CYCG team members at the November 2024 Retreat in Perinton.
CYCG team members in community organizing training with Graham Hughes at the November 2024 Retreat.
Color Rochester Green members Niera Bakr and Heidi Beutler at the River Focus Forum, November 2024.
Color Penfield Green member Rosemary Irwin at the Better Futures Fair, Climate Solutions Summit, April 2025.
Green Orleans members on an all-electric home tour at Heidi Beutler’s Rochester home, April 2025.
Color Irondequoit Green and Color Rochester Green at Earth Day, Seneca Park Zoo, April 2025.
Brady Fergusson with Color Fairport Green and Color Irondequoit Green at the June 2025 EcoFair.
The Color Your Community Green (CYCG) network advanced its mission in 2024–2025, expanding its reach by adding a team in one additional county and increasing the total number of teams by 18%, resulting in a total of 13 active teams across five counties, including seven in state-designated disadvantaged communities. Nearly 220 active members worked together to complete or advance 39 projects aligned with the Genesee-FLX Climate Action Strategy. Highlights included community campaigns for clean heating and cooling, advocacy to improve walking and biking infrastructure, planting a community orchard, and developing an EcoPark featuring a regenerative agriculture demonstration area. Building on the example of Color Brighton Green, teams in Irondequoit and Rochester hosted EcoFairs for the first time, joining Brighton in showcasing local climate action.
The Accelerator strengthened support for CYCG teams by expanding the CYCG Toolkit with new guides on topics such as renewable energy, food waste reduction, and local policy advocacy. Training opportunities were offered through monthly network meetings, a Fall Retreat, and the 2025 Climate Solutions Summit, giving members the tools and knowledge needed to advance their projects.
This year also saw continued growth in financial support for grassroots action. Nearly $7,000 in CYCG grants were awarded to 11 teams, funding community-driven projects that otherwise would not have been possible.
The Color Your School Green (CYSG) network also experienced significant growth, expanding its reach from eight to 19 school districts across five counties. To increase participation, the Accelerator introduced webinar-style gatherings with guest speakers on topics such as school gardens, solar for schools, electric buses, and sustainable landscaping. These sessions drew new participants and fostered collaborations with partners including the Sierra Club, Energy 21, and Montante Solar.
Looking ahead, the Accelerator will continue to grow the CYCG network, refine its grants program, and expand training resources to help teams build inclusive, effective approaches to community climate action.