Sustainability Summit

12th Annual Sustainability Summit

Be the Change: Conscious Action Creates Purposeful Change

This year’s Sustainability Summit is focused on encouraging everyone to “be the change.” Join Dallas College for a day-long event on sustainability, highlighted by two keynote speakers who have inspired people to “be the change” in recent years.

Bestselling author Seth Godin and activist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez will share their stories and messages in building a more sustainable society. Additionally, those in attendance – in-person or virtually – can take part in a number of other workshops to become more sustainable on a daily basis.

Sustainability is a system thinking approach that addresses equity (people), the economy (prosperity) and the environment (planet). All three are interconnected. If one of these areas is ailing, then eventually they all will be affected. The challenges we’re facing today may sometimes feel overwhelming and unsolvable to a single person. And that is exactly why we must persevere as individuals to do what we can to be the change we wish to see in the world. Why? Because practicing sustainability in our own lives builds hope and influences others to make positive changes in their lives.

Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Dallas College Brookhaven Campus
Performance Hall3939 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, TX 75244

This conference will be livestreamed as well as in person.
A vegetarian lunch will be provided to in person attendees if you register before Oct. 21.

Xiuhtezcatl Martinez

Advocate, leader, activist and hip hop artist

Seth Godin

Organizer, instigator and coordinator of The Carbon Almanac: It’s Not Too Late

8:30-9 a.m.

Registration & Meet with Exhibitors

9:15-9:30 a.m.

Welcome

9:30-10:15 a.m.

Keynote Message with Xiuhtezcatl Martinez

Xiuhtezcatl Martinez Advocate, leader, activist and hip hop artist

10:15-10:45 a.m.

Q & A with Xiuhtezcatl Martinez

11-11:45 a.m.

Breakout Session #1

11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Lunch & Meet with Exhibitors

1-1:45 p.m.

Breakout Session #2

2-2:45 p.m.

Breakout Session #3

3 p.m.

Keynote Message with Seth Godin

Seth Godin Organizer, instigator and coordinator of The Carbon Almanac: It’s Not Too Late

3:45-4 p.m.

Q & A with Seth Godin

4 p.m.

Closing remarks

Attendees will have the opportunity to add three breakout sessions to their summit schedule. Each breakout session will address an area where conscious changes can be made toward leading a sustainable life.

Breakout sessions will be repeated three times during the day.

Subject	Description
In the Environment	This interactive breakout session will help you reach new levels on your gardening journey! Whether you are just beginning, or already have an established garden, this is your opportunity to learn from local, agriculture experts. Join Neil Kaufman, Assistant Director of Sustainability for Urban Agriculture at Dallas College, and Michael Bell, Owner and Operator of Dallas Half Acre Farms as they discuss the impact our decisions have on the natural environment, and how we can begin/enhance our own gardening and landscaping journey’s.
On our Travels	The way we travel has a significant impact on our personal carbon footprint. Any form of transportation that uses fossil fuels contributes to climate change, and although it is impossible to eliminate traditional forms of travel, we can reduce our impact substantially by educating ourselves on sustainable alternative ways to move. Sit in on our panel of travel experts as they share what their organizations are doing to be more sustainable and hear their recommendations on how you can be an environmentally conscious traveler.
In the Home	In this session you will learn how making changes in the home can contribute positively to the environment. Ask questions to green building experts and take away tangible methods that will make your home, or business energy conscious.
With our Wallets	Do you think about the products you buy everyday? What makes you choose a certain brand, versus another? Is it price, convenience, or quality? When was the last time you bought a product because you knew it was good for the environment? In this session you will learn how to use your purchasing power for good! Sustainable purchasing is making sure that the products and services we buy achieve value for money with the lowest environmental impact and most positive social results. Sit in on our panel of experts as they discuss how we can consciously choose products that are good for our environment, without sacrificing low prices, convenience, or quality.
At Work	Hear change-makers from higher education, public, and private sectors discuss how to initiate sustainable programs and practices in your organization.
In the Community	Work for change in your community! The majority of environmental change-makers agree that the most accessible way to make a positive impact on the environment is to vote for policy-makers who care about the environment. We all have the power to make an impact in the community by voting, and being an active, engaged citizen – getting involved in your local community and democracy at all levels. Learn from a panel of nonpartisan organizations about how you can use your vote and how your voice can make a difference.

For more information, email Sustainability@dallascollege.edu

Learn about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Available Sponsorship Opportunities

Sustainability Summit

12th Annual Sustainability Summit

Be the Change: Conscious Action Creates Purposeful Change