Public Narrative & Our Place In It

This series is designed to train community members, activists, and stakeholders to effectively engage in the Vacant Land Advocacy Network (VLAN). The workshops aim to provide the tools and strategies needed to address vacant land issues in Pittsburgh, focusing on community-led land ownership, maintenance, and equitable access. Participants will develop advocacy skills, understand key policy issues, and engage with local authorities and organizations.

Expect a historical analysis of why so much urban vacant land came to be publicly owned, engaging discussions on what racially just land policies could look like, as well as interactive exercises on movement building, storytelling, and advocating. Whether you're hoping to own the empty lot next door, or just want to show up for a more just Pittsburgh for all, this series will give you the tools you need to confidently speak and advocate for change in your neighborhood.

The agenda for this session is as follows:

Session: Public Narrative & Our Place In It

1. Welcome and Course Overview
2. Introductions/Why Vacant Land?
3. Vacant Land in Pittsburgh & Grounded Strategies
4. How do we leverage our collective stories?
5. SNACK BREAK
6. Generative story activity
7. If I’m mowing this lawn, and you’re watering that tree, who’s driving the bus?
8. Holistic care

Transportation & Parking

• PRT bus lines: 71A, 71B, 71C, 74, 75, 77, 82, 86, 87, 88, 89
• Parking: street parking free after 6PM

Accessibility

• Fully ADA compliant
• Accessible main entrance
• Elevators to access all library floors

For more information on VLAN, vacant land news, and other programming check out our website.

Host or Publisher Grounded Strategies