Greenbelt Alliance work is valuable to Northern California which has many challenges due to climate change.
Bringing stewardship and awareness to this area will help keep California strong and viable in the future.
As a staff member, volunteer and later, a donor, I saw how Greenbelt Alliance worked both from the inside out and the outside in. As a staff member, I saw that Greenbelt Alliance leverages volunteers, community activists, and other partners to influence local policy while also creating a shared regional vision. It's amazing that such a small staff could create reports on region-wide smart growth and threats to the greenbelt while managing to turn out tens of people at local city council meetings. As a volunteer and donor, I experienced the great communication and real outlets for participation that Greenbelt Alliance provides to it's community. Greenbelt Alliance makes smart growth educational with city tours but also makes it fun with events such as Bluegrass for the Greenbelt.
I LOVE Greenbelt Alliance. I have been a supporter for more than 13 years, and find them to be one of the most effective non-profits anywhere. They do a remarkable job on very small budget. They Rock!
I have been involved with Greenbelt Alliance for 20 years and on the board for 17 years and an amazing thing is that despite the fact that virtually all the staff and boardmembers have changed in that time the organization has never lost its essence and its vibrant character. It remains an incredibly dedicated and effective organization that provides tremendous accomplishments for the modest size of its budget and staff--thanks to the high motivation and quality of its staff and the effective use of volunteers. A collegial relationship among staff and board has always been an outstanding feature.
I'vde known Greenbelt Alliance for more than ten years, and think it's among the most effective organizations in the Bay Area. Their dual approach - preserving open space while simultaneously promoting smart urban growth - has over the last 40 years shaped the By Area into the beautiful, vibrant place I choose to call home.
