You Care. Do Something. We’ll Help.
The following is a list of events coordinated by our C3 Leaders, as well as volunteer opportunities facilitated by our C3 Partners. For a full listing of events, visit the C3 Calendar.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- September 10, 12, 14: C3 Environmental Leadership Training Orientation Sessions
- September 12: Chicago Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Distribution
- September 12: Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse Harvest Fest
- September 13: Faith In Place Conservation Cafe
- September 19: Adopt-A-Beach Annual Clean Up Day
C3 Environmental Leadership Training Orientation Sessions
- Orientations in the next two weeks
There is still time to apply for the Fall 2009 C3 Leadership Training Series. Join a growing network of volunteers working together to conserve and improve Chicago’s environment. Learn from community and environmental leaders about urban environmental challenges and opportunities for change; then lead an environmental service project in your community with C3 support and resources.
Attend one of the orientations listed below and fill out the online application. You must attend an orientation session to be considered for the program. To reserve an orientation seat, contact (312) 743-9283 or conservation@cityofchicago.org.
Thursday, September 10, 7pm – 8pm
South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60649
Saturday, September 12, 10am – 11am
Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612
Monday, September 14, 12pm – 1pm
Chicago Department of Environment, 30 N. LaSalle St. 25th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602
To apply for the C3 Leadership Training Series, you must be a City of Chicago resident and attend one orientation. The Fall 2009 training will be held at the Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd, Saturdays, September 26, October 3, 10, and 17. A mandatory field trip will take place on Saturday, October 24. A $75 fee covers course participation and project support. Financial assistance is available upon request.
Chicago Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Distribution
- Saturday, September 12, 10am-2pm
- Young Building Parking Lot, 5555 S. Ellis Ave.
C3 Leader, Sarah Mandli is hosting the final City of Chicago sponsored rain barrel and outdoor composter distribution event of the year. Reserve a composter and/or rain barrel while supplies last by sending an email to binsandbarrels@gmail.com. All reservation emails must be received by this Friday, September 4th. This distribution event will include information tables on installation, use, and environmental benefits of rain barrels and composters. The cost is $45 for rain barrels and $35 for composters (less than half retail prices). Reserve yours today! Include your name, address, and what you would like to reserve. Limit one composter and/or rain barrel per household.
More information is available at www.cityofchicago.org/rainbarrel.
Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse Harvest Fest
- Saturday, September 12, 1pm-4pm
- 3501 N. Kilbourn Ave
Organizers of the Kilbourn Park Harvest Fest are looking for two volunteers to lead environmental outreach programs during the festivities. The first volunteer would work as a rain barrel presenter. This presenter would teach visitors about stormwater management and rain harvesting. The second volunteer would work as a Chicago Climate Action Plan presenter. This presenter would talk to visitors about the $800 Savings Challenge and personal conservation changes that can help make a difference. Interested volunteers should contact Kirsten Akre at (773) 685-3351.
Those not interested in volunteering are still encouraged to attend the festival. There will be gardening and cooking demos, craft-making for adults and kids, as well as yoga and live music. Bring your family – there will be something to spark the interest of gardeners of all ages. This event is free to all.
For more information, visit the Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse website.
Faith In Place Conversation Cafe Workshop
- Sunday, September 13, 1:30pm-4:30pm
- Illinois Institute of Technology, 35th and Michigan Ave.
Faith in Place’s annual fall workshop on spirituality and conservation will be wildly different and very fun this year. Early birds can arrive at 12:30 for a guided tour of the architecture of the meeting site – The Illinois Institute of Technology. Registration begins at 1pm and the event opens at 1:30pm with a panel of congregation members speaking to a larger vision for the green world and green faith in it. From 2-3pm, the vendor fair opens, including solar and geothermal vendors, architects, seminarian speakers, info about green congregations and youth programs, information about the Chicago Climate Action Plan and more. Then the conversation goes deeper with a final plenary in the world cafe style. This is your chance to speak in a deep and meaningful way to members of other congregations like your own.
For more information and to register, download the flyer.
Adopt-A-Beach Annual Clean Up Day
- Saturday, September 19, 9am–12pm
- Beaches and tributaries throughout the Great Lakes Midwestern coastal areas
Be a part of the world’s largest beach cleanup! Join thousands of volunteers in trash removal and water data collection at beaches and shorelines throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. This event is more than just a cleanup; it’s a celebration of the Great Lakes. Sign up for a designated location of your choice and come for a few hours of fun and community involvement.
If you would like to be a lead volunteer, the Alliance for the Great Lakes is still looking for Site Coordinators for Rainbow Beach, as well as 71st Street Beach. Contact Sarah Santarelli at (312) 939-0838, ext. 228 or ssantarelli@greatlakes.org for more information.
Or join C3 Leaders, Mike Jones at Pratt, Hartigan, and Loyola Beach or Suzanne Meyering at Howard Beach (7600 N). Snacks and supplies will be provided.
For more information about any of the clean-ups listed above or to learn more about the day’s events, visit www.greatlakes.org/adoptabeach.
