Centre Region Community Stewardship Network


Are you passionate about taking action in your community? Join the Community Stewardship Network, and you will have a platform and group of community members to make a change using a climate plan that is already prepared for implementing. You will receive free training, regardless of your background on community resilience topics. Anyone over the age of 18 is invited to register. We are looking for Community Stewards residing in State College Borough, Ferguson Township, College Township, Harris Township, Patton Township, and Halfmoon Township. Background knowledge in climate is not required.

 

The goal of the Community Stewardship Network is to build a regional network of community members equipped to facilitate relatable and meaningful conversations with constituents regarding the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). It provides an opportunity for citizens to understand their local government’s policies, provide input, and it empowers them to foster synergetic engagement. Centre Region Council of Government's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan was created with the intention of Centre Region residents interacting with and implementing the suggested actions to limit carbon emissions and it will be effective with community engagement. Residents have a lot to contribute to our community, including time and willingness to work together. 

 

Networking brings people together for a similar cause. In this case, we hope to expand the outreach of information to our Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.

 

Benefits of being a steward include…

  • Free specialized training specific to Central Pennsylvania’s climate and our community
  • Leadership skills
  • Enhance professional development
  • Learn how to effectively talk about climate change and make connections to the co-benefits of action (economic, social, etc.)
  • Join a community of engaged citizens with a similar passion

 

 

 

Responsibilities of Community Stewards:

  • Community engagement –
    • Promote local sustainability implementation and improvement in accordance with the Centre Region Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP)
    • Relay feedback from community members about climate initiatives to enhance sustainability projects
  • Education –
    • Speak confidently about sustainability initiatives
    • Participate in workshops hosted by Centre Sustains
    • Assist with training the next cohort of stewards
  • Leadership –
    • Collaborate with local community members to promote sustainable initiatives
    • Serve as a role model for environmental health, community well-being and economic prosperity
    • Build trust in government, neighborhoods, and other communities that can have an impact on sustainability initiatives

 

Length of stewardship term: 1 year (February 2025-December 2025)

 

 

A year of stewardship... 

 

How to become a Steward:
1. Register here by February 14, 2025 
2. Complete 6 weeks of fun in-person trainings! (Please only register if you can attend all 6 mandatory trainings). 

 

6 Required Trainings:  A solid foundation of civic engagement requires empathy and a commitment to listening, so these trainings are designed to prepare stewards to interact with these two foundational components in mind. 

 

Week 1: Introduction, purpose, code of conduct, team building  Thursday, February 20, 2025
Meet the other stewards, introduction to the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan

 

Week 2: Connecting with the natural world   Thursday, February 27, 2025
Learn about how to connect with local nature, analyze what your surroundings are in your neighborhood, and notice where changes can be made

 

Week 3: Connecting with self and others, seeing with new eyes  Thursday, March 6, 2025 
Practice connecting with yourself to understand how you best connect with others. Discover how to unlearn your biases in order to interact with others with a fresh perspective 

 

Week 4: Local government and team building  Thursday, March 20, 2025 
Talk with local government officials to understand the power constituents have to make change 

 

Week 5: Power of questions, listening to understand  Thursday, March 27, 2025 
Practice asking efficient questions, practice listening to understand others rather than listening to respond 

 

Week 6: Putting into practice  Thursday, April 3, 2025
Act as a steward before the first event

 

Continued Trainings 

As stewards continue engaging with constituents at community events, we will offer ongoing trainings about relevant and in-season topics. 

 

Stewardship Activities include...

Leading workshops and conversations at stewards’ network bases such as:

  • schools
  • neighborhoods
  • clubs
  • associations
  • youth groups
  • houses of worship 
  • book groups
  • PTOs

Tabling at community events such as: 

  • Earth Day
  • Arts Fest 

 

Individuals involved with the Stewardship Network 

Please reach out with questions to: 

Lydia Neuhauser - lneuhauser@crcog.net

Sustainability Coordinator for COG, AmeriCorps

Pam Adams - padams@crcog.net 

Sustainability Planner for COG