Why is Mayor Jackson hosting the 2011 Sustainability Summit?

In 2009, Mayor Jackson initiated Sustainable Cleveland 2019 with an Appreciative Inquiry Summit attended by a group of diverse, dedicated individuals with vast knowledge, experience and vision for Cleveland’s sustainable future. The Mayor is committed to following through on his vision for a sustainable Cleveland and reporting back to the community.

The 2011 Appreciative Inquiry Summit will focus on generating momentum on current efforts and promoting sustainable job creation through our local economy and the connections to the global marketplace. This year’s summit will also begin the process of connecting the more than 15 SC2019 Working Groups to the Sustainability and Economic Strategic Plan which has been designed to guide the decision-making and to focus the efforts around sustainability. Working groups are comprised of community volunteers from many sectors engaging in pilot projects, advocacy, research and communication of sustainability initiatives.

Is this just another conference?
This is NOT a conference. This is a two-day interactive Appreciative Inquiry Summit with large-group interactive change methods, small group work sessions, and expert-led panel discussions. The result of the work done at the summit will be an action plan, with identifiable next steps.

How did Sustainable Cleveland 2019 begin?
In August 2009, Mayor Frank G. Jackson convened the Sustainable Cleveland 2019 Summit to bring together hundreds of people interested in applying the principles of sustainability to the design of the local economy. The goal: envision a 10-year campaign for “building an economic engine to empower a green city on a blue lake” by the 50th anniversary of the infamous Cuyahoga River fire. In September 2010, the Mayor convened Summit 2010: The Glocal Engine in order to build resilience, activate local resources, take action and accelerate momentum.

As a result of the 2009 and 2010 summits, hundreds of people, from every sector of our community are organized in to over thirty different outcome groups and are continuing to work on this 10-year effort. Because of the summits, organizations and businesses are aligning themselves around the common vision of Sustainable Cleveland 2019 and the business, civic and non-profit communities are focusing attention on topics such as advanced energy, transportation, green building and local food production.

What is Appreciative Inquiry?

• Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a systematic, five-step process that engages individuals within an organization or system in a process designed to renew, change and focus the performance of the system. 
• The five steps are Definition, Discovery, Dream, Design and Deliver.
• AI helps systems renew, change and focus performance by identifying and focusing on the best of “what is” in order to actively pursue the possibilities of “what could be”.

Who is attending the Summit 2011?
Cleveland stakeholders including: corporate executives, small business owners, blue collar workers, civic leaders, neighborhood residents, suburban residents, students, retirees, elected officials, educators, green industry experts, regional stakeholders and many more diverse individuals from a variety of sectors. Summit 2010 will engage regional, national and global stakeholders.

Is there a cost to participate in Summit 2010: The Glocal Engine?
Yes—there is a $35 registration fee which covers a portion of the costs of food provided at the summit. Scholarships are available and volunteers can attend for free. Contact Angela Fleming via email for scholarship information.

How can I volunteer for Summit 2011?
Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of summit duties. Volunteers are eligible to participate in the summit at no cost. Contact Kristin Hall via email to sign up as a volunteer.

Who is running Summit 2010: The Glocal Engine?
The City of Cleveland is conducting the summit, which will be facilitated by Case Western Reserve University’s Fowler Center for Sustainable Value. The center works with groups, organizations and institutions around the world to increase their cooperative capacity in order to engage the whole system in strategic thinking, planning and change.

What is the Advanced Energy Technology and Energy Efficiency Expo?
The expo will provide innovative companies and organizations an opportunity to showcase their leadership in the field of energy efficiency as well as for the general public to learn about new technologies. Details will be available soon.