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November / December 2024 Net Impact Chicago Newsletter:  Wrapping Up the Year



Image from Charlottees on Pixabay


WRAPPING UP THE YEAR

As the holiday season approaches, Net Impact Chicago extends warm greetings to our community. While our city adorns itself with twinkling lights from Millennium Park to neighborhood streets, we're reminded of the enduring spirit of Chicagoans to come together, regardless of the changing tides around us.  In these times of political transition and evolving perspectives, our mission remains steadfast: to convene professionals for dialogue on issues of people, planet, prosperity, and career.  We strive to foster positive change and sustainable practices.  


This November and December, we invite you to join us for enlightening events and networking opportunities focused on sustainability, social responsibility, and climate action.


Please Save the Date of January 30, 2025 for an exciting opportunity to “Reboot Your Network” hosted by Loyola University’s Baumhart Center at their Gold Coast campus! More to follow in our Jan//Feb. Newsletter in early 2025.


WELCOME NEW NIC LEADERS! 

We're pleased to announce a new member of our Chicago Professional Chapter Leadership Team! 


Matthew Wegh, Events Chair


Matt Wegh Headshot

Matt has spent his career in impact.  Beginning as a high school teacher and then as a program manager in underserved communities in Chicago, he has been committed to improving what he can improve.  He has continued that journey as a member of the Baumhart Scholar Cohort in the Quinlan School of Business, where “profit meets purpose.”  Matt is a connector who hopes to use his position as Events Chair at Net Impact to bring the local community together for good. 

We thank Fiona Montie for her service as past Events Chair. 


FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  CHICAGO UNITED FOR EQUITY, 2025

Our friends at Chicago United for Equity (CUE) are looking for diverse leaders, innovators, disruptors, and healers to be part of their next cohort of racial justice leaders, ready to tackle Chicago’s most pressing equity issues. 

Linked here is an overview of what you need to know to apply or nominate someone for the Fellowship (PDF download here).

  


FEATURED COMMUNITY EVENTS

Social - The Trashy Holiday Market 2024

Friday, November 29 · 4 - 8pm CST & Saturday, November 30 · 12 - 5pm CST | Free! Details at link.

What: We can turn back time, hit rewind, and give used stuff back its shine. Get your junk and funk on at Trashy Holiday Market! Featuring ingenious local artisans who work their magic to turn almost-trash into one-of-a-kind wonders. Plus, enjoy other waste-less activities and creative reuse crafts. There is no better way to show love for our one-and-only planet and each other than to gather together as a community. We have *nowhere* else to go, so let’s go *nowhere* together.


Brought to you by Nowhere Collective. Support 35+ eco- & socially-conscious local businesses offering an array of uniquely upcycled, hand-crafted wares, like home goods, planters, art, fashion, bath & body and more. Plus, more hands-on, trashy activities for all ages.


When:  Friday, November 29 · 4 - 8pm CST & Saturday, November 30 · 12 - 5pm CST

Where:  Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 North Lincoln Avenue Second Floor Chicago, IL 60613

Cost:  FREE!  More Info and RSVP details here at this link!


Civic/Community - Fireside Chat With Dr. Dominica McBride

Thursday, December 5 · 5:30 - 7pm CST | Free! Details at link.

What: Please join us for a personal discussion, wine, and a little treat. We will be discussing community transformation in Chicago and BECOME's innovative work in unifying and catalyzing community change. We will be discussing community transformation in Chicago and BECOME's innovative work in unifying and catalyzing community change.


Fun fact:  NIC volunteers provided some pro bono consulting to BECOME during its formation years ago. We are excited by BECOME's growth!


When:  Thursday, December 5 @ 5:30 - 7pm CT

Where:  171 North Aberdeen Street #4th floor Chicago, IL 60607

Cost:  FREE!  More Info and RSVP details here at this link!


Social - E2 Midwest Chapter, Women of Energy Efficiency, and the Midwest Sustainability Network Holiday Happy Hour

Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM CT Free! Details at link.

What: Please join us for a holiday happy hour co-hosted by the E2 Midwest Chapter, Women of Energy Efficiency, and the Midwest Sustainability Network. We look forward to bringing together professionals from across Chicago’s clean economy to celebrate all the great work done in 2024 and build community to continue this important work in 2025.


When:  Tuesday, December 17 @ 5 - 7:00 PM CT  

Where:  20 N Wacker Dr. Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60606 

Cost:  FREE!  More Info and RSVP details here at this link!


NET IMPACT CENTRAL NEWS



New Ways to Support Net Impact and Our Chapters Coming Soon!

In celebration of Net Impact's 30th anniversary, we're cooking up something exciting behind the scenes. Soon, you'll be able to showcase your commitment to making an impact with our ethically sourced merchandise. The best part? A portion of every purchase will directly support our chapters, empowering them to continue their incredible work. Stay tuned for the big reveal!

 

Coming Soon! Net Impact Community Platform (NICP) 

After several months of building testing, Net Impact HQ is gearing up for the launch of our new online Community Platform, which will be referred to as the Net Impact Community Platform or “NICP” for short. We expect to launch for our full Chapter Leader Community in late November to early December. Chapters will be asked to build out their new microsite, connect with other chapters, and bookmark the NICP for future access. 



APPLY NOW TO JOIN THE NET IMPACT CHICAGO TEAM!

Are you looking to get more connected to the business, civic, environmental, and social impact community? Joining the Net Impact Chicago Leadership Team is a great way to network with others in the space while showcasing hands-on communications, leadership, management, and strategic skills. We are industry- and sector- agnostic, so you can come from any professional background.  Benefits include networking opportunities within Chicago and the global Net Impact network, as well as impressive portfolio and resume experience. Check out our open positions and apply today! 


We are accepting applications for leadership positions:


  • Content Manager - Skills needed: Marketing/ media/written/digital  communications - to research, strategize, edit, and update NIC digital platforms (blog and newsletter)

  • Fundraising Manager – do you have, or want to build, fundraising experience? We would love your contribution to our team to help us host more meaningful events and grow our reach. 

  • Membership and Engagement Manager - Do you love meeting others and getting them excited about social and environmental impact? Are you a people person? This role would be perfect for you. 


To apply, please fill out the application here: https://forms.gle/8LNTs9MCtjA2XQ92A.


Have another skill you’d like to contribute to the Net Impact team? Fill out our volunteer form here: https://forms.gle/hKzpbW6ANE4XytQJ8. We would also consider a bespoke leadership position for you if it seems like the right fit 


Contact our Leadership Team atinfo@netimpactchicago.org for more information.


ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE


WHAT WE’RE READING/ VIEWING/ LISTENING TO

  • Local Enterprises win 2024 Boost Awards for Sustainability & Innovation (Delta Institute)

  • Chicago starts a Smart Streets program to clear bike, bus lanes. (ABC7chicago.com)

  • UChicago launches groundbreaking new institute to confront climate change (Uchicago News)

  • Disadvantaged Communities Are Seeing a Boom in Clean Energy Manufacturing, but the Midwest Lags (Inside Climate News)

  • Trump victory is a major setback for climate action, experts say (BBC)

  • Global South adopting Cleantech faster than the Global North (Rocky Mtn. Inst.)


WHAT WE’RE ATTENDING

An exclusive curated event list in date order.  Free and In-Person unless denoted otherwise as a webinar or online or virtual.  If payment is required, noted by “$$”.  Event type codes:  BIZ = Business/Career; CIV = Civic/Activism; CUL = Cultural/Arts; EDU = Education/Learning; SOC = Social/Entertainment .


Inclusion in this list does not always imply endorsement.  More info at the respective links, which are subject to change after publishing.  Please observe any applicable health and safety precautions.


---- NOVEMBER 2024 ----


Tue. 11/26

 - BIZ - CGLR webinar [ Sustainability Within the Airline Industry - Porter Air ] RSVP:  https://councilgreatlakesregion.org/event/sustainability-within-the-airline-industry 

 - CIV - CNU webinar [ Walkability for a Restorative Urbanism ] Details:  https://www.cnu.org/resources/on-the-park-bench 


11/29 - 30 - SOC - Trashy Holiday Market 2024 - "A jamboree with local artisans who transform trash into one-of-a-kind goods & gifts, plus other 'waste-less' activities & resources @ North Center.  RSVP:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-trashy-holiday-market-2024-tickets-1053022026227 


11/29 - "Plaid Friday" shows support for local businesses.  https://amiba.net/plaid-friday/ 



---- DECEMBER 2024 ----


Mon. 12/02

 - BIZ - ACCP [ Corporate Citizenship Webcast: Introduction to societal impact Measurement | B4SI Framework ]  RSVP:  https://my.accp.org/nc__event?id=a0lRo000000eF1xIAE 

 - BIZ - EOX/ FCEO webinar [ Employee Onwership Trust case study ]   RSVP:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/employee-ownership-fireside-chat-with-ocaquatics-founder-ceo-miren-oca-tickets-1074986506579 


Tue. 12/03

 - CIV - AEI & Brookings Webinar [ A potential economic policy 'grand bargain' for the nation? ]  More info:  https://bipartisanpolicy.org/report/toward-a-potential-grand-bargain-for-the-nation/ 

RSVP:  https://connect.brookings.edu/register-to-watch-grand-bargain 

 - BIZ - Carbon Leadership Forum Chicago 4Q2024 summit @ Loop.  RSVP:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/clf-chicago-q4-summit-tickets-1087693914779 

 - SOC - Chicago Climate Connect 2024 wrap-up social @ Lakeview.  RSVP:  https://chicagoclimateconnect.com/events 


Wed. 12/04

 - BIZ - SomerCor seminar [ Green Energy Financing Fireside Chat]  RSVP:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/green-energy-financing-fireside-chat-tickets-1063173684109 


 - CIV - UChicago talk [ Does Democracy rely on common facts? ] @ Hyde Pk. RSVP: https://events.uchicago.edu/event/241884-does-democracy-need-common-facts


12/04  - 05 - CIV - Community Energy Innovation Summit @ UIC, Near W. Side.  RSVP:  https://www.herox.com/CommunityEnergyInnovation/267-cei-summit 




Thu. 12/05:

 - CIV - NewAmerica webinar [ AI Snake Oil? ]  RSVP:  https://events.newamerica.org/aisnakeoilwhatartificialintell

 - CIV - Climate Mobilization Network webinar [ Where do We Go from Here? ]  RSVP:  https://secure.everyaction.com/_x-wqDomCkGwm9_hp6dldQ2 

 - BIZ - Bloomerang Webinar [  Strategic Board Governance: Leading with Equity ] RSVP:  https://bloomerang.co/webinar/strategic-board-governance-leading-with-equity-12-05/ 

 - CIV - BECOME fireside chat [ Dr. Dominica McBride on Community Transformation] @ W. Loop.  RSVP:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fireside-chat-with-dr-dominica-mcbride-tickets-1059562462849 


Tue. 12/10

 - BIZ - Midwest Sustainability Network talk [ Navigating the Sustainability Regulatory Environment ] @ Loop.  Details via being an opt-in member:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4lxncYp8PloYLo56Sq3StRC2K09JNOjABtlKKbYz3xFtkCA/viewform 

 - BIZ - Illinois Clean Energy Champion Awards Reception @ River North.  RSVP $$:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/illinois-clean-energy-champion-awards-reception-tickets-1044366697907 


Wed. 12/11 - CIV - Film screening/ talk [ unBlocked Englewood, a groundbreaking documentary showcasing artist and activist Tonika Johnson’s latest project aimed at addressing the personal and systemic impact of Chicago’s segregation  ] https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unblocked-englewood-film-premiere-tickets-1087123719309 


Thu. 12/12 :

- BIZ - Bloomerang Webinar [ Empowering Your Board for end of Year Fundraising and New Year Strategic Engagement ] RSVP:  https://bloomerang.co/webinar/strategic-board-governance-leading-with-equity-12-05/ 

 - BIZ - Ownership Capital Labs webinar [  Ownership Lens Investing: the employee ownership opportunity ] RSVP:  https://ownershipcapitallab.capital/learn/events_webinars/ 

 - SOC - IL Green Alliance Holiday Party @ River North.  RSVP $$:  https://www.illinoisgreenalliance.org/the-holiday-party 


Tue. 12/17 - SOC - E2 Midwest Chapter, Women of Energy Efficiency, and the Midwest Sustainability Network Holiday Happy Hour @ Loop.  RSVP:  https://forms.e2.org/69?caid=701UR00000MQjCw 



--- JANUARY 2025 ----


Wed. 01/15 - EDU - ICOY Seminar [ Community Trauma and Resiliency ] @ Loop.  RSVP:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-trauma-and-resiliency-tickets-1059966461219 


Thu. 01/23 - SOC - City Bureau's New Year Gathering @ Back of the Yards.  RSVP $$:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-bureaus-new-year-gathering-forward-together-tickets-1083319320249 


Thu. 01/30 - SAVE THE DATE - BIZ - Loyola U Baumhart Center hosts 'Reboot Your Network for a Better World' purpose-driven networking event @ Gold Coast.  Details TBD:  https://www.luc.edu/baumhartcenter/events/upcomingevents  



---- FEBRUARY 2025 ----


02/11 - 13 - BIZ - America’s Seed Fund Week is a free online event to connect entrepreneurs across the nation working on advanced technologies and allies.  Details:  https://americasseedfundweek.vfairs.com


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