Since February 2003, Foresight has hosted Chicago Green Drinks, an informal opportunity for the local sustainability community to socialize, network and learn from one another. In February 2005, Foresight started a second monthly gathering focused specifically on sustainable business, Green Drinks-Business Edition. Averaging at least 75 people at each event, Chicago Green Drinks is part of the international Green Drinks phenomenon found in more than 300 cities around the world!
Next Chicago Green Drinks:
Tuesday, August 12: Sustainable Innovation: Projects from the ‘08 USDS || Power Networking!
Wednesday, August 20: Film: Contested Streets
2008 Topics
Past Topics
About
Logistics
Pictures
UPCOMING 2008 TOPICS:
(All topics subject to change.)
For more details see the Foresight Events Calendar
View past panel topics.
top
ABOUT CHICAGO GREEN DRINKS
Format:
Foresight strives to maintain a balance between informal networking and socializing, and the more structured panel discussion period. To this end, announcements are kept to a minimum and the discussion fairly strictly limited to one hour.
5:30-6:45pm Socializing and networking
6:45-7:45 Moderator-led panel discussion
7:45-8:30 Socializing and networking
Background:
Chicago Green Drinks was started to bring together people with a common interest in sustainability issues. A well-organized gathering open to all, the popular monthly event regularly attracts a diverse audience of 70 to over 100 attendees. Through networking, socializing, informal information exchange, and astutely moderated panel discussions, Green Drinks fosters connections, raises awareness, and catalyzes the movement toward a more vibrant and sustainable city.
History:
Chicago Green Drinks is a program of the Foresight Design Initiative, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization. Inspired by the original Green Drinks in London, UK, a Chicago event was initially suggested to Foresight by Carl Boyd (who still serves as a host volunteer) and was first held in February 2003. It has been running continuously every month since.
Networking:
Green Drinks is a dynamic gathering and a prime networking arena for those looking for information and connections related to environmental and sustainability issues. Internships have been initiated, resources located, volunteers recruited, news exchanged, jobs obtained, etc. Networking is enhanced through several means:
- Well-identified hosts at each event help people make connections.
- A central repository for business cards, indicating who is at the current
as well as past events.
- An information table for the display of events, news and brochures of
local non-profit organizations.
- An informative panel discussion with experts from a variety of sustainability-related
fields, held part-way through the evening to spark conversation and raise
awareness.
Panel Discussions:
Serving as a venue for both networking and education, each Green Drinks features a moderated panel discussion meant to provide information and to spur further discussion. Topics span the range of sustainability issues, with an attempt made to explore new angles and often overlooked themes. The panel discussion typically features 2–3 experts who, for the first half of the period, respond to comments by the moderator, and for the last 30 minutes, answer questions from audience members. The one-hour duration of the panel discussion leaves adequate time before and after for attendees to socialize and network.
Information Table:
Representatives of related organizations or businesses are invited to bring brochures/flyers for display on the information table.
Planning:
Chicago Green Drinks is organized by the Forsight Design Initiative staff with support from a small group of hosts volunteers. Topic and speaker suggestions are welcome and can be contributed via the contact information below. Please note, that Chicago Green Drinks topics are planned up to a year in advance.
Elsewhere:
Green Drinks gatherings are hosted in more than 300 cities across the world. Visit: www.greendrinks.org for
more info.
top
LOGISTICS
Cost:
$5 entry donation ($2 for students, unemployed, low-income)
$7 (biz edition)
Cash bar (alcoholic and non)
Food offerings available to order
Date & Time:
5:30–8:30pm
Alternating monthly between Tuesdays and Wednesdays. (See events
calendar for exact dates & times). The panel discussion lasts from c. 6:45–7:45pm. People are invited to drop in and leave at any time.
No RSVP necessary.
Location & Directions:
JEFFERSON TAP & GRILL
325 N. Jefferson (view map)
(in the West Loop just three blocks east of the Loop at the corner of Jefferson and Fulton).
312/648-0100
- BUS: Buses that have stops in the vicinity: #56, 8, 65, 20, 14, and 127.
- SUBWAY: Take the Green Line to the Clinton stop (Clinton & Lake), walk 1 block west to Jefferson, and then 1.5 blocks north.
- METRA: The Metra Ogilvie Transportation Center (aka Northwestern Station) is about 1 block east and 3 1/2 blocks south.
- BIKES: Are welcome!
- AUTO: Street parking is available.
Note: Due to state law, attendees must be 21+
Volunteers:
Foresight relies on a pool of dedicated volunteers to assist with the smooth operation of the event. Volunteers can participate at one or more events during the year as their schedules allow. A great way to meet people and make new friends, as well as to contribute to sustainability issues in Chicago. Join the Green Drinks Event Committee.
Contact:
General info: greendrinks@foresightdesign.org,
(773) 271-1990
Sponsorship inquiries: greendrinks@foresightdesign.org
Email list:
Reminders about Chicago Green Drinks (and Green Drinks--Business Edition) are distributed through Foresight's Chicago Sustainability Hub spam-free, fully moderated email list. Subscribers also receive the biweeklyHub e-newsletter containing a comprehensive calendar of upcoming sustainability-related events around Chicago, as well as relevant news items and job announcements. You may subscribe here:
| Join Chicago's Sustainability Hub |
|
|
