There were two buildings toured and an informational session. I learned new things about the greening of buildings and the job market surrounding it. The event was inspiring.

Networking, education and support.

We had a great turn out of people to support our day of action. Participants learned about green building technology, existing job training opportunities, and how to get engaged in the green economy. Great conversation about how to be green developed over lunch and some powerful connections were established.

In West Chicago, the Chicagoland Green Collar Jobs Initiative, Greencorps and others came together at the Chicago Center for Green Technology for Green Jobs Through Green Building. Starting and ending with tours of two LEED certified buildings, this event was focused on educating people who could potentially be a part of Chicago's green workforce about what opportunities exist there. Investment, the speakers concluded, is where the city must go next. There are great training programs that graudate a new class of trainees every few months. These folks need places to work and we need to start doing the work that will repower Illinois. To show their commitment to building this future, all of the attendees gathered on the building's roof (which is home to solar panels AND a roof garden). They shouted Green Jobs Now from the rooftop! With Chicago's skyline in the background, it was a very moving experience.