When disruptions arise, it is often our neighbors, families, and local networks who step up first. In this Forum, we explore how communities can strengthen the ties that hold them together before, during, and after climate-related events. Featuring voices from across sectors who are community leaders, planners, and practitioners, this discussion will examine how local collaboration, trust, and shared responsibility can help ensure no one is left behind when it matters most. We’ll also explore how to support and sustain our informal networks, “zero responders”, who often prevent challenges from becoming full-blown crises.

Forum Speakers

Valinda Chan
Director of Community Engagement
StarLuna Consulting

Jessica Dandridge-Smith
Executive Director
The Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans

Peyton Siler Jones
Founder and Principal
Siler Climate Consulting

Meghan Kallman
Rhode Island State Senator, District 15
Associate Professor, School for Global Inclusion & Social Development, University of Massachusetts Boston

Marcie Roth 
Executive Director and CEO
World Institute on Disability

Moderated Discussion

Forum Co-Chairs

Kari Hewitt
Lecturer, Urban & Environmental Policy & Planning
Tufts University

Julie Wormser
Chief Climate Officer
City of Cambridge