About Planning Ahead
Planting A Seed
Planning Ahead began with a prayer and a backyard.
Sixteen years ago, I moved back to Durham with my two young children into a three-bedroom apartment. Every day, they played in a parking lot. Every night, after tucking them into bed, I would sit in the living room, praying and crying, asking for one thing: a backyard where my children could safely play.
This became my routine for a year and a half.
Then one day, we were finally able to begin the homebuying process. When we walked into one particular house, my daughter ran straight to a back bedroom and declared, “This is my room.” In that moment, I knew, this was our home.
But as the saying goes, you have to be careful what you ask for.
With every heavy rain, our beautiful backyard flooded. What I had prayed for became a new question: What is happening here, and why?
That question changed everything.
A canvasser knocked on my door and invited me to a community meeting. That single invitation opened the door to my environmental career and ultimately led to the creation of Planning Ahead.
Vision
Communities co-create sustainable, equitable solutions through environmental literacy, meaningful engagement, and shared power.
What We Do
Environmental Literacy Education
Climate Resilience & Preparedness Training
Workforce & Leadership Development
Community Engagement & Civic Participation
Partnership Building & Capacity Strengthening
Why This Moment Matters
Planning Ahead is building momentum. In the past year, we have made significant strides in expanding our reach and deepening our impact across North Carolina.
Expanded Programming
Expanded climate resilience and preparedness programming across North Carolina communities.
Secured Funding
Secured support from the City of Durham, Duke Doing Good Community Fund, and Environmental Educators of North Carolina.
Trained Leaders
Trained residents and community leaders through environmental literacy and watershed education initiatives.
Strengthened Partnerships
Deepened partnerships with local governments, nonprofits, educators, and community organizations.
Expanded Reach
Developed new opportunities to expand our reach and impact across North Carolina.
Planning Ahead at a Glance
$15K+
Grant Funding
Secured in 2026
39
Residents Registered
For our most recent preparedness workshop
31
Graduates
Of the Walnut Creek Watershed Learning Network
We are now focused on growing our leadership capacity, deepening community partnerships, and increasing our long-term sustainability.
Board Commitment
Planning Ahead values diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and professional expertise. We are committed to minimizing barriers to board participation and believe that meaningful service can take many forms.
What to Expect
One-Year Term
A focused, renewable commitment to serve as a board member.
Monthly Virtual Meetings
Regular virtual board meetings to stay connected and engaged.
Strategic Participation
Involvement in strategic discussions, organizational planning, and occasional committee work.
Advocacy & Relationships
Leveraging your professional expertise, networks, and advocacy on behalf of the mission.
No Financial Requirement
Planning Ahead does not require board members to make a financial contribution.
We welcome in-kind contributions of time, expertise, advocacy, and connections in lieu of board dues.