Resilient Reading Roundtable:

Connectivity and Social Infrastructure for a Resilient Reading 

Part 1 of 3: Building Social Capital Through Shared Spaces

A clean, cared-for neighborhood is more than a community benefit – it is an economic asset. Volunteerism, beautification, climate preparedness, infrastructure investment, and shared public spaces can strengthen neighborhood pride, improve perceptions of safety, attract workers and investment, and support thriving commercial districts. 

Join Green Building Alliance and Resilient Reading partners for a conversation about how residents, businesses, nonprofits, and public leaders can work together to build stronger relationships, healthier public spaces, and a more resilient Reading. 

Businesses will explore practical ways to engage employees, support volunteer initiatives, form community partnerships, and strengthen the neighborhoods where they operate. 

This is part one of a three-part series exploring how challenges facing communities today cannot be solved by infrastructure alone. Resilient communities are also built through strong relationships, vibrant public spaces, engaged residents, and connectivity within communities. 

Participants Will 

1. Learn how volunteerism an strengthen resilience 

2. Discover opportunities for greater resident engagement. 

3. Learn how organizations can collaborate more effectively for stronger communities. 

Meet Our Speakers 

Berks Nature 

Community Stewardship as Social Infrastructure 

• Green spaces and community well-being

• Nature-based resilience strategies 

• Environmental stewardship as civic engagement 

• Conversations and community connections 

Keep Reading Beautiful & South of Penn Task Force 

Volunteerism, Beautification & Community Resilience

• Neighborhood cleanup initiatives 

• Beautification projects

• Resident-led improvements 

• Community partnerships 

• Volunteer engagement 

18th Wonder Improvement Association & Widoktadwen Center for Native Knowledge

Community Gardens, Pollinator Spaces & Neighborhood Connections 

• Community gardens as gathering spaces 

• Pollinator habitats and biodiversuty 

• Food access and education 

• Environmental stewardship 

• Resident engagement 

• Community greening projects

The Connectivity & Social Infrastructure series convenes residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, institutions, and public sector leaders to explore the many dimensions of connectivity and social infrastructure that contribute to a healthy, equitable, and resilient city. 

Join us for parts two and three of the Connectivity & Social Infrastructure for a Resilient Reading series: 

September 22 – Arts, Culture & Creative Placemaking 

October 13 – Connecting Neighborhoods through Mobility & Economic Opportunity 

About Resilient Reading

Resilient Reading is part of GBA’s broader mission to create sustainable, economically vibrant communities where every person can thrive. Resilient Reading is made possible with support from the Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund. 

Through education, collaboration, technical assistance, and innovation, GBA empowers local leaders and community partners to improve communities through the transformation of the built environment. Resilient Reading events bring topics to the community designed to educate, inspire, and provide examples of building energy efficiency projects, how to increase resilience against extreme weather events, financing opportunities for building upgrades, and more. 

To learn more, contact us at info@gba.org