2026 Symposium
2026 Thriving Communities Symposium: “Building Capacity for Sustainable and Resilient Communities”
On October 23–24, the Overbrook Environmental Education Center hosted its 2026 Thriving Communities Symposium at Saint Joseph’s University. The two-day event brought together people working across Philadelphia and the region to share ideas and practical approaches around climate resilience, land use, illegal dumping, air and water quality, environmental health, and more. The symposium also featured workshops, a resource fair, bus tours, and an awards dinner.
Event Highlights
Featured Sessions – Day 1
This year’s symposium, guided by the theme “Building Capacity for Sustainable and Resilient Communities,” reflected our belief that thriving communities are built through shared knowledge, collaboration, strong partnerships, and collective action. Over two days, participants gathered to exchange ideas, explore strategies, build connections, and advance solutions that strengthen environmental health, justice, sustainability, and community resilience.
