The Vermont Council on Rural Development will open the application process for the Climate Catalysts Leadership Program October 1, 2022. The program brings together local leaders from all walks of life and all corners of Vermont to build peer connections, strengthen leadership skills, and receive support in developing a local climate economy project or initiative.

VCRD has hosted three classes of the Climate Catalysts since 2020, to connect with experts and reflect together about their local work to grow the climate economy. With the pandemic, this program has evolved to primarily take place on Zoom with the possibility of occasional in-person sessions.

The upcoming program will run from November of 2022 through October of 2023. The core of the program will be 12 monthly 90-minute online gatherings. Sessions will be split into those working on specific aspects of leadership and project development, exercises to build group connection and collaboration, and those featuring guest speakers. Most sessions will include breakout groups to build stronger connections within the cohort. Participants will also have the option of regular one-on-one check-ins with program staff.

Participants are asked to outline a potential or in-progress project or initiative when they apply for the program. They will work to develop this project as a focus of their program participation.

Visit VCRD’s Climate Catalysts page to learn more.

Applications for 2023 cohort will be available October 1, 2022 and Due November 2, 2022.

Questions? Feel free to reach out to the Climate Economy Program Manager Laura Cavin Bailey at [email protected] or (802) 223-6091