SOUTHWEST COLORADO TAKES CHARGE!

                                  

In March 2012, Take Charge! will be headed to Southwest Colorado. On Saturday, March 24th, students from high schools throughout the region will come together to reach out to residents of Durango. In addition, Take Charge will be working with Fort Lewis College on “No Impact Week” from March 19th – 23rd, and conducting middle- and high-school assemblies throughout the region.

Energy efficiency and renewable energy resources for Southwest Colorado:

• Four corners office for resources efficiency (4CORE) http://fourcore.org/
• Southwest Conservation Corps http://sccorps.org/

Green jobs resources for Southwest Colorado:

• Fort Lewis College http://www.fortlewis.edu/
• Pueblo Community College, Durango http://www.pueblocc.edu/campuses/sccc
• SESP Green Job info website http://www.greencareersco.com/
 

Local organizations, clubs, and schools focused on community service and/or energy:

• Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC) http://www.coyac.org
• Durango High School Green Club http://dhs.durangoschools.org
• Mancos High School http://mancosre6.edu/
• Dolores High School http://www.dolores.k12.co.us/
• Montezuma-cortez High School http://www.cortez.k12.co.us/education/school/school.php?sectionid=3
• Fort Lewis Environmental Center http://fortlewis.edu/environmentalcenter/home.aspx

STUDENT PARTICIPANTS TELL US ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES TAKING CHARGE

In an age of sound bites, political posts capped at 140 characters, and the emotional disconnect of talking to someone on a computer, there’s nothing like a face-to-face conversation to really make an impact. I was initially drawn to canvassing for the money, but while working for Groundwork Denver I realized how much of an effect we’ve had talking to 40-50 people a night. I’ve seen people sign up for free audits, free recycling; even plant a free tree in their yard! As a result, they’ve not only made the world a greener place, they’ve also used the audit, and the funds Groundwork Denver provides to help, to improve their home and save hundreds of dollars in energy bills. Looking at people like that, it’s tough not to make a case for canvassing as the true engine of grassroots change. - Julian

I immigrated to the U.S. about three years ago from Vietnam, a developing country where community services are just such a rare thing to even think about. However, becoming a member of such a diverse family, Groundwork Denver has incredibly altered this narrowed vision. I have learned to value nature; to appreciate the hard work of many people out there. I’ve learned that a combination of peers and the heat of boiling summer builds friendships. Most significantly, I realize that little things that our organization’s youth team has been doing, such as canvassing for a greener environment by using CFL light bulbs, giving a free energy assessment, or even just signing up someone for a recycle bin can have a huge practical impact on our environment.

Groundwork Denver has miraculously poured the exciting energy into me to take a leadership role to advance awareness to other people, while effectively educating me about the importance of energy conservation. Furthermore, the organization has helped me explore the outside world, to meet new people and to be more complete as a good citizen. It is indeed helpful and needed because not everyone is motivated enough to responsibly use energy; not everyone is well informed enough to know what they could do for the surrounding where they live in. Yet, at Groundwork, community actions are engraved for the best environmental results. I believe, with all the great jobs of the directors accompanied with the enthusiasm of the employees, canvassers as well as Green team members, Metro Denver area, especially low-income neighborhoods, will surprisingly become the most sustainable community. - Quang

My name is Jodie and I’m an Energy Outreach Canvasser at Groundwork Denver. I believe canvassing is important because it gives lower-income families the chance to receive resources that will help them save energy (and money) in their homes. Not only does canvassing help people, it also helps the environment. By using a CFL light bulb instead of an incandescent, or by getting proper insulation installed, homes can use a lot less energy. This allows us to preserve the few natural resources our Earth has left. I’ve had a few positive experiences with canvassing. One uplifting experience occurred when I spoke with a mother and son at their home. They had a very low income and needed all the help they could get. With Groundwork Denver’s free resources, the family switched their front porch light bulb to a CFL and obtained a free home energy assessment. The son also received free RTD bus fare. Though it may not seem like much, the family was very thankful for our resources and said it would help their financial situation a lot. Assisting this family left me with a happy and satisfied feeling. - Jodie

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