April is officially Earth Month, and the Philadelphia Office of Sustainability wants to talk to you to celebrate! (How sweet.)

They’re kicking off a series of public engagement opportunities so you can help shape the next generation of Greenworks (i.e. former Mayor Michael Nutter’s plan to make Philly the greenest city by 2015). They’re seeking feedback from all types: issue experts, students, businesses, faith institutions, and residents from all communities so they can set new goals for the next 8 years and initiatives to meet them. By lending your voice, you can shape how Greenworks can help improve Your community’s quality of life.

So why the need for a change in Greenworks? We asked the new lady-in-charge to find out.

As Director of the Office of Sustainability, Christine Knapp said,

“Over the past eight years, Philadelphia’s Greenworks plan has set a path for Philadelphia to become a more sustainable, vibrant and healthy city to live work and play. As the plan was designed to expire in 2015, the Office of Sustainability is now beginning the process of updating the plan to set goals for the next eight years and beyond.”

How to participate in shaping the next version of Greenworks:

• Complete the Greenworks survey any time during the month of April
• Join the Office of Sustainability for a Twitter chat on Earth Day, April 22nd from noon to 1pm. Send your questions or comments to us at twitter.com/GreenworksPhila
• Attend a neighborhood discussion:

o April 20, 6:30 p.m. Columbus Square Park, 12th and Reed Streets 19147

o April 25, 6:30 p.m. Overbrook Environmental Education Center, 6134 Lancaster Ave 19151

o April 27, 6:30 p.m. Bartram’s Garden, 8400 Lindbergh Blvd 19143

o May 4, 6:30 p.m. with Germantown United CDC at the Flying Horse Center, 5534-46 Pulaksi Ave 19144

o May date TBD with New Kensington CDC

o May date TBD with Asociacion Puertorriquenos en Marcha

Make sure to RSVP or indicate your interest in attending one of the soon to be scheduled sessions.

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Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher