Blog: Celebrating the Launch of the Sustainable Steel Community Cohort

We are thrilled to share that the Sustainable Steel Community Cohort (SSCC) is officially in action! This initiative aims to empower community leaders from Northwest Indiana with the knowledge and tools to advocate for healthier communities, cleaner air, and better union jobs.

We recruited over two months this Spring. We reached out through various channels, including direct mail, church flyers, partner connections, and digital ads. It was a significant effort, but the response we received was overwhelmingly positive. The diversity of applications we received was truly heartening and reflective of the community.

After receiving 45 applications, we carefully selected 16 participants for the Cohort through a series of interviews. Each participant not only met our criteria but also demonstrated a deep passion for their community, a readiness to learn more about sustainable steel, and a willingness to share their personal stories. Their commitment and passion are truly inspiring. 

The cohort members are all directly impacted by the steel industry. Their professional backgrounds range from social work and politics to nonprofit advocacy, healthcare, and working at steel facilities. Many are parents, and their stories often touch on the experiences of family and friends living near steel facilities. Their shared commitment to making a difference is truly inspiring.

The Cohort will run through October with monthly meetings. The curriculum is broad, covering a wide range of topics essential for effective advocacy. We'll explore industrial data, permits and regulations, Environmental Justice 101, and much more. One of the key components of our program is the narrative storytelling modules. These modules will be a recurring theme throughout all our classes, culminating in an invitation-only graduation ceremony in October.

The knowledge and skills the Cohort acquires will help them to become stronger advocates for sustainable steel and healthier communities. In October, when we gather for the graduation ceremony, we will celebrate not just the completion of a program but the beginning of a powerful movement towards a healthier, more sustainable future for the region. Stay tuned for more!