Big Things Are Happening at Sustain Saint Paul — Join Us Thursday!
There’s a lot of big things happening at Sustain Saint Paul and we want you to be part of it.
From new committees to new staff, deep-dive training to a fresh new look, this is an exciting new chapter for Sustain Saint Paul!
We’re growing, and we’re doing it in a way that’s grounded in neighbor-led organizing and citywide connection, and we hope you join us at 6:30pm this Thursday, July 24th, at Bang Brewing for our next social event to learn more!
Join us for drinks, casual hangs, and a deeper dive into all the new ways we are growing and opening up to volunteers like yourself. If you’ve ever wanted to get involved with Sustain Saint Paul, this is the night to come.
Bonus shout-out for bikers: Bang Brewing has a one-of-a-kind bike corral — making it easier than ever to roll up and get connected. Bang’s strong support for cyclists is commendable, and they are advocating for changes to city policy that will promote improved bike parking across Grand Avenue and beyond. Learn more Thursday, and read up on Bang’s sustainability efforts here.
How to get to Bang Brewing:
Transit: take the Metro Green Line to the Raymond Ave stop. Walk to Hampden Ave and walk north. This road turns into Hersey Street; continue north until you come to Capp Road. The brewery is on your left.
By bike: from the east, consider taking Pierce Butler Route, to Ellis Ave,, to Vandalia Street to Capp Road. The brewery is on the left.
By Evie carsharing: Good news! Bang Brewing is within the Evie carsharing program’s boundaries! Pause your ride to ensure you can return via Evie.
Parking: there is on-street parking on Capp Road.
We’re watching the weather. We’ll call the event at 4pm. If we postpone, we will reschedule this event for Thursday, July 31st.
New committees — built by neighbors, led by neighbors
We’ve launched four new volunteer-led organizing committees based on your feedback and focused on the issues neighbors across the city care most about (with a possible addition of two more):
Housing, Zoning & Development
Transportation
Wards & Partnerships
Fundraising
Ecological Sustainability & Food Security (Emerging)
Downtown Revitalization (Emerging)
The reason we’re launching these new committees is because we believe that now, more than ever, we need to create space for neighbors across the city to come together, connect, build relationships, grow ideas, and take meaningful action on the issues that matter most to them.
Our goal is that these aren’t just meetings for the sake of it. They’re places where long lasting relationships are built, leadership is nurtured, and real solutions can take root.
In a time when so many people feel isolated or powerless, we’re doubling down on the belief that the best ideas come from the ground up — and that lasting change happens when everyday people are given the tools, support, and community they need to act together.
From abundant housing and safer streets to climate resilience and economic revitalization, we’re taking on the critical issues of Saint Paul. If you’ve ever wanted to shape local efforts around housing, zoning, food access, or transit; if you want to grow your skills in grassroots organizing and policy advocacy; if you want to connect with people like you who want to build a thriving, livable, and sustainable city; or if you’re simply curious to learn more; this is the perfect time to plug in!
Organizing Training Cohort with Neighbors for More Neighbors
As we add exciting new spaces into our organizing structure, we’re equally thrilled to announce the launch of a brand new Organizing Cohort this October, co-hosted with our friends and rivals at Neighbors for More Neighbors.
This cohort kicks off the morning of Saturday, October 11. It begins with a half-day, in-person training — the first step in a powerful three-month journey to develop the foundational skills of relational, neighborhood-based organizing.
Participants will:
Learn how to tell their story of self and connect with others through shared values
Build deep listening skills and practice one-to-one conversations
Explore what power means in organizing and how to grow it from the ground up
Reflect on personal leadership and how to take meaningful public action
This cohort will be co-facilitated by local organizers alongside national partners from the Welcoming Neighbors Network, bringing a mix of grounded experience and big-picture strategy.
We believe in creating more opportunities for people to invest in their own growth: their skills, their confidence, and their capacity to lead. This cohort is one of those opportunities!
More details to come, location and start time TBD. Express interest below.
New staff: meet Jacob Hooper
Sustain has officially brought on Jacob Hooper as part-time staff! Jacob brings a rich background in local organizing and campaign work, as well as an authentic, heartfelt passion for building a more connected, just, and sustainable Saint Paul. We’re lucky to have him.
New look, same vision
We’re giving our logo a facelift! While the full refresh isn’t finished yet, we’re excited to share a sneak peek of our updated text and colors. Expect more visual updates coming soon!
Board members, staff, and longtime sustainers: we look forward to seeing you on Thursday!
Sincerely,
Sustain Saint Paul
People-Powered. Neighbor-Led
