EcoPhilly Annual Summit 2026
Register for our 5th Annual Summit Today!
Join the EcoPhilly's Network on May 9, 2026 as we come together at our 5th Annual Summit! This year's theme, From Hope to Action, is borrowed from the Laudato Si' Movement's 2026 theme for Laudato Si' Week (May 17-24).
This event will be held at the Connelly Center at Villanova University and will feature a keynote and breakout sessions about different ways to Care for God's Creation.
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All are welcome!
About Our Keynote Speaker
Joshua van Cleef is the Director of the Office of Peace and Justice for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington (Kentucky). In this capacity, he coordinates the Laudato Si’ Action Plan for the diocese and the net-zero initiative.
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Learn more about Joshua's work here.
2026 Summit Program
8:00 – Doors open. Refreshments, continental breakfast, and networking / exhibitor time.
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9:00 – Welcome and “State of EcoPhilly,” Nicholas Collura, Co-Founder
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9:35 – Creating a Laudato Si’ Diocese: Keynote with Q&A by Joshua van Cleef, Director of the Office of Peace and Justice, Catholic Diocese of Lexington, KY
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10:35 – Break
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10:50 – Musical Selections from CLEAR Project
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11:00 – Topical Breakouts
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AI Data Centers: Impacts on Our Communities and on the Earth
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Panel Discussion: Bringing Laudato Si’ Alive in Parishes
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Panel Discussion: Engaging Youth in Creation Care
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12:00 – Lunch. Networking / exhibitor time.
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1:15 – Musical Selections from CLEAR Project
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1:30 – Member Success Stories
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1:40 – Networking Breakouts by Interest Group
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Schools – for those interested in Laudato Si’ in K-12 schools
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Advocacy – for those interested in social justice and political advocacy
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Parishes – for those interested in parish outreach and/or summit/event planning
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Energy – for those interested in sustainability and green energy initiatives
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2:30 – Honoring of EcoPhilly Mini Grant Awardees and Art Contest Winners
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2:40 – Closing Remarks & Survey
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2:50 – Musical Selections from CLEAR Project
Event Logistics
Venue: The Connelly Center at Villanova University
Location: 800 E Lancaster Ave, Villanova, PA 19085
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Parking: Arrive from N Ithan Ave and park in M-2 SAC Garage, up the driveway to the right.
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Septa: Take Paoli-Thorndale Line to Villanova Station, then walk up the hill to Connelly Center.
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What to Bring: To help us reduce waste, please bring your own refillable water bottles and notebook if desired.
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Door Donation: Please consider making a $5 door donation to support our efforts. Cash, Venmo, Credit Card, and Check will be accepted. For more donation information, see below.​
With Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Villanova's Office for Sustainability advances Villanova's Augustinian mission of environmental stewardship, climate justice, and care for creation through campus initiatives, education, and community engagement.
Founded in 1967, the Ambassadors Fund for Catholic Education supports innovative programs and grants for Catholic schools, parishes, and ministries across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
