Local Leaders, Local Impact, and How We Can All “Brighten Our Corner”

Local Leaders, Local Impact, and How We Can All “Brighten Our Corner”

At Southface Institute, we believe sustainability begins where we are – in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities. Our recent Sustainability in Action Roundtable (SART) Q2 event, themed “Brighten Your Corner,” brought together local leaders, advocates, and community changemakers to explore how meaningful impact often starts with small, intentional actions rooted in place and purpose.

Moderated by Maria Saporta of Saporta Report and Atlanta Way 2.0 and Michael Halicki from Park Pride, the conversation reminded us that impactful sustainability is both personal and collective. The conversation started by honoring both the mothers in the room and Mother Earth ahead of Mother’s Day weekend. Michael reflected on several sustainability “giants” Georgia has recently lost, including Walter Reeves, Ed McBrayer, and Ted Turner, whose legacies continue to shape Atlanta’s environmental movement.

At the center of the discussion was the legacy of Ray C. Anderson and the meaning behind the phrase “Brighten Your Corner,” a hymn from his childhood that became symbolic of his philosophy toward sustainability and leadership.

John Lanier shared how the phrase reflects a practical and hopeful approach to environmental action:

“This quote [brighten your corner] doesn’t put the responsibility on one person to save the planet. It says: do what you can, in the way you can, where you are.” – John Lanier

Lanier emphasized that “brightening your corner” is ultimately about personal responsibility — doing what is right, even in small ways, and inspiring others to do the same. Drawing from the philosophy of Immanuel Kant and the actions of his grandfather Ray, Lanier encouraged attendees to consider how everyday actions, when multiplied across communities, can shape a more sustainable future.

Former Mayor Shirley Franklin emphasized the importance of storytelling and emotional connection in sustainability work. Sharing from her childhood growing up in Philadelphia, she recalled a transformative experience visiting the Pocono Mountains as a young girl. Her personal experiences with nature (like protecting her fellow cabinmates from wild bats in the Poconos) have shaped her thinking and decisions throughout her life and career.

“To get where we want to go, it requires us to touch people emotionally. To not just talk about the statistics, but to tell the stories.” – Shirley Franklin

Franklin spoke candidly about the importance of helping political leaders feel comfortable engaging publicly on environmental issues and questioned why sustainability and climate concerns are not discussed more prominently in civic leadership conversations despite growing public concern — especially among younger generations.

She reflected on Atlanta’s historic investments in water infrastructure during her administration, explaining how large-scale environmental progress requires both bold goals and broad coalitions.

“Operate small, but think big. Have big, audacious goals.” – Shirley Franklin

As discussions turned toward the future of sustainability philanthropy and leadership in the South, Lanier addressed questions about who will carry forward the mantle as organizations like the Ray C. Anderson Foundation eventually sunset their work. Rather than hoping for a single replacement, Lanier expressed hope for a broader ecosystem of support:

“My hope is not that one funder fills the gap. My hope is that there are tens, maybe hundreds, of funders who step into this space.” – John Lanier

That idea of collective stewardship carried into the second half of the event, where community leaders and entrepreneurs shared how they are “brightening their corner” through local action.

Elaine Dinos with Kindred Lane, spoke about helping leaders reconnect with nature, purpose, and the “roots” that ground both individuals and organizations. Drawing parallels between ecosystems and human relationships, she described how early memories of nature often shape people’s lifelong values and motivations.

“We are like trees. Our roots are more connected than we know.” -Elaine Dinos

Dinos shared examples of collaborative urban greening efforts across Atlanta, including partnerships around downtown gardens through the Downtown Native Plants & Wellness Initiative that connects employees and organizations more directly to environmental stewardship.

Jamie Rosenthal with RootsDown, shared his own unconventional journey from fashion photography to landscaping and regenerative farming. His work now focuses on restoring biodiversity and creating regenerative urban landscapes that support both people and ecosystems.

Rosenthal emphasized that environmental degradation is not a distant problem — it is happening within Atlanta’s urban neighborhoods every day.

“These landscapes are one pesticide or weedwhacker away from disappearing.” – Jamie Rosenthal

He also challenged attendees to reconsider the hidden environmental costs embedded within “business as usual,” particularly in development and landscaping practices that fail to account for impacts on soil health, water systems, biodiversity, and long-term community resilience.

Audience members also shared inspiring examples of sustainability in action — from The Plug, an urban hydroponic farm and resilient community space, and Global Growers, a culturally rooted community growing space, to park stewardship at a superfund site in English Ave, and continued efforts to restore Atlanta’s tree canopy in neighborhoods facing heat, flooding, and environmental contamination.

As the conversation closed, panelists reflected on the importance of collaboration, stewardship, and hope. Michael Halicki reminded attendees:

“People don’t care what you know unless they know you care.” – Michael Halicki

And Elaine Dinos echoed Ray Anderson’s enduring philosophy:

“We are all stewards of the Earth.” – Elaine Dinos

Ultimately, “Brighten Your Corner” reminded us that sustainability is not only about large-scale systems change. It’s about the everyday actions, relationships, and stories that inspire others to join in — helping all of us build a healthier, more resilient future together.

If you are interested in joining the Atlanta Way 2.0 movement of more than 1,000 dedicated civic-minded citizens, fill out the form linked here!