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Written by Katie Modic - Executive Director

President Biden visits Pittsburgh today to discuss a $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill. Ironically and tragically, the Frick Park Bridge located 3 blocks from Communitopia headquarters collapsed this morning around 6:00 am. My kids and I cross above and below that bridge daily on jogging routes and to commute to and from our daily activities. This one hits close to home. To all the individuals and families more directly impacted, our hearts are with you.

Simultaneously, we are mourning the loss of a longtime civil and human rights leader in Pittsburgh, Alma Fox, who passed away Monday. Ms. Fox served as the NAACP Pittsburgh Chapter president from 1966 - 1971 just after the 1965 voting rights act was signed into law and during the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Fox. We lift up and carry forward the important work for civil rights that you so incomparably championed. You will be missed.

January marks a time in our work-cycle when we reflect on lessons learned. Naturally, as our organization grows in maturity and size (we're hiring a full-time Director of Education!), we also grow in impact. We were thrilled to host our inaugural Climate Action Team Leadership Retreat at the Dragon's Den in Homestead this month bringing all four of our Climate Action Teams together for the first time. They'll join forces again this April for the Pittsburgh Youth Climate Action Summit (details to come soon). What I'm keenly aware of as I witness young leaders taking risks and practicing using their assets is the hope it fuels inside our staff. Being optimistic about fixing the systems that perpetuate climate change and systemic racism at times feels overwhelming, but being hopeful after bearing witness to young leaders in action comes as naturally as nurturing a child. Holding hope for 2022!