Join Rural Assembly for a panel on Models of Community Resilience on July 16th at 2pm E.T. to learn about programs which support strong rural communities in Washington and Arizona.
“Resilience” is a word we often hear in conversations about community strength and survival—especially in rural places where resources may be stretched. While resilience is sometimes forged in the aftermath of a crisis, it can also be cultivated proactively.
In this panel discussion, hear from several speakers about examples of how rural communities are building resilience through creative, community-driven solutions.
Together, we’ll explore what these models can teach us about preparing for the unexpected—and strengthening our communities before a crisis hits.
Join us for an hour exploring a variety of interventions which support community resilience, and then participate in a Q&A with the panelists – and each other.
Panelists
Dara Marks Merino, Hopi Utilities Corporation
Dara has worked in the energy, environment, and social justice fields for nearly 10 years. Beginning with a Master’s degree in Climate Science and Solutions, she first worked for the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) where she addressed air quality policy and climate change issues with tribes across the country; she then worked for a nonprofit that reduced emissions from the electric grid through shifting the time and location of energy usage; and most recently has been working for the Hopi Utilities Corporation supporting the implementation of renewable energy projects across the Hopi Reservation.
Tawny Reeder, Craft3 Clean Water Loans
Tawny oversees the consumer lending team at Craft3. Tawny joined Craft3 in 2016, after working as a banker with Umpqua Bank and Butte Community Bank. She and her family spend time outdoors hiking and horseback riding, and as her children get a little older she’s weighing going back to school for a Master’s degree.
