CSIN Member Gathering - June 2026

U.S. Island communities are on the front lines of the climate crisis, navigating unique, interconnected challenges and driving innovative, localized solutions. CSIN held an interactive session designed to bridge local island experiences with federal policy and global networks. Discussion will included: Reflections on Supertyphoon Sinlaku and the resilience and recovery efforts from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI); Powerful, community-based planning and response models with featured presentations from Puerto Rico and St. Croix; Updates about our National Islands Policy Framework and how to better engage as a community member and island advocate; And an interactive breakout session for island communities and organizations to share concerns, hopes, and policy needs to support locally-driven climate resilience solutions. Featured Speakers: Tina Sablan, CSIN Co-Chair and The Legal Clinic (Hawaiʻi) & Friends of the Mariana Trench (CNMI) Jen Valiulis, CSIN Co-Chair and USVI Division of Fish and Wildlife Lirio Marquez and Pedro Ayala, Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust Deanna James, St. Croix Foundation for Community Development