnership is committed to organizing the community to explore and implement a strong economy focused on the future of the green economy and ensuring the low-income population has a voice in this future. Please join us!

Keynote Speaker: Daniel Wallach, Executive Director and Founder of Greensburg GreenTown

At 9:45 pm on May 4th, 2007 an EF5 tornado leveled the rural town of Greensburg, Kansas. Just days after the storm, the community came together and decided to rebuild sustainably, striving to become a model green town for the future. Ever since this landmark commitment was made, Greensburg GreenTown — a grassroots community-based organization founded and led by Daniel Wallach — has worked side-by-side with city and county officials, business owners and local residents to incorporate sustainable principles into their rebuilding process. They serve as an educational resource for the community, a conduit through which donations can be distributed, and a representative to those outside the community who are interested in the Green Initiative. Their mission is to provide inspiration and leadership to Kiowa County, Kansas in order to be a model of sustainable living for the world.

You will not want to miss hearing the incredible story of the tragedy that befell Greensburg and how Daniel and a committed group of volunteers, experts, and specialists from all over the country rebuilt their town as a model green community. To read more about Greensburg GreenTown, visit www.greensburggreentown.org

BREAKOUIT SESSIONS:

Green Economy 101: The objective of this session is to discuss the very basics of the green economy for those who are new to the movement. This session will present an overview of the green movement to date, significant milestones in the movement. Participants will be given a basic education related to the emerging green economy and will learn what people can do in their everyday lives to contribute to the green movement. This session will also include discussions related to the inverse relationship that exists between the penetration of green measures and income status. Panelists will discuss the opportunities that exist to ensure equal access to the green economy for all income sectors.

Facilitator: Sylvie Vatinelle, Community Services Manager, California Human Development, Confirmed Speakers: Karen Fies, Employment and Training Division, Sonoma County Human Services Department, Linda McQueen, Executive Director, North Coast Energy Services, Evelyn Rangel-Medina, Green-Collar Jobs Campaign Policy Director, Ella Baker Center

Educational & Employment Opportunities Created by the Green Movement: In this session we will present the resources necessary to ensure that green sector jobs are available to all income sectors. A specific focus will be on the educational system and how this system plays a significant role in preparing both young people and adults for the green economy. This session will also include a discussion of the achievement gap that currently exists and how this achievement gap must be bridged in order to ensure youth are prepared to enter the labor market with the necessary skills to compete in the green economy. An additional topic of discussion will be the importance of systems that support adult education and assist the adult population in overcoming educational barriers so that they too are able to access training opportunities.

Facilitator: John Way, Director Resource Development, Community Action Partnership, Confirmed Speakers: Laura Goldman, Vice-President of Marketing and Human Resources, Solar Works, Carl Wong, Ph.D., Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools, Ben Stone, Executive Director, Sonoma County Economic Development Board

Does the Green Movement Include Your Neighborhood?: This session will focus on the role of government and on how local policy decisions impact low-income communities. Additionally, this session will discuss how low-income neighborhoods often host a disproportionate rate of pollution-causing systems and may not present an environment that supports the green movement. Panelists and participants will brainstorm how the needs of the low-income population can be considered in drafting local policies.

Facilitator: Amber Twitchell, Economic Recovery Director, California Human Development, Confirmed Speakers: Susan Gorin, Mayor, City of Santa Rosa, Sal Vaca, Director, RichmondWORKS, City of Richmond, CA, Daniel Wallach, founder and Executive Director of Greensburg GreenTown, Greesnsburg Kansas

Go Green and Get Healthy: This session will discuss the relationship that exists between income level and health factors. Discussions will focus on the necessary steps to ensure that all populations have access to health programs that promote healthy living and provide the resources necessary to support a healthy lifestyle within the low-income communities.

Facilitator: Marie Ibanez, Asst. Director Health Programs and Partnerships, Community Action Partnership, Confirmed Speakers: len Jones Bauer, Ph. D., MPP, Health Action Program Manager, Sonoma County Dept. of Health Services, Lyman Bo Greaves, M.D., Family Physician, Sutter Medical Group of the Redwoods, Grayson James, Executive Director, Petaluma Bounty, Mary Maddux-Gonzalez, M.D., M.P.H, Director, Public Health Division, Sonoma County Department of Health Services

Register now for the 6th Annual Community Dialogue: a Greenprint for Prosperity October 1, 2009, www.capsonoma.org/dialogue/registration_form_2009.htm

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