Our Mission
ReThink Energy Florida’s Mission is to Educate, Engage, and Empower Floridians to Take Action and Achieve Energy Independence for a Healthier, More Sustainable Environment Through Youth Education, Adult Outreach and Community Organizing.
Who We Are
The ReThink Energy Florida family is comprised of two distinct but connected organizations – ReThink Energy Florida, our 501(c)(3) educational charity founded in 2010, and ReThink Energy Action Fund, our 501(c)(4) social welfare advocacy organization founded in 2016.
After the Deepwater Horizon disaster on April 20, 2010, many Floridians were left feeling hopeless and helpless, and wanting to take action to help ensure that Florida’s environment and economy were protected from the adverse effects of risky fossil fuel development. Founders Kim Ross and Brian Lee, operating as Crude Awakening Tallahassee, organized letter writing parties to engage citizens in demanding that then Governor Charlie Crist call a special session of the Florida legislature to place a referendum for constitutionally banning offshore drilling on the ballot. Although we did not get the legislative results we set out for, we did connect people from all over Florida with their legislators and began building a network of citizens willing to educate and engage on energy and environmental issues.
Our Values
- Empowerment through deliberative democracy
- Evidence-based information
- Solutions-based problem solving
- Education-driven, particularly youth-focused
- Engagement with local, state, national, & world communities
- Grassroots organizing, education, & action
- Earth restoration
- Inclusion and Diversity
- Equity and Environmental Justice
Vision
We envision a world where communities are motivated and empowered to combat the effects of climate change, and where 100% of clean and renewable energy is available and affordable to all. Florida communities will unite in protecting and preserving their environment and lead the nation in developing more sustainable and energy independent communities.
ReThink Energy Florida will:
- Support Floridians in their efforts to affect climate change Â
- Educate young people about clean energy and motivate them to help in the transition towards global energy independence
- Help create healthy and sustainable communitiesÂ
- Promote policies making Florida a leader in renewable energy
Program Staff
Kim Ross
Executive Director
Brian Lee
Development Director
Hannah Curry
Associate Director
of Communications
Alaina Thomas
Associate Director of Nonprofit Management
Interns
Adult Outreach Coordinator: Jordan Hansel
Jordan is the Adult Outreach Coordinator with Rethink Energy Florida. She is currently a senior majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Biology. Her love for science stems from an early age and has grown into a passion for conservation and nature. Jordan is employed with the Walt Disney Company and would love to become a research and sustainability coordinator with them someday. She is also a trained volunteer with a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center called Back To Nature Wildlife Refuge in Lake Nona. In her free time Jordan loves spending time with friends and family, watching her favorite youtube channels and netflix shows, and taking walks outside on nearby nature trails.
Children’s Outreach Coordinator: Sarah Galt
Sarah is a senior at FSU majoring in Environment and Society with a minor in Economics. She is the Service Chair for Surfrider FSU, Social Chair for Surf Club, and the Historian for ESP. She is working with FSU Sustainable Campus Fellowship to create a wellness page to combat ecoanxiety. Sarah believes environmental education is crucial in our fight against the climate crisis, and youth outreach is the perfect outlet for this- as children represent the future of the Earth. In her free time she loves to hike, dance, and create art.
Grants Development Coordinator: Cris Renner
Cris is ReThink’s Grant Development Coordinator. She is a senior at Florida State University majoring in Studio Art and Advertising. In her free time, Cris enjoys watching documentaries, baking, reading, and hiking.
Grants Development Coordinator: Aiyana Holloway
Aiyana Holloway is the Grants Development Coordinator at ReThink Energy Florida and is a second year at Florida State pursuing a degree in economics. She is passionate about environmental and social justice, and hopes to find a career where she can continue to be an advocate and create change for others. Outside of ReThink, Aiyana can be found playing video games, drinking coffee, and spoiling her cat.
Social Media Coordinator: Veronica Carver
Veronica is the Social Media Coordinator. She is originally from Illinois, although she mostly grew up in Oklahoma. Veronica is a senior majoring in Public Relations with minors in Environmental Science and International Affairs. She is a member of several organizations on campus including Marching Chiefs (Color Guard), Florida Public Relations Association, the Honors Experience Program and more. She is passionate about sustainability and conservation communication and education. In her free time, Veronica enjoys traveling, hiking, researching, and spending time with her dog.
Adult Outreach Coordinator: Mia Sadler
Mia is currently the Adult Outreach Coordinator Intern for ReThink Energy. She is a sophomore at FSU pursuing a major in Environment and Society with a minor in Urban and Regional Planning. She is passionate about fostering a better, more sustainable, relationship between people and the natural environment through education and connecting with like-minded individuals. In the future, she hopes to play a role in sustainable urban development that incorporates eating locally, clean energy, and alternative transportation. Outside of ReThink, Mia enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, and relaxing with her friends!