At the Water Table: Conversations with River Network Wed, 13 May 2026 22:00:07 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2202152 en-us © 2026 At the Water Table: Conversations with River Network yes 3028ae5d-e2c2-58d0-bfce-c7eee646b45a River Network episodic false "At the Water Table" from River Network showcases inspiring stories and experiences from water advocates across the US. We explore diverse perspectives on building a just water future, featuring educators, scientists, and community leaders. We'll also be sharing stories from the Urban Waters Learning Network, a partnership between River Network and Groundwork USA. Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and find transcripts at rivernetwork.org.

River Network is a nonprofit organization that grows and strengthens a transformational national network of water, justice, and river advocates. We envision a powerful and inclusive movement that ensures abundant clean water for all people and nature to thrive.


Join the nationwide network at https://www.rivernetwork.org/stay-informed/.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) River Network https://storage.buzzsprout.com/c78dxt81ivpwh2ah2n63b7mih3xc?.jpg At the Water Table: Conversations with River Network Water Warriors in the Midwest - 2026 Flow Fund Circle recipients Water Warriors in the Midwest - 2026 Flow Fund Circle recipients Learn more about the important water and climate justice work led by four individuals in the U.S. Midwest region who received funding through River Network's Climate Justice Flow Fund Circle. These leaders and organizations were selected by Monica Lewis-Patrick, President and CEO of We the People of Detroit and Climate Justice Flow Funder.

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> Learn more about the important water and climate justice work led by four individuals in the U.S. Midwest region who received funding through River Network's Climate Justice Flow Fund Circle. These leaders and organizations were selected by Monica Lewis-Patrick, President and CEO of We the People of Detroit and Climate Justice Flow Funder.

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> River Network Buzzsprout-19028218 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400 849 full false Survivor-Led Disaster Resilience with DORIS BROWN Survivor-Led Disaster Resilience with DORIS BROWN How has community organizing and disaster preparedness evolved since the COVID-19 pandemic? For Doris Brown at West Street Recovery (WSR) in Houston, Texas, this kind of advocacy has only expanded. WSR is a survivor-led organization focused on community organizing and disaster resilience. Water is a critical issue for WSR, with many residents facing high bills and unsafe drinking water. In this episode, Doris reflects on water equity and the challenges faced by BIPOC neighborhoods and calls for systemic change in how we support communities facing an onslaught of climate disasters. Doris also addresses the need for widespread education and community action if we’re to move toward her vision for a just water future.

This episode was hosted by Erin Kanzig and Campbell Simmons at the Water, Equity and Climate Resilience Caucus. Campbell is no longer on the River Network staff, but we deeply appreciate their compassion, knowledge, and commitment to water advocacy, which shines through in this conversation with Doris. 

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> How has community organizing and disaster preparedness evolved since the COVID-19 pandemic? For Doris Brown at West Street Recovery (WSR) in Houston, Texas, this kind of advocacy has only expanded. WSR is a survivor-led organization focused on community organizing and disaster resilience. Water is a critical issue for WSR, with many residents facing high bills and unsafe drinking water. In this episode, Doris reflects on water equity and the challenges faced by BIPOC neighborhoods and calls for systemic change in how we support communities facing an onslaught of climate disasters. Doris also addresses the need for widespread education and community action if we’re to move toward her vision for a just water future.

This episode was hosted by Erin Kanzig and Campbell Simmons at the Water, Equity and Climate Resilience Caucus. Campbell is no longer on the River Network staff, but we deeply appreciate their compassion, knowledge, and commitment to water advocacy, which shines through in this conversation with Doris. 

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> River Network Buzzsprout-17163523 Tue, 20 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400 1245 full false Tapping into Residents’ Power with SUSANA DE ANDA Tapping into Residents’ Power with SUSANA DE ANDA From healthcare to “filter sharks” to advocacy on every level, no one understands the drinking water issue in California better than Susana De Anda. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Community Water Center, Susana is  an expert in community organizing and building a movement in which residents are empowered to engage in local governance and stand up for their right to clean and affordable drinking water. Susana says that building solutions in collaboration with residents is the key to building trust, and compels us all to become more informed about drinking water quality in our own neighborhoods.

Links:

Keywords: water rights, clean drinking water, community advocacy, California water crisis, environmental justice, water governance, safe drinking water, community organizing, water quality, public health

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> From healthcare to “filter sharks” to advocacy on every level, no one understands the drinking water issue in California better than Susana De Anda. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Community Water Center, Susana is  an expert in community organizing and building a movement in which residents are empowered to engage in local governance and stand up for their right to clean and affordable drinking water. Susana says that building solutions in collaboration with residents is the key to building trust, and compels us all to become more informed about drinking water quality in our own neighborhoods.

Links:

Keywords: water rights, clean drinking water, community advocacy, California water crisis, environmental justice, water governance, safe drinking water, community organizing, water quality, public health

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> River Network Buzzsprout-16939055 Wed, 09 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400 2124 full false A Joyful and Collaborative Evaluation Tool with RENEE MAZUREK A Joyful and Collaborative Evaluation Tool with RENEE MAZUREK How can we tell the story of program funding in a way that maps long-term, interconnected impacts in a community? River Network staff member Renée Mazurek came upon one potential answer in Ripple Effects Mapping (REM), a storytelling and evaluation tool that traces the outward ripples of community initiatives via interactive story-sharing from community members. In this bonus episode, Renée narrates her experiences with REM, from speaking with Scott Chazdon, an original author of the tool, to putting REM to work during a listening session with recipients of flow funds in Orange, New Jersey. REM is an especially powerful way to visualize the rippling impacts of Flow Funding, a trust-based philanthropy approach that moves away from traditional, quantitative impact reporting in favor of impact stories.

Links:

Keywords: flowfunding, Ripple Effects Mapping, trust-based philanthropy, participatory evaluation, impact storytelling, social impact, nonprofit, evaluation tools

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> How can we tell the story of program funding in a way that maps long-term, interconnected impacts in a community? River Network staff member Renée Mazurek came upon one potential answer in Ripple Effects Mapping (REM), a storytelling and evaluation tool that traces the outward ripples of community initiatives via interactive story-sharing from community members. In this bonus episode, Renée narrates her experiences with REM, from speaking with Scott Chazdon, an original author of the tool, to putting REM to work during a listening session with recipients of flow funds in Orange, New Jersey. REM is an especially powerful way to visualize the rippling impacts of Flow Funding, a trust-based philanthropy approach that moves away from traditional, quantitative impact reporting in favor of impact stories.

Links:

Keywords: flowfunding, Ripple Effects Mapping, trust-based philanthropy, participatory evaluation, impact storytelling, social impact, nonprofit, evaluation tools

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> Buzzsprout-16704808 Tue, 04 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0500 852 bonus false Building a Green Leadership Program for Adult Learners with PLASTER CREEK STEWARDS Building a Green Leadership Program for Adult Learners with PLASTER CREEK STEWARDS Many water organizations offer environmental education and training for the next generation of climate leaders, but what happens when youth age out of these programs? Plaster Creek Stewards is the lead organization of Project GreenER, an adult educational program in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that fosters understanding and builds agency for watershed care. In this episode of At the Water Table, Andrea Lubberts, Haley Kornoelje, and Matt Hubers reflect on the differences and similarities in working with youth and adults, the importance of accessibility and adaptation in multi-generational programs, and the strategies they used to build trust and effective partnerships. Learn why a more age-inclusive approach is essential to your watershed work!

Links:

Keywords: Plaster Creek, community engagement, watershed restoration, Project GreenER, adult education, environmental education, accessibility, multi-generational programs, outreach strategies, participant projects, environmental nonprofit, water nonprofit, watershed, water restoration

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> Many water organizations offer environmental education and training for the next generation of climate leaders, but what happens when youth age out of these programs? Plaster Creek Stewards is the lead organization of Project GreenER, an adult educational program in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that fosters understanding and builds agency for watershed care. In this episode of At the Water Table, Andrea Lubberts, Haley Kornoelje, and Matt Hubers reflect on the differences and similarities in working with youth and adults, the importance of accessibility and adaptation in multi-generational programs, and the strategies they used to build trust and effective partnerships. Learn why a more age-inclusive approach is essential to your watershed work!

Links:

Keywords: Plaster Creek, community engagement, watershed restoration, Project GreenER, adult education, environmental education, accessibility, multi-generational programs, outreach strategies, participant projects, environmental nonprofit, water nonprofit, watershed, water restoration

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> River Network Buzzsprout-16561610 Tue, 04 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0500 2317 full false AMANDA ZEIDNER & JERRY CALDERON on Partnerships to Navigate Federal Funding AMANDA ZEIDNER & JERRY CALDERON on Partnerships to Navigate Federal Funding Have you been curious about new federal funding opportunities, but worry that your organization can’t take on the administrative challenges? Here, Jerry Calderon at the Tataviam Land Conservancy (TLC) and Amanda Zeidner at the Council for Watershed Health (CWH) share their experience with securing federal funding, the challenges faced by community-based organizations, and the importance of diversifying funding sources for organizational sustainability. Hosted by River Network's Renée Mazurek and Campbell Simmons, this conversation emphasizes the value of community engagement and equitable funding practices.

Links:

Keywords: Urban Waters Learning Network, community partnerships, federal funding, capacity building, environmental justice, tribal organizations, green infrastructure, funding barriers, nonprofit strategies, climate adaptation, climate stories, water and environment

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> Have you been curious about new federal funding opportunities, but worry that your organization can’t take on the administrative challenges? Here, Jerry Calderon at the Tataviam Land Conservancy (TLC) and Amanda Zeidner at the Council for Watershed Health (CWH) share their experience with securing federal funding, the challenges faced by community-based organizations, and the importance of diversifying funding sources for organizational sustainability. Hosted by River Network's Renée Mazurek and Campbell Simmons, this conversation emphasizes the value of community engagement and equitable funding practices.

Links:

Keywords: Urban Waters Learning Network, community partnerships, federal funding, capacity building, environmental justice, tribal organizations, green infrastructure, funding barriers, nonprofit strategies, climate adaptation, climate stories, water and environment

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> River Network Buzzsprout-16398377 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 15:00:00 -0500 2521 full false HANA KATZ on Amplifying Clean Water Act Learning & Advocacy in New Jersey HANA KATZ on Amplifying Clean Water Act Learning & Advocacy in New Jersey What’s your environmental advocacy origin story, and does it have anything to do with the disaster movies of the 2000s? In this episode of At the Water Table, Hana Katz, Policy and Project Manager at the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC), traces her environmental activism journey, from influential movies to her experience growing up with flood evacuations. These days, she’s a volunteer firefighter, co-founder of a Gen-Z climate action organization, and an enthusiastic participant in River Network’s Clean Water Act Training Series, which inspired her to connect with New Jersey environmental commissioners and other local officials to share her new knowledge. Optimistic and passionate, Hana reminds us of the many ways young people can show up for environmental justice in their communities and beyond.

P.S. The training Hana’s referencing is our free self-guided Clean Water Act training, which you can find in the show notes!

Links:

Keywords: climate change, flooding, Clean Water Act, clean water advocacy, environmental advocacy, environmental law, optimistic nihilism, environmental commissions, environmental commissioners, New Jersey, Gen Z, youth climate action, social media success, water justice

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> What’s your environmental advocacy origin story, and does it have anything to do with the disaster movies of the 2000s? In this episode of At the Water Table, Hana Katz, Policy and Project Manager at the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC), traces her environmental activism journey, from influential movies to her experience growing up with flood evacuations. These days, she’s a volunteer firefighter, co-founder of a Gen-Z climate action organization, and an enthusiastic participant in River Network’s Clean Water Act Training Series, which inspired her to connect with New Jersey environmental commissioners and other local officials to share her new knowledge. Optimistic and passionate, Hana reminds us of the many ways young people can show up for environmental justice in their communities and beyond.

P.S. The training Hana’s referencing is our free self-guided Clean Water Act training, which you can find in the show notes!

Links:

Keywords: climate change, flooding, Clean Water Act, clean water advocacy, environmental advocacy, environmental law, optimistic nihilism, environmental commissions, environmental commissioners, New Jersey, Gen Z, youth climate action, social media success, water justice

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> River Network Buzzsprout-16256749 Tue, 10 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0500 1850 full false JOY JACKSON on Facilitation and Healthy Conflict in Your Water Work JOY JACKSON on Facilitation and Healthy Conflict in Your Water Work How do you know whether you’re a “lumper” or a “splitter,” and does good facilitation always involve Post-its? In this episode of At the Water Table, Joy Jackson, Senior Associate at the Institute for Conservation Leadership, leads us on a journey through her vibrant, dynamic world of facilitation. From tennis balls to transformation, Joy illustrates the many elements of creating and holding space for generative conversations and problem-solving, both in the environmental world and more broadly. She doesn’t overcomplicate things, though — for Joy, facilitation at its heart is all about asking the right questions. In this interview, Joy turns the question-asking over to River Network’s Ayana Harscoet, whose curiosities about Joy’s work take us through topics including working across generational divides, leadership development for conservation professionals of color, and the growing focus on environmental justice.

Links:

Keywords: facilitation, conservation, environmental justice, capacity building, leadership development, online meetings, participatory design, Young Professionals of Color, intergenerational dialogue, community engagement

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> How do you know whether you’re a “lumper” or a “splitter,” and does good facilitation always involve Post-its? In this episode of At the Water Table, Joy Jackson, Senior Associate at the Institute for Conservation Leadership, leads us on a journey through her vibrant, dynamic world of facilitation. From tennis balls to transformation, Joy illustrates the many elements of creating and holding space for generative conversations and problem-solving, both in the environmental world and more broadly. She doesn’t overcomplicate things, though — for Joy, facilitation at its heart is all about asking the right questions. In this interview, Joy turns the question-asking over to River Network’s Ayana Harscoet, whose curiosities about Joy’s work take us through topics including working across generational divides, leadership development for conservation professionals of color, and the growing focus on environmental justice.

Links:

Keywords: facilitation, conservation, environmental justice, capacity building, leadership development, online meetings, participatory design, Young Professionals of Color, intergenerational dialogue, community engagement

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> River Network Buzzsprout-16106710 Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:00:00 -0500 2397 full false BRENDA COLEY and KIRSTEN SHEAD on Urban Forestry and Environmental Justice BRENDA COLEY and KIRSTEN SHEAD on Urban Forestry and Environmental Justice What does urban tree planting have to do with healing a city’s relationship to water? In this episode, Brenda Coley and Kirsten Shead, Co-Executive Directors of Milwaukee Water Commons (MWC), weave together some of the many threads that make up Milwaukee’s environmental justice story. Guided by principles from generations of resilient communities – Indigenous folks, Black feminists, and LGBTQ+ activists, to name a few – Brenda and Kirsten describe MWC’s journey to truly, deeply listen to the needs of community members around Milwaukee. From blue/green jobs to urban tree canopy to arts and spirituality, this conversation with River Network’s Ayana Harscoet spans many intersections, giving us a small glimpse into the steady community organizing (and celebration!) ferrying Milwaukee into a water-centric, environmentally just future.

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> What does urban tree planting have to do with healing a city’s relationship to water? In this episode, Brenda Coley and Kirsten Shead, Co-Executive Directors of Milwaukee Water Commons (MWC), weave together some of the many threads that make up Milwaukee’s environmental justice story. Guided by principles from generations of resilient communities – Indigenous folks, Black feminists, and LGBTQ+ activists, to name a few – Brenda and Kirsten describe MWC’s journey to truly, deeply listen to the needs of community members around Milwaukee. From blue/green jobs to urban tree canopy to arts and spirituality, this conversation with River Network’s Ayana Harscoet spans many intersections, giving us a small glimpse into the steady community organizing (and celebration!) ferrying Milwaukee into a water-centric, environmentally just future.

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> Carly Schmidt Buzzsprout-14454502 Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:00:00 -0400 2896 full false Introducing: At The Water Table! Introducing: At The Water Table! Welcome to River Network's podcast, At The Water Table!

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> Welcome to River Network's podcast, At The Water Table!

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> River Network Buzzsprout-15858891 Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0400 101 trailer false ARIF ULLAH on Community-Centered Waterfront Development ARIF ULLAH on Community-Centered Waterfront Development What does it mean to engage in equitable development – and to center community health and needs at every step of the way? Arif Ullah, Executive Director of South Bronx Unite (SBU), joins River Network's Ayana Harscoet to tell the story of this small but mighty community-founded organization. Tune in to hear about SBU’s journey to transform the South Bronx’s polluted waterfront into a hub for recreation, gatherings, education, and more – while making sure the local community of Black, brown, immigrant, and low-income residents can continue to call the South Bronx home. 

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> What does it mean to engage in equitable development – and to center community health and needs at every step of the way? Arif Ullah, Executive Director of South Bronx Unite (SBU), joins River Network's Ayana Harscoet to tell the story of this small but mighty community-founded organization. Tune in to hear about SBU’s journey to transform the South Bronx’s polluted waterfront into a hub for recreation, gatherings, education, and more – while making sure the local community of Black, brown, immigrant, and low-income residents can continue to call the South Bronx home. 

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> River Network Buzzsprout-15702849 Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:00:00 -0400 2646 full false SARALY GONZALEZ on Environmental Education and Experiential Learning SARALY GONZALEZ on Environmental Education and Experiential Learning How do we spark a lifelong passion for rivers and waterways? In this episode, Saraly Gonzalez, Environmental Education Director at UrbanPromise, joins River Network's Carly Schmidt to discuss environmental education and experiential learning through outdoor experiences and direct training. Saraly shares her experience shaping the next generation of water stewards in Camden, New Jersey, through two innovative programs: STAR Student Employees and River Guides. Discover the profound impact of connecting young people to their local waterways, the secret to instilling a lifelong interest in water advocacy, and the transformative power of outdoor experiences in building a sustained movement for clean water and healthy communities.

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> How do we spark a lifelong passion for rivers and waterways? In this episode, Saraly Gonzalez, Environmental Education Director at UrbanPromise, joins River Network's Carly Schmidt to discuss environmental education and experiential learning through outdoor experiences and direct training. Saraly shares her experience shaping the next generation of water stewards in Camden, New Jersey, through two innovative programs: STAR Student Employees and River Guides. Discover the profound impact of connecting young people to their local waterways, the secret to instilling a lifelong interest in water advocacy, and the transformative power of outdoor experiences in building a sustained movement for clean water and healthy communities.

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.

]]> River Network Buzzsprout-15547826 Wed, 07 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0400 1686 full false