Are you looking to make a difference? Know you want to be more involved in local sustainability efforts? Good news! We have the perfect series for you!

Sustain Charlotte’s Impact 704 Academy is an educational series about sustainable, equitable, and resilient urban development in the Charlotte area. 

Held at Camp North End, it consists of three sessions, each of which will include a presentation from speakers representing the city government, educational institutions, nonprofits and the private sector. Attendees will learn how to advocate for themselves and their communities. Each session will run for approximately two hours, which includes time for networking. Sustain Charlotte will provide light refreshments from local vendors. 

When: 

Impact 704 Academy sessions will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on:

• October 6, 2022
• November 10, 2022
• December 15, 2022

Where: 

Charlotte's Camp North End (1801 N Graham St, Charlotte, NC, 28206), Gama Goat building, suite 200. See map below.

What's the cost?:

Thanks to support from Southminster, the series is free for participants.

How to participate:

Register here, then earn your academy completion certificate by attending all three in-person sessions and completing a Take Action! mini-project within two months of the final session. 

What are Take Action! mini-projects?:

In each session, we will provide you with tools and resources to become an advocate for smart growth. Using these tools, you’ll be invited to take action. Click here to learn more and pick your project! We’re also open to creative ways to advocate, so feel free to propose a different activity to us! 

Topics: Our speakers will talk about various aspects of smart growth, including how smart growth strategies could be implemented and how each resident of Charlotte will benefit if we are strategic about planning our city. We will focus on the areas of land use and transportation.

Speakers: We are still finalizing our panel of speakers for the event. Stay tuned!

Participants: Due to limited venue space, we will limit the number of participants to 80. All walk-in participants are welcome, but seating might be limited. 

Register Now!

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FAQ:

What if I missed one of the sessions but would still like to earn a certificate?

The academy is designed as an in-person experience.  To earn a certificate of completion, you must attend all three sessions. If you need to miss one of the in-person sessions, you have the option to watch a replay of that missed session and provide a 150-word summary.  If you need to miss more than one of the in-person sessions, you will not be eligible to receive a certificate. We will record each session and post them to Sustain Charlotte’s website and YouTube channel. 

What will I gain from attending the event?

If you attend all three events in the series and complete a hands-on task, you will become a graduate of Sustain Charlotte’s Impact 704 Academy and receive a certificate of completion and recognition at one of our in-person events.

Can I attend sessions without getting certificates? 

Absolutely! While there are many benefits to attending all three sessions and completing the graduation requirements, , we understand that everyone’s interests and availability differ. We still invite you to take advantage of the networking and learning opportunities attending one or more sessions will provide.

I’m a middle or high school student. Can I attend?

Yes, we love to engage with youth advocates! We do not provide supervision for youth, so we encourage younger students to attend with a parent/guardian. Our staff at the registration desk will be happy to assist with any questions you have. 

Can I attend virtually?

Each event will have a networking session and interactive discussions planned, so it is much more beneficial to attend in person. However, we will stream the event on our Facebook page and then post it on our YouTube channel. Because interaction with other attendees is an important part of the program, you must attend at least two of the events in person if you wish to earn a certificate of completion. 

How long is each session?

2 hours, from 6-8 p.m.

Where do I park? 

We'll hold the Impact 704 Academy at Camp North End's Gama Goat Building, Suite 200 at 1801 N. Graham St. This is in the long building in Camp North End that's along N. Graham St. Parking is available in the lot just north of the building, and then you can walk along the sidewalk and building to reach Suite 200. We'll have Sustain Charlotte signs pointing the way. The venue can be reached by CATS bus route 22 (N Graham St) and 21 (Statesville Ave).

Finding a babysitter for the event might be challenging, but I would still like to attend. Can I bring kids?

We know it can be hard to find childcare in the evenings, and we don’t want that to be a barrier. It’s a family-friendly event, and you’re welcome to bring your kids and watch them. We will provide some simple toys and games for kids. 

Will drinks/meals be provided?

We will provide light refreshments from Leah and Louise. The venue also has several food trucks available for attendees to purchase food at an additional cost. 

What can I do to prepare for these events? 

Simply come with an open mind, prepared to learn about smart growth and take action! And, invite your family members and friends to join you! 

Are you looking for volunteers for this event?

Yes, we are! Please contact [email protected] if you are interested in volunteering at this event. We need greeters and volunteers to assist at the registration table.