Approach   We inspire action because we believe in the strengths of human beings and know how to tap these strengths for a common purpose.  We are at the center of a “network of a thousand leaders” -- the innovative citizens, officials, educators, and entrepreneurs who benefit from the connections, resources and shared purpose they find through our projects, events, and online community. Our programs and projects are aimed at advancing local policy and direct action in the areas of sustainable energy, building, infrastructure, resource management, economic development and food systems, drawing out the expertise and shared knowledge of this network.  

Tools  Our signature strength is our skill with process tools to generate creative and effective new approaches, such as:

In the community:  Our mission can only be achieved by empowering a strong community-based network and taking direction from it.  While we are not a membership organization in a formal sense, we work closely with governments and citizen groups to set an agenda that supports theirs. We have assisted in the formation of key organizations such as the Hudson Valley Branch of the U.S. Green Building Council Upstate New York Chapter.   We engage with the community through signature events that connect people with knowledge, each other, and the special qualities of this place, including Master Classes for government and civic leaders, as well as social opportunities such as walking tours, film nights, mapping projects, and author events.