2019
ANNUAL
REPORT
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
In 2019, Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN) met several major milestones. The network:
- Adopted its first long-term strategic plan and set of core values
- Hired its first full time Executive Director
- Grew membership by 10%
- Piloted a new collaborative grant program and State Networks in five states
- Awarded five new Southeast Sustainable Communities Fund grants
- Developed new relationships and aligned more closely with partners
- Set up new systems for evaluations and metrics that align with the strategic plan
SSDN is proud to report that 100% of its members are actively sharing with each other, and participation in peer learning activities is higher than ever. This past year was a year of building, a year of trying new things, and experimenting with creative opportunities to meet the network’s strategic planning goals. With 2020 officially underway, SSDN is looking ahead at a year that will do more than ever to catalyze the creation and implementation of climate change solutions region-wide.
— Meg
BY THE NUMBERS
STATES
AL, AR, GA, FL, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN
PARTICIPATING SUSTAINABILITY PROFESSIONALS
STATE NETWORKS
Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee
OF MEMBERS
Are actively learning of and sharing sustainability best practices with the network
OF MEMBERS
Report high priorityalignment withother members
REFLECTING ON A YEAR OF BUILDING TO SCALE OUR IMPACT IN THE SOUTH
SSDN exists to accelerate and scale implementation of local government sustainability best practices in the southeastern United States through a member-led network of professionals who collaborate to solve problems, implement equitable solutions, and influence decision-makers. In 2020, this mission takes on a new level of urgency, and SSDN members are working tirelessly to reach their individual goals to contribute toward a broader, collective impact. In 2019, SSDN successfully kicked off the work on its strategic plan, which is guided by a refreshed vision, mission, theory of change and core values.
OUR
STRATEGIC
PLANNING
GOALS
1.GROW THE FIELD
2.BUILDCAPACITY
3.ALIGN PRACTITIONERS
4.STRENGTHEN THE NETWORK
EVALUATING
PROGRESS
After adopting the 2019 Strategic Plan, SSDN refined its assessment processes and tools to better understand trends and opportunities affecting the field of sustainability in the South, as well as tools and processes to improve our understanding of how the network is functioning. SSDN is a high-functioning network today, with a very active
membership base and high levels of dedication both to the field and its growth. SSDN is committed to continually evaluating the progress related to its strategic planning goals, learning from successes and mistakes and adjusting as necessary to respond to the needs of members.
DATA FROMMEMBER IMPACTSURVEY
SSDN MEMBERSHIP
RACIAL & GENDER DIVERSITY
70% FEMALE & WHITE
HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF MEMBERSHIP RANKS
1. FL
2. NC
3. GA
4. TN
5. SC
6. AL
7. AR
8. LA
9. MS
NEW COMMUNITIES REACHED IN 2019
Brookhaven, GA
Clarksville/Montgomery County, TN
Fulton County, GA
Hattiesburg, MS
Hillsborough County, FL
Tallahassee, FL
ACHIEVING SSDN'S STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
GROW
THE
FIELD
NUMBER
Of SSDN member communities in 2019
NUMBER
Of communities receiving membership scholarships in 2019
STRENGTH
OF THE
NETWORK
OF MEMBERS
Are actively learning of and sharing sustainability best practices with the network
PARTICIPATION AT THE ANNUAL MEETING
BUILDING
CAPACITY
OF MEMBERS
Receiving mentorship
OF SSDN’S CAPACITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES
Focus on incorporating equity into sustainability work
ALIGNMENT
OF
PRACTITIONERS
OF MEMBERS
Report high priority alignment with other members
OF MEMBERS
Report that SSDN has helped them advance racial equity in their communities
SOUTHEAST SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES FUND OVERVIEW
The Southeast Sustainable Communities Fund (SSCF) accelerates the adoption of sustainable best practices in Southeast communities by funding projects that implement equitable sustainability solutions. Over the past three years, the SSCF has invested nearly $5,000,000 in 17 communities across the region. In 2019, SSDN awarded grants in Clarkston, Georgia; Durham, North Carolina; Fulton County, Georgia; Memphis, Tennessee; and Miami, Florida.
OF GRANTEES
Are actively engaging people of color, immigrants/refugees, and/or low income populations in implementation
OF PROJECTS
Have expanded educational opportunities
OF PROJECTS
Have created wealth-building opportunities
OF GRANTEES
Leveraged more than one community partner
OF GRANTEES
Started a program, office, or position related to sustainability and/or equity in their government
OF MEMBERS
Reporting that they have found SSCF projects helpful in their own work
SSCF is supported by The Kendeda Fund and The Kresge Foundation.
2020
NETWORK
FORECAST
In 2020, SSDN is prioritizing several key activities that will expand its reach and impact:
- Expanding peer learning opportunities for members who are starting out in their work, are seeking innovative best practices, and desiring mentorship
- Deepening investment in State Networks, specifically in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas
- Piloting a capacity building program specifically focused on racial equity
- Furthering alignment with the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) via fiscal sponsorship
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We deeply appreciate the engagement of SSDN members, staff, steering committee, advisors, funders, partners, and others in the development of our strategic plan and the support of our work. Specifically, SSDN thanks Energy Foundation, The Kendeda Fund, The Kresge Foundation, Merck Family Fund and Turner Foundation. Through surveys, focus groups, interviews, and targeted discussions, approximately 120 people participated in the strategic plan, and/or have provided support as we kicked off this plan over the past 14 months.
