DeCarbon Dialogues: Climate Hope: Power of Local Communities
Real Talk, Real Neighbors, Real Change
November Dialogue:
How to Think and Talk About Climate Change
Tuesday, November 11 • 6:30 PMYusunas Meeting Room, DeKalb Public LibraryFree & open to all
Let’s get real about how we talk about the planet.
If you’ve ever hesitated to bring up climate change — at work, around the dinner table, or even with friends — you’re not alone. Our November DeCarbon Dialogue dives into how we think, feel, and communicate about the biggest issue of our time without losing hope (or our sense of humor).
Inspired by the New York Times article “What if Everyone Did Something to Slow Climate Change?”, this session explores the power of everyday conversations and small, collective actions.
Led by members of the DeKalb County Earth Fest Executive Planning Team — a mix of the NIU Sustainability Team and DeCarbon DeKalb co-founders, who who work in green architecture and renewable energy — we’ll unpack:
How to talk about climate change in ways that connect, not divide.
How our mindsets shape our capacity to act.
How everyday dialogue can drive community-level change.
Why Attend
You’ll leave with language that sparks action, not anxiety.
You’ll meet local experts who walk the talk — and work in sustainability every day.
You’ll help shape how DeKalb talks about climate action heading into DeKalb County Earth Fest 2026.
About DeCarbon Dialogues
A six-part monthly series hosted by DeCarbon DeKalb, DeCarbon Dialogues brings neighbors together to explore practical, hopeful responses to climate change — one conversation at a time.
Each dialogue builds momentum toward DeKalb County Earth Fest 2026 and gives residents tools, ideas, and connections to make local change happen.
RSVP Free at DeCarbonDeKalb.comFollow @DeCarbon_DeKalb for event updates
DeCarbon Dialogues
The climate conversation doesn’t have to feel heavy or out of reach. It starts right here, with us — neighbors learning from neighbors.
Join DeCarbon DeKalb for the kickoff of DeCarbon Dialogues, a new monthly series where we share practical, hopeful ways to act on climate right here in our community.
This month’s focus: Planning a Microforest for DeKalb (plus Winter Sowing Native Seeds).
Microforests — also called Miyawaki forests — are small, dense, native woodlands that can fit into urban spaces as small as a tennis court. They grow up to 10x faster and 30x denser than traditional forests, making them powerful tools for cooling neighborhoods, managing stormwater, and capturing carbon.
We’ll also explore winter sowing, a simple, sustainable way to grow native plants through the cold months using recycled containers — no greenhouse required.
DeKalb County Earth Fest 2025
DeKalb County Earth Fest is a FREE, festive, family-friendly day of learning how decarbonizing our homes and towns can make us wealthier, healthier, and happier. Experts and community partners come from our region and beyond to introduce meaningful next steps in DeKalb County climate adaptation.
The first annual Earth Fest started conversations that ignited meaningful impact across the county. We return in 2025 to focus on energy and rewilding, with two questions in mind:
What can we do better? What can we do next?
Earth Fest is an all-day event open to the public, and it’s bigger than last year!
Expect morning and afternoon learning/networking sessions, a midday community expo with food trucks and a cash bar, all followed by a social and networking hour with a cash bar and sustainable fashion show.
Tailor the day to your interests! Full schedule will be available soon. Some events will have limited capacity.
See the agenda at a glance here, and register here.
Sponsors, volunteers, vendors, and presenters, more info is available here.
Read all about it! We’ll see you April 5!
Walk and Roll DeKalb!
Join us for an evening of fun, food, and fresh air as we explore the beautiful trails of Dekalb! Hop on and off the trail between Hopkins Park and Prairie Park where it’s convenient for you, and stop by the NIU Lagoon for food trucks, live music, and outdoor activity resources. Grab your bike, skates, skateboard, wheels, and a friend and get outside with NIU and DeCarbon DeKalb!
DeKalb Sustainable Garden Tour
Curious about sustainable gardening in DeKalb County? Learn more about native design & landscaping on this local garden tour with DeCarbon DeKalb members.
Prairie Walk and Picnic Social
Join us in July for a guided prairie walk with a master naturalist at beautiful Walnut Grove Vocational Farm!
Family Fun Fest
The 17th annual Family Fun Fest is FREE! We’ll have the photo booth set up - join hundreds of DeKalb families and come say hi!
Home Decarbonization 101: Clean, Healthy, and Affordable Buildings
Join the Citizens Utility Board for a presentation about home decarbonization. Residents can learn about how to decrease their carbon emissions, electric alternatives such as heat pumps and induction stoves, financial incentives available through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and more! Sponsored by DeCarbon DeKalb.
DeKalb County Earth Fest and “Common Ground” Screening
Join us for a FREE, family-friendly Earth Day social with eco-resources and give-aways followed by screening of the documentary Common Ground and a Q&A with local experts.
4:30p.m. - EVs, E-bikes, kid zone, food truck, music, cash bar, local environmental resources, eco-themed community art project, eco-market, and give-aways!
6:30p.m. - the Northern Illinois premiere screening of Common Ground, a documentary about regenerative farming, followed by a panel discussion with farmers and soil experts.
Sponsored by DeCarbon Dekalb, NIU, DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District, 350Kishwaukee, the League of Women Voters, and OC Creative.
More activities to be announced!