Alabama Water Rally 2021

This Moment of Possibility: Reimagining Together

This decade is a pivotal moment for our planet, our nation, and our state. Will we make the necessary shifts to address the challenges of climate change, injustice, inequity and inequality? The disruptions of 2020 provided the momentum we need to come together in ways like we’ve never seen before to create a common vision for our shared environmental future in Alabama. 

Join us virtually at Alabama Water Rally 2021 and be a critical part of reimagining where we can go in Alabama and how we can get there. Together we can create the change that is needed for a just, regenerative, healthy and resilient Alabama where access to clean water, clean energy, and clean jobs are equitably shared by all!

 

Only $50 for a weekend PACKED

with information, discussion and planning.

SLIDING SCALE OPTIONS + FULL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE AGENDA ONLINE!

if you need to print the agenda, click here.

*NOTE: You do NOT need to have a computer, webcam, microphone, or other to participate in Alabama Water Rally. You can also call in from your landline or cell phone. You may miss out on some of the more interactive features of the conference, but you can still listen and learn!

 

FRIDAY KICK OFF CONVERSATION

From Mike Kensler (Director of the Office of Sustainability at Auburn University). Click here to read about Mike.

THIS MOMENT OF POSSIBILITY

We have the ability to create the future we want. The creativity we need to perceive new possibilities, innovate, and transform already exists and is at work all around us. Over the last several years crosscurrents of interrelated environmental, social, and economic issues have caused increasing disruption and disturbance. The global pandemic has only exacerbated the upheaval we are experiencing. If there is good news it is that disturbance shakes loose the structure of the rigid status quo and creates opportunities for change.  Taking stock of where we are at the moment, are we ready to see with fresh eyes, seize the opportunities that present themselves, and boldly take the first next step toward bringing the future we want into being? This powerful conversation will inspire and energize us to begin to envision and act on the Alabama we want. Join us as we take the first steps to new possibilities together.

 

SATURDAY KEYNOTE

with Catherine Flowers (Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice). Click here to read about Catherine.

REIMAGINING A JUST & INCLUSIVE FUTURE 

Catherine Coleman Flowers will discuss her vision of a just and inclusive environmental movement where basic human rights, such as access to clean water and functioning sanitation are enjoyed by all. A celebrated author and world-renowned environmental justice leader, her journey will inspire us all toward this vision and the realization that we will not succeed until all people – regardless of race, geography or income – are working together to protect our environment and to ensure equitable access to wastewater infrastructure.

 

Have you faced local sanitation issues in the US?

The Guardian wants to hear from you.

 

VISIONARY VIGNETTES: A DISCUSSION IN FOUR PARTS

 

These four short stories, told by visionaries in our movement, will help us realize that our visions for a clean, healthy and just future can become reality. We will hear the principles that guided them as they imagined the future they wanted and how they made it happen. Click here to read about these speakers.

Alan Booker (Institute of Integrated Regenerative Design) will provide a closer look at how thinking in whole systems, with nature as our guide, is the key to creating a future of regenerative communities embedded in thriving ecosystems.

Susan Diane Mitchell (Dynamite Hill-Smithfield Community Land Trust) will discuss making a difference while dealing with gentrification and standing for justice in land ownership

Christopher Joe (Connecting with Birds and Nature Tours) will share his story of seeing beyond obstacles and having an economic impact on his community.

Kathleen Kirkpatrick (Hometown Action) will discuss the Thrive Agenda and Gulf South for a Green New Deal and how you can be an important part of the reimagined future by working in coalition alongside other justice movements.

 

THE REST OF THE WEEKEND …

The rest of the weekend will include interactive training sessions featuring the on the ground work of local community activists and environmental groups across Alabama.  These sessions will provide you with tools you can take home to your community and the information needed to get engaged in moving Alabama toward the future we want and deserve.  You will also have the opportunity to share your experience in advocating for your local river or justice for the people and places you care about. 

Together we can help each other succeed!

TRACK 1 – ISSUES & TOOLS

Our Issues and Tools track consists of three interactive 90 minute training sessions which will provide tools you can use in advocating against threats to your local community or watershed.

  • LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY with Conservation Alabama and Alabama Rivers Alliance

Alabama’s elected officials have a huge impact on decision-making about our water, our communities, our economy and all aspects of our lives. It is essential that we engage with our elected officials and play a role in advocating for the things we value in our state and in our communities. This session will provide the information, the tools, and the confidence you need to become engaged in legislative advocacy throughout Alabama. We also want to hear from you about your experience and your ideas. Together we will envision the Alabama we want and how our elected officials can help get us there! Click here to read about these presenters.

  • PLANNING TO WIN with River Network and Julie Lay (community activist)

When something happens in your community or your local waterway that you know is not right – a putrid smell or a funny color in the water – what do you do? There are many strategies and tactics to dealing with environmental threats, but the first key to success once the problem is identified is to make a plan and connect with others who can help you in your fight to #DefendRivers. This is especially important in complex issues that will take longer to address. This session will discuss tried and true tools for issue campaign planning and building the right coalition around you. We will use a real world example from local community activists who are working to address the impacts from land application of industrial waste sludge (biosolids) across Alabama. Click here to read about these presenters. Click here to read about these presenters.

  • SUSTAINED ADVOCACY with ARA and partner groups

Advocating for a just, healthy community where the environment is valued and protected doesn’t have to end when the immediate threat is gone and it doesn’t have to start as a result of a threat. This session will celebrate successes of community groups who have successfully stood the test of time in their community or watershed through good times and bad. Learn ideas and tools for positive, proactive community activities and share your own vision for your community.

TRACK 2 – ART & NATURE

Our Art & Nature track will feature three opportunities to celebrate nature and utilize art to express your appreciation for nature. More information about this track coming soon!

  • #OPTOUTSIDE with La’Tanya Scott

Environmental Educator La’Tanya Scott leads this virtual outing LIVE! She will take us to the river and share with us the wonders she finds as she explores. You will be able to ask questions and guess what she is holding. Along the way you will learn about the importance of educating our youth as well as the importance of getting your local decision makers out on your river. And while you are there, you may also fall in love with the things you see! Thank you to the Cahaba River Society team for making this happen live! Click here to read about La’Tanya.

  • PETITION YOUR IMAGINATION: A WRITING EXERCISE with Tina Mozelle Braziel

Stretch your imagination and writing muscles as you give voice to your ideal future environment. Poet Tina Mozelle Braziel will guide you with writing prompts, easy step-by-step instructions, and examples to enable you to describe your vision vividly and persuasively. Click here to read about Tina.

  • SUNDAY FISH SKETCH with Hank Hershey

Every Sunday on Twitter, scientists, artists and people like you and me participate in the popular “Sunday Fish Sketch”. Hank will host a quick tutorial for drawing bass/bream, paying close attention to colors, forms and anatomy of the fish. Join the Zoom with your coffee, pens or colored pencils and paper and let your creative juices flow! Click here to read about Hank.

 

THIS JUST IN …

Join the Alabama Rivers Alliance’s Junior Board for two networking / social opportunities on Friday and Saturday!

 

FRIDAY FUN & GAMES

Celebrate the start of Water Rally by joining ARA’s Junior Board for an evening of fun and games. Get to know everyone a bit better while testing your trivia knowledge or scavenger hunt skills, and maybe even showing off a few dance moves.

SATURDAY CHOOSE YOUR OWN CONVERSATION …

Think of this as a Happy Hour – just with friends in boxes rather than barstools! Feel free to jump from “room” to “room” (don’t worry, we’ll be there to help make it happen smoothly) and let the conversation take you where you need to be! This was a big hit last year so join the fun!

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE AGENDA!

 

ABOUT ALABAMA WATER RALLY

Water Rally is Alabama’s clean water conference and celebration that unites citizens, connects conservation groups, shares ideas and educates attendees to strengthen the voices for advocates for clean water throughout our state.