Sustainable Community Responses

Franklin Earth Day Summit brings together students, faculty, and community partners to explore practical pathways toward sustainability, climate action, and community engagement.

📅 April 17–18, 2026
📍 Via Ponte Tresa 29, Kaletsch Campus, Franklin University Switzerland
🎟️ Open to everyone

Over two days, the Summit blends keynotes, student-led discussions, experiential learning, and community celebration. From climate storytelling to hands-on sustainability tours and a closing gala, participants will co-create ideas for a more sustainable Franklin and Sorengo.

Day 1 - Friday April 17

Opening Evening: Climate & Community

7:00 PM — Opening Welcome

  • President Dave Mills
  • Introduction to the Summit theme: Sustainable Community Responses
  • Overview of weekend programming and goals

Guest Speaker(s)

  • Climate action & sustainability thought leaders (TBD)

Screening: Beat the Heat

  • Full documentary screening
  • Includes curated trailers and short introductory remarks

Evening Focus

  • Climate awareness
  • Community responsibility
  • Setting the tone for collaborative action

Day 2 - Saturday April 18

Morning: Dialogue & Community Exchange

10:00 AM — Brunch & Arrival

  • Informal networking breakfast
  • Music + welcome tables from student clubs

11:00 AM — Community Impact Presentations

  • Tavolino Magico
  • Local community engagement initiatives
  • Focus: food sustainability, redistribution, and social impact

12:00 PM — Circle Discussions
Facilitated by Neville & Judy

  • Small-group dialogue circles
  • Topics:
    • Climate anxiety & action
    • Student responsibility
    • Institutional sustainability

Midday: Shared Responsibility

1:00 PM — Potluck Lunch

  • Community-driven vegan/vegetarian potluck
  • Each participant brings a dish
  • Collaboration with student organizations (e.g., SGA and clubs)
  • Focus: sustainable food systems & shared culture

Afternoon: Action & Exploration

2:00 PM — Sustainability Activities

  • Sorengo Sustainability Tour
    Led by McKenzie Steiner
    • Campus biodiversity
    • Energy use & green infrastructure
    • Sustainability in daily campus life

3:00 PM — Fireside Chat

  • Guests:
    • Andy Dosmann (Minerva Faculty)
    • Catie Carter
  • Topic: Designing resilient communities and climate education

4:00 PM — Swiss Youth for Climate

  • Youth-led presentation and discussion
  • Focus on activism, policy, and student engagement

Closing Session: The Future We Design

5:00 PM — Sustainability Town Hall
“Design a Sustainable Franklin & Sorengo”

Interactive workshop format:

  • Reimagine campus systems
  • Propose student-led initiatives
  • Identify actionable next steps
  • Build shared sustainability roadmap

Evening: Earth Day Charity Gala

7:00 PM — Setup

  • Venue preparation (Garden of Light / McNeely Gallery / Giardino — pending booking by Judy)

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM — Gala Evening

Join Us

Join us in shaping a more sustainable future at Franklin. Reserve your place at the Earth Day Summit and be part of the conversations, ideas, and actions that will make a difference.

Register Now