Grounded Strategies

Thanks to you, we’ve made significant progress in replacing some of the items stolen from our shed in September, but we still have a long way to go to fully restore our capacity to continue serving our community at the same level. There’s still a need for more support, and we’re reaching out again in the hope that you might continue to help us spread the word or consider another contribution. Here’s how you can continue to help: Make a Donation: Every contribution counts, and even a small donation helps us inch closer to recovering what we’ve lost. https://ow.ly/PoFz50UeUmh Donate Tools: We are still in need of battery powered weed whackers and drills as well as a replacement tiller, brush hog, and chainsaw. You can email [email protected] with any inquiries. Share Our Appeal: If you haven’t already, please share our story with your network to help us reach more potential donors. Every act of kindness, large or small, helps us move forward. We are so fortunate to have such a supportive community behind us, and we are confident that, with your continued help, we will get back to transforming vacant lots into vibrant green spaces. Thank you once again for your kindness and commitment to our mission ??

We had such a successful workday at "Cat's Corner" in the #HillDistrict yesterday morning! ?? Thank you to the volunteers from BNY for helping us pick up litter, rake leaves, and fix the bench and planter on the site ??

We’re thrilled to be the recipient of a Moonshot Grant from Remake Learning! This support will help us continue to transform vacant lots into vibrant green spaces which help connect students and communities with nature through direct engagement with green technology, outdoor stewardship, and horticulture therapy.

We had another great Vacant Land Advocacy Network (VLAN) workshop last night! The group dissected the popular stories and beliefs about vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated land, and the communities affected by hypervacancy. We broke down the racist history of the term “blight,” brainstormed ways to dispel negative stereotypes, and identified values to use in reframing the narrative. In response to blaming others for the vacant land issue, we can say, “It is our collective responsibility to take care of land and hold the government accountable.” Our values of respect, community, and social justice make this not just about any particular neighborhood but about ensuring we are all treated fairly, regardless of where we live. We still have one more workshop coming up this Saturday 11/16! You can sign up here: https://ow.ly/UQSm50U7jlo

Tomorrow is our 4th Vacant Land Advocacy Network (VLAN) workshop! We'll be reframing the conventional narrative around hypervacancy to dispel negative stereotypes about redlined communities and their ability to navigate and solve problems. You can learn more about and sign up for this FREE workshop here: https://ow.ly/V85R50U5B0Q

Over the weekend, we worked with volunteers from Carnegie Mellon University to spruce up the "Gathering Place" in the #HillDistrict! It's amazing what a fresh coat of paint and some edging around stepping stones can do ??

Grounded will be out of office today in observance of Veterans Day ? We will be back to normal operations tomorrow!

Grounded believes land banks are one of the best tools for land recycling, and the Pittsburgh Land Bank is crucial to reducing the number of vacant and abandoned properties in Pittsburgh. The Center for Community Progress explains how: https://ow.ly/2nTb50U0LbZ

A reminder that we have two Vacant Land Advocacy Network (VLAN) workshops coming up this week! You can learn more and RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/eZt59fwn

On Friday, we took some time for a little team bonding by painting pumpkins and canvases, drinking apple cider, and listening to some spooky jams! Is there any better way to spend an autumn afternoon?? ???????????