RECAP - What Ideas Are We Going To Steal?

Problem solvers from around the country shared ideas for (re)building a more perfect union at The Citizen’s 7th annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival

BY Malcolm Burnley and Lauren McCutcheon Unless otherwise noted, photos by JPG Photos

Nov. 22, 2024

The Citizen’s 7th annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival presented by Comcast NBCUniversal on November 15 began with an acknowledgment of the moment: It was 10 days after an election that signaled the return of President Donald Trump, when city leaders and residents were reeling from the uncertainty of what is to come — and what just happened.

It ended with a rousing call from Rev. Michael Eric Dyson to seize this moment, embrace the “church of love” and get out there to fight, support and empower each other to create the communities we want to live in. In between, more than 400 audience members heard from 30 problem-solvers, urban thinkers and innovators about how to change our political discourse, create opportunities for all Philadelphians, build wealth and well-being and specifically address the myriad crises facing all cities — including climate change, poverty, housing, jobs and safety.

What happens now? Or, as Citizen Executive Director Roxanne Patel Shepelavy asked the audience as the day got started, “What are we going to steal from today’s event?”See below for a recap of what we heard and saw from each panel — and calls to action.

Power for the People.

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Volt Energy Utility CEO Gilbert Campbell, a Philly native, built his company from a community rooftop solar installer to a major player in the solar energy industry — all while centering environmental justice into his work. In addition to creating jobs training for Americans underrepresented in the industry, Campbell is striking deals that increase the use and understanding of solar power and also provide resources to communities hardest hit by climate change — particularly Black and Brown urban neighborhoods.

Ideas We Should Steal:

• Campbell made early community connections by explaining energy bills to churchgoers. Sounds simple, but showing up in community is a vital way to create understanding not just around alternative energy, but around energy efficiency.

Watch the video of Power For the People.

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