The work of the LVSN is accomplished through four working groups with focus areas as defined below. We are always seeking new members and encourage you to join us. Information on working group meeting times can be found below and in News and Events.
Strategy/Leadership
Develop strategies for collaborative effort. Provide leadership and accountability to keep process moving forward. Develop means to identify and cultivate community leadership. Develop structure for network along with process and criteria for membership. Identify funding sources to advance the Network mission.
Next Meeting: TBD in September
Current Projects: Defining membership, developing network structure, identifying funding
Outreach
Identify community (i.e., non-profit, public and private entities) stakeholders and develop strategies to engage them, including incorporating and integrating existing programs and initiatives or creating new ones that support the Network mission. Develop strategies to increase visibility of sustainability issues in Lehigh Valley. Engage media in sustainability conversation and create consistent message (e.g., One Region One Voice).
Next Meeting: TBD
Government Dialogue
Develop strategies to initiate and/or improve dialogue between federal, state and local governments and community stakeholders.
Next Meeting: Monday, October 3, 5:30 to 8 PM, Northampton Community College. Check back here for exact room assignment.
Current Projects: Data gathering on local governments in preparation for presentations about LVSN.
Technology & Resources
Develop infrastructure necessary to support collaborative initiatives, including consideration of website, social networking, intranet, project collaboration tools and software. Identify competency-specific partners to support infrastructure. Develop resources necessary to establish the network as clearinghouse for sustainability information (inventories, assessments, collaborative efforts, funding opportunities).
Next Meeting: TBD in September
Current Projects: Creating specifications for website, evaluating social media tools
To join one of these working groups, please contact Andrea Wittchen at andrea@lvsustainabilitynetwork.org.