Institute of Cultural Affairs USA

🌿 Join us for a day of community collaboration and learning at the Institute of Cultural Affairs! 🌍✨ Let's come together to share our successes, challenges, and what we've learned and unlearned about sustainability and community building. This family-friendly event includes sustainable crafts, presentations from local thought leaders, and a community planning workshop. Whether you're passionate about environmental justice or simply curious to learn more, this day is for you! RSVP now and join us in shaping a more sustainable future together! 🌱 https://lnkd.in/g8pkrQUp

Last Saturday, we gathered for a screening of "The Lorax," a movie that reminds us of the importance of caring for our environment. We had a wonderful discussion about sustainable practices and how each of us can make a positive impact on our planet. 🌍 Together, we can make a difference! Let's continue to spread awareness and take action for a greener, healthier world. 💚 Stay tuned for more events and join us in our journey towards sustainability. 🌿✨

🌿 Join us for a movie night as we screen The Lorax, followed by a discussion on how we can all contribute to a greener future. Learn how to make a difference and connect with others passionate about protecting the Earth. 🌿 🔗 Scan the QR code to RSVP and go to https://bit.ly/3L5xTfU. If you have any additional questions, contact programs@ica-usa.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

🌍 Our Planet Needs a Revolution 🌍 Support the Trashion Revolution: Awaken on July 20th, where fashion meets activism to raise awareness of climate and plastic pollution crises. Featuring 25 designers creating art from disposable plastics and 24 diverse models, this event highlights fashion, advocacy, and community. Secure your spot at https://lnkd.in/g2MEGk9z🌟!

The May & June issue of the Global Buzz is out now! Enjoy the read...

At the Sweet Home Uptown 2024 event, the ICA honored Alderwoman Angela Clay as a Legacy Leader. The event, sponsored by the Voice of the People advocates for affordable housing in Uptown, real estate development, property management, and collaborative services. L --> R: Tamiz Haiderali (ICA Director of Operations), Martha Name (Lakeside Square Property Manager), Alderwoman Angela Clay, Lesley Showers (ICA Executive Director), Karen Snyder (ICA Program Coordinator), and Jim Troxel (ICA Board Member).

The Uptown Decarb Building Collaborative welcomed Angela Tovar, Chicago’s Chief Sustainability Officer, to its April gathering held at the ICA. Representatives from each participating building shared their sustainability efforts over the past two years while gaining insights from Tovar regarding recommended actions and available resources for progressing toward carbon neutrality. Among her suggestions were engagement in emerging policies for buildings, resources like the IL Green Alliance's Decarb Hub, Direct Pay, the Green Bank, leveraging the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and tax incentives, and energy programs offered by the IL Department of Energy and Housing.

For Earth Day, ICA collaborated with McCutcheon Elementary School to build a ‘green wall’ on their school fence. ICA interns and staff engaged the students through the process of repurposing plastic bottles to grow plants, both beautifying the school and promoting environmental consciousness. The students filled their bottles with seeds, personalized them with their names, and hung them on the fence. This project served as the highlight of McCutcheon’s Earth Week festivities, during which they dedicated each day to activities and projects (e.g. Go Green and Flower Day) centered around the planet. 

Over a hundred people joined the 2024 Uptown Earth Day Celebration held at Buttercup Park - co-hosted by the ICA and McCutcheon Elementary School! Illinois Senator Mike Simmions, State Representative Hoan Huynh, and Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth were present. Attendees applauded state legislation aimed at phasing out styrofoam and single-use plastics. DJ Elgin provided the beats while Uptown Deli and Byron’s Hot Dogs donated food. To the fifteen participating organizations committed to addressing climate change, your commitment and efforts are invaluable in safeguarding our planet for future generations. 

Congratulations to the Uptown Decarb Building Collaborative on being honored with the Climate Action Hero Award given by the Climate Action Museum! Special thanks to Matt Cardoni for accepting the award on our behalf.