My dream for my community is that citizens from diverse backgrounds unite to build consensus and act on environmental issues.

In Sarasota County, citizens, local government and organizations jointly host the Summit for Environmental Action. The goal of the day is to reach consensus on a few community issues to move forward on with action. Organizers have reached out to municipal, business, neighborhood, education and faith-based groups to ensure a balance of participants. That day, participants will develop collective and individual action plans. Afterward, attendees will bring the plans to their networks to serve as leaders of and organizers for environmental action.

“Many of our citizens are looking for ways to help the environment, but they aren’t aware of the options to do so,” said Kate. “The goal of the summit is to bring people together and allow them to build bonds and create change in our community."