After Hurricane Ian’s landfall, it is important to assist those in need. We also have information about our annual fundraiser: The Energy Ball. Read on to see what you can do to help.

Hurricane Ian has devastated the people of Southwest Florida.  In an effort to help our fellow Floridians, we encourage you to donate to the The Smile Trust. They are currently running the Community Emergency Operations Center where they are collecting and distributing supplies such as water and generators to those impacted by the storm. They are actively taking donations to assist those who have been hurt in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. If you would like to make a donation, please visit their site below.

This is the last call for those wanting to nominate an energy innovator! If you know a young person, individual, business or organization who goes above and beyond to help the environment, nominate them to be an Energy Innovator. Past winners range from reusable bag making groups, eco-theology leaders, young climate activists, sustainable stores, and many more. Finalists will receive two tickets to the Energy Ball on October 21, 2022 where they will be recognized and awardees will be announced.

The deadline to submit an energy innovator nomination is this Friday, October 7th.

We are quickly approaching our annual Energy Ball Fundraiser. The Energy Ball will be held on October 21st from 6-9:30 p.m. To prepare for the event, we are looking for more volunteers to help us put on a night full of fun for a good cause. No matter where you live, ReThink could use your help! Supporters all over Florida are encouraged to volunteer, and there are things you can do even if you can’t attend the ball. Please join us! Email back to learn how you can help.

 One of the festivities taking place during this year’s Energy Ball is our silent auction! Auction items will vary from gift baskets filled with goodies, gift certIficates from your favorite restaurants and much more. We are still looking to expand our silent auction items so if you own a local business or know of one that might be interested in donating, please contact ben@rethinkenergyflorida.org. 

Energy Ball tickets are still on sale! With Guest Host Florida Representative Allison Tant and live performances by Two Foot Level and The New 76ers, it will be a night you do not want to miss! 

The Energy Ball is held to raise money for STEM education. Money raised from last year’s Energy Ball funded our Energy Camp along with educational programs conducted in schools. We are looking forward to you joining us at this year’s Energy Ball so we may continue to empower and educate Florida’s youth. Even if you can’t make it, please consider donating today.

Do you live in Southeast Florida and have experience with sunny-day flooding or other associated effects of king tides in the age of accelerated sea level rise? Hurricane Ian showed locals how intense these tides and storm surges can become. We’re working on a new project to let the world know that sea level rise is already exacerbated by climate change and affecting people’s lives. It is important to address this issue, but we need to hear your story! If King Tide has impacted you or a loved one, share your story with us by contacting our Campaigns Director, Brian Lee, at brian@rethinkenergyflorida.org.

The Big Bend Environmental Forum is being held next Thursday, October 13th at 6 p.m. The forum will be held at the Tallahassee City Commission Chambers. Voters will get the chance to hear from candidates on where they stand on Florida’s environmental issues. It is important to know what each candidate values, so make sure that you are informed in this upcoming election.

Thank you for supporting ReThink Energy Florida. Stay safe and take care.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR RETHINK ENERGY ACTION FUND, INC. MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

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Now that the Labor Day celebrations are over, we are ready to jump into taking care of our planet and hope you are too! Read on for exciting ways for you to get involved.

Join this webinar on Thursday, September 9 at 7 pm EDT led by the Boca Raton FL Climate Reality Chapter to learn more about the Inflation Reduction Act that was just signed into law.

Hear from the Policy Team at Climate Reality as well as the partner organizations working on the ground, including ReThink Energy Florida. We will share what this historic legislation means overall and specifically the opportunities here in our state. 

Register Here

The 4th Annual TLH Beer Festival is THIS Saturday, September 10, 2022 from 2-6 pm at The Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee. This fun event will include more than 80 home brewers and breweries, tasty food for sale, and live music by Deja Blu. All net proceeds will support the participating nonprofits including ReThink Energy Florida. VIP packages include exclusive & limited edition beer, food samples from 6+ restaurants, and live music from Shift 8 & Tony Demma. MUST BE 21+ TO PARTICIPATE. Please use Code REF to support ReThink Energy Florida at checkout.

Buy Tickets Here

The US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will hold a virtual opportunity for people to submit oral testimony. Oral comments will be captured by a court reporter for the public record. Each participant will have up to two minutes to provide their oral comments. That session will be held Monday, Sept. 12 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm EDT.

If you would like to provide oral testimony, register now to make sure you’ll have a slot to speak.

Register

We are thrilled to announce that friend of ReThink and Florida Representative Allison Tant will be the Guest Host of the 2022 Energy Ball. Also, be sure to wear your dancing shoes because Two Foot Level and The New 76ers will be performing live music that will have you hitting the dance floor! 

Tickets are on sale for the 2022 Energy Ball on October 21 from 6-9:30 PM EDT and it is promising to be the best one yet. Join our community of supporters and celebrate our Energy Innovator Award winners, dress up for the Green Outfit Contest, and find treasures at the silent auction. This Covid-cautious event will have indoor and outdoor seating options available and the Covid guidelines are listed here. You won’t want to miss this special night that supports ReThink’s education programs like Energy Camp, so get your tickets now. 

Learn More and Buy Tickets

Do you live in Southeast Florida and have experience with sunny-day flooding or other associated effects of king tides in the age of accelerated sea level rise? We’d love to hear from you!  We’re working on a new project to let the world know that sea level rise is already exacerbated by climate change and affecting people’s lives. We’d love to help you tell your story, so please contact our Campaigns Director, Brian Lee, at brian@rethinkenergyflorida.org.

Our September Power Hour is coming! Join us on Thursday, September 22 from 5:30-7 pm EDT at Lake Tribe Brewing Company in Tallahassee to connect with ReThinkers, enjoy cold drinks and snacks, and provide your valuable insight on important topics. We are looking forward to connecting with you at Power Hour quarterly and growing our ReThink community, and hope you invite a friend. 

Do you know a young person, individual, business or organization who deserves acknowledgment for their passion for protecting the environment? Past winners range from reusable bag making groups, eco-theology leaders, young climate activists, sustainable stores, and many more. Finalists will receive two tickets to the Energy Ball on October 21, 2022 where they will be recognized and awardees will be announced. Submit your nominee for special recognition below.

Nominate Your Eco-Hero Here

Our favorite event of the year — the Energy Ball — is coming soon, and we would love your help to make it a success. Our next Energy Ball Planning Meeting is this Thursday, September 15 at 5:30 pm EDT on Zoom. Supporters all over Florida are encouraged to volunteer, and there are things you can do even if you can’t attend the ball. Please join us!

Register for Online Energy Ball Volunteer Meeting

Thank you for being part of our ReThink Energy Florida community. September is a great time to get involved and we hope to see you soon. 

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR RETHINK ENERGY ACTION FUND, INC. MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

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August is here and we have plenty of news to share, so read on for the latest from ReThink! 

Tallahassee:

Election season is heating up, and the Big Bend Environmental Forum provides the opportunity for concerned citizens to talk directly with the candidates and have their environmental questions answered. Please mark your calendars for this important forum tomorrow, Thursday, August 4, starting with a Candidate Meet & Greet at 5:15 pm EDT at Tallahassee City Hall and event starting at 6 pm EDT. To watch it online, go to www.bbef.org and follow the instructions.

Southeast Florida:

Positive climate action is tied to climate policy so engaging with our elected officials on this topic is vital. Please click here to register for the Candidates Climate Forum that the Boca Raton Chapter Climate Reality Chapter will host on Thursday, September 8th at 7:00 PM EDT on Zoom. The purpose of the forum is to facilitate a dialog about the climate crisis, possible solutions, and actions to be taken now and in the future with the candidates running for US Congress in Florida Districts 20, 21, 22, and 23. If you’re on Facebook, share the Forum Facebook Event.

Know of a forum in your area? Send us an email at communications@rethinkenergyflorida.org.

Join us on Tuesday, August 9th at 6:30 PM EDT for a virtual screening of “Dear President Biden”, a new documentary short film. The film shares stories of leaders from the People vs. Fossil Fuels coalition and the fossil fuel resistance movement who are fighting to protect communities, water, and public health. Throughout the film, these leaders share why President Biden must take bold action to address the climate crisis.

Register

Governor DeSantis recently said he would keep the State Board of Administration from considering a corporation’s standards and impact on the environment and human rights when making pension fund investments. We strongly feel that limiting these considerations will have a detrimental impact on both the standards corporations hold themselves to as well as the investments themselves.

Read more about it here.

ReThink Energy Florida hosted Energy Camp for three weeks this July to teach kids about STEM concepts like renewable energy, ecosystems, water pollution management, and community gardening. From building solar ovens to planting microgreens, campers learned that science can be fun and that everything around us is connected.

Pictured is a field trip campers took to Cascades Park in Tallahassee to see a pollution demonstration, learn about the history of the park, and how Tallahassee manages the excess rainfall we receive. The kids had a lot of fun beating the heat at the splash pad, too. Keep an eye out for more fun photos and videos from our camp adventures on our social media channels.

Thank you to all of our volunteers and to everyone who supported our camp by donating to the Energy Ball. It was a big success!

Save the Date for the next Power Hour – September 22 from 5:30-7 PM EDT. Location to be announced soon.

Many of you may already have interacted with our wonderful new Executive Assistant Joan Leggitt. Joan has been involved in the publishing industry all her life, starting when she watched her mom working in the family’s local newspaper. She has been a typesetter, proofreader, graphic artist, and manager of an educational materials distribution facility, as well as a freelance editor for the last fifteen years. She has done editing workshops at Connie May Fowler’s Writing Below Sea Level Conference, the Florida Writer’s Association Annual Conference, The Florida Heritage Book Festival & Writer’s Conference, and others.

In 2013, she founded Twisted Road Publications, an independent press with a mission of publishing marginalized voices. In keeping with that goal, she has published books featuring the working poor, religious and ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ community, the disabled, and the addicted. She has also published several books with environmental themes.

Welcome, Joan!

Tickets are now available for the 11th Annual Energy Ball on October 21, 2022 and you can show your support by being the first to get yours here. Buy a table and invite your friends.

Do you know businesses you think would make a great sponsor of the Energy Ball? If so, please share this email with them. For more information, please reach out to ben@rethinkenergyflorida.org.

Looking for a fun way to get involved? Join our Energy Ball Planning Team on our next Zoom meeting on August 11 from 5:30-6:30 pm EDT by replying to this email.

“What a joy it’s been to speak to so many of you, from Board members to staff and interns, to donors of all kinds and even to Kim’s childhood pals. We’ve spoken, or will soon, about your infectious energy, and all that connects you to REF and to this cause as those who sustain THIS energy. I want to remind you that we call it development rather than fundraising, because we’re not relying on you to get something from you, we’re trying to do something so important with you. We need you to help us develop the network that will fund everything we do, from our exciting Energy Camp that is developing leaders of tomorrow; to the upcoming Upper Limit Campaign; to paying interns who have given so much, for free, for so long. We are proud that together, we will prioritize justice and integrity as we grow as an organization.I’d love to hear your ideas, so please email me at ben@rethinkenergyflorida.org.” – Ben Collins

ReThink is currently hiring interns for Fall and Spring Semester (two-semester commitment preferred). We are excited to offer a competitive rate of $13 an hour as well as college credit. Know anyone who would be a great fit for our internship program? Please share this email with them and encourage them to apply.

Did you know we also have a blog? Check out our latest post covering our SEED Program here.

Big things are happening at ReThink Energy Florida and we are glad you are part of our community. If you appreciate our emails, share it with a friend.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR RETHINK ENERGY ACTION FUND, INC. MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

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Florida summer is in full swing and as we come off of a long 4th of July weekend, we hope you are fired up to get involved! 

The Supreme Court sided with the coal industry last week, ruling that the Clean Air Act does not authorize anything other than direct regulation of coal-fired plants. While the Supreme Court’s decision is disheartening and in line with a multitude of decisions that reverse decades of precedence, we absolutely cannot give up now. We always knew the fight to save the planet wouldn’t be easy. And, we always knew we would have to convince a large number of people – both progressive and conservative, that we need to take action.

The EPA administrator Michael Regan agrees. In this NPR article, he said, “When we see the setbacks, we will take these punches, absorb them, but then come back with a counterpunch.” “We’re going to move forward with every legal authority to regulate climate pollution and protect communities that we have. So Americans should use their voices as much as possible to ensure that we can move forward and do the things that the American people would like for us to do.”

Now is the time to act! Right now, Congress can give the authority to the EPA that the Supreme Court says is missing. Please contact your Members of Congress and ask them to pass legislation that gives power back to the EPA to protect our health and fight climate change. The button below will help you find the phone number and email address so you can leave them a personal voice message or email. Just a few minutes of your time really can make a difference. 

Contact Your Members of Congress

Energy Camp starts July 11 and we can’t wait to welcome our students! Our STEM-based camp is filled with engaging activities that demonstrate concepts ranging from renewable energy to personal sustainability. Your donations and time will help this be a fantastic experience for our campers, so please sign up below.

SUPPLIES: We are looking for donations of some household materials to make sure camp runs smoothly. If you have any of the materials in the list below you would like to donate please email mia@rethinkenergyflorida.org to coordinate time and location for drop off.

• 2 Liter plastic bottles
• Cardboard boxes (shoes boxes, preferably with lids attached)
• Tin foil
• Plastic wrap
• String
• Nature or wildlife magazines
• Kids scissors
• Native plant seeds

VOLUNTEERS: Want to help nuture the next generation of environmentalists? We still need volunteers to help us during Energy Camp on weekdays between July 11th – 29th. We have morning and afternoon shifts where volunteers will help campers with fun, STEM-Ed projects and ensure everyone is safe on field trips. If you or anyone you know would like to volunteer at camp or during our field trips, please sign up here or by clicking the button below.

Specifically, we need more help on our field trip days. Your guidance on these outings is so valuable, so please sign up below.

• 7/13 – Trip to Cascades Park
• 7/15 – Solar Field Trip
• 7/21 – Trip to Urban Farm
• 7/25 – Aquaculture Field Trip
• 7/27 – City Bus Field Trip to Park
• 7/28 – Trip to Urban Farm

Sign Up to Volunteer

ReThink Energy Florida’s Education Director Mia Sadler teaches kids how to make “solar bugs” — little bug-shaped devices that have a tiny solar panel that provides energy to make the bugs buzz and wiggle.

This summer, ReThink is partnering with Young Engineers Tallahassee to enrich both of our youth summer programs. ReThink’s Education Team is providing unique STEM-Ed learning opportunities like learning about renewable energy and building solar bugs and playing interactive games where campers pretend to be native or invasive species and compete for scarce resources. These fun, hands-on activities demonstrate important concepts about renewable energy and the detrimental effect invasive species have on native ecosystems.Thanks to your support, we are able to provide these programs that kids, parents, and teachers love.

Do you or someone you know own a business that would benefit from the publicity of sponsoring the Energy Ball while feeling great about supporting ReThink’s STEM education programs? Below are the categories of sponsorships and all the benefits of publicity that come with them for our Energy Ball on October 21, 2022. If you are interested in learning more for your own business or to join our fundraising team to help us find sponsors, please email our Development Director, Ben Collins at Ben@rethinkenergyflorida.org.

Sponsorship Link

We are thrilled to announce that after years of great work by our interns, ReThink Energy Florida is now able to offer financial compensation for their time and efforts. Equity is the driving force in achieving this goal of paying our interns as well as providing hands-on experience to all qualified candidates, and this committment allows us to support our interns with a competive rate of $13/hour. Many of our interns are students working toward careers in the environmental field and their time with us is a springboard to other excellent opportunities. We are proud of the training and mentorship we provide and hope that this new level of support for our internship program will give an equitable opportunity for more qualified and talented candidates to join our team.

Know anyone who would be a great fit for our internship program? Please share this email with them and encourage them to apply.

Apply Here

Friends of ReThink Energy Florida is a program to provide both financial and volunteer support to sustain our efforts. This program is a unique way to give back to REF because you are able to join our community with incentives and benefits. These kind members are the engine keeps our work going and we are so grateful for their support. Today’s spotlight is on Susie Garcia.

As a former Communications Coordinator volunteer at ReThink, Susie understands and has seen first-hand the impact that this organization has on our communities. Her passion for the environment began at a young age growing up next to the beach and experiencing the wonderful benefits that our beautiful oceans and environment provide. This passion further evolved while working for the Dept. of Environmental Protection and Florida A&M University’s School of the Environment.

She later moved back home and began a new career within the A/E/C industry while also starting ReThink’s first Miami Chapter. “Life then got busy, as it does at times. Even though I was no longer able to donate my time, I knew I still wanted to help ReThink continue in their mission to help engage, educate and empower our communities, which is why I became a Friend of ReThink,” said Susie. She believes no donation amount is too small because every little bit helps, whether it’s to sponsor a child’s camp scholarship or providing travel so that citizens across Florida can learn and advocate on various environmental issues directly with their elected officials.

Currently, Susie is a Regional Proposal Manager for Colliers Engineering & Design, a national engineering firm where she participates in the company’s Green Team and helps promote environmental stewardship and sustainability within the company. She also continues to volunteer with ReThink when available; and most recently, she helped host a Recycle Relay Race at a local elementary school on Earth Day.

ReThink Energy Friends’ ongoing support make our work possible. They receive perks like a Rethink Energy Florida Bamboo Utensil Set, discounts for fee-based workshops, and discounted tickets to the Energy ball. To become a Friend, pledge annually to volunteer 12 hours, give $120, or a mix of both. You can sign up at our website or by clicking the button below.

Thank you, Susie! 

Become a Friend of ReThink

Energy Innovator Award Nominations are now open. Do you know a young person, individual, business or organization who deserves acknowledgment for their passion for protecting the environment? Past winners range from reusable bag making groups, eco-theology leaders, young climate activists, sustainable stores, and many more. Finalists will receive two tickets to the Energy Ball on October 21, 2022 where they will be recognized and awardees will be announced. Submit your nominee for special recognition here.

Submit Nomination Here

Please help us welcome Ben Collins to ReThink Energy Florida as our new Director of Development. Ben has spent over a decade founding and fundraising for innovative spiritual communities. These projects have crossed paths with common good, social justice and human rights organizing including LGBTQ rights, anti-racism, affordable housing, and more.

From early on, his sense of self, spirituality, and values were tied to nature. Surfing, camping, hiking, swimming, and growing up in central Florida, Ben is a former endurance athlete. He has two young children who are learning to share his love of nature.

Ben is a brand evangelist who believes deeply in climate action and in the value of fundraising to support it. We are excited to welcome him to the team in this important role that will help ReThink Energy Florida continue to grow.

Welcome, Ben!

Election season is heating up, and the Big Bend Environmental Forum provides the opportunity for concerned citizens to talk directly with the candidates and have their environmental questions answered. Please mark your calendars for this important forum on Thursday, August 4, starting with a Candidate Meet & Greet at 5:15 pm at Tallahassee City Hall. (We are working on an online option as well.) If you are aware of other forums around the state, please let us know.

With so much happening in the news, ReThink Energy Florida is a trusted source of information that you can count on. Follow us on our social media channels to get daily updates, actions, and inspiration, and get involved. 

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR RETHINK ENERGY ACTION FUND, INC. MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

Stay connected with ReThink Energy Florida.
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Here are new ways to learn, help, and connect this week to protect the planet while having some fun. Don’t miss the events happening today!

ReThink’s partners Solar United Neighbors will recap the Governor’s veto of net metering legislation, identify the next battleground, and share ways to amplify the fight for solar rights through outreach and canvassing at a webinar TONIGHT, June 15 at 6 pm ET. Sign up to receive the Zoom link for this chance to celebrate the veto victory and to reset for the next battle that is sure to come.

Register Here

Grab a cold drink and hop on Zoom to connect with ReThink friends across Florida at our next Power Hour on Thursday, June 23, from 5:30 pm – 7 pm ET. Learn the latest news from Kim Ross, our Executive Director, and share your ideas on how we can grow our organization and what issues are important to you. You are a valuable part of our team and we hope to see you there.

Register for Power Hour to Receive Link Here

We are gearing up for another fun and educational Energy Camp! Each day will be filled with engaging activities that demonstrate concepts ranging from renewable energy to personal sustainability. Our next statewide planning meeting is TODAY, Wednesday, June 15 from 4-5 pm so please email Mia@rethinkenergyflorida.org for the Zoom link.

We are also looking for donations of some household materials for our activities, so please see the list above and email kim@rethinkenergyflorida.org to coordinate a time and location to drop off your donations in Tallahassee.

Finally, it is not too late to register your youth for Energy Camp that will take place July 11th-15th and 25th-29th from 9 am – 4:30 pm ET. Reply to this email and we’ll get you started.

Sign Up to Volunteer

It’s time to start planning for the Energy Ball! Our planning committee will have its first meeting on Tuesday, June 28 at 1 pm to begin meeting to discuss logistics, find sponsors, and obtain silent auction donations. Anyone located in Florida is encouraged to volunteer, and there are things you can do even if you can’t attend the ball. Your efforts will benefit our Energy Ball on October 21, 2022. If you are interested in serving on the planning committee or just in helping with fundraising (without attending committee meetings) please register below.

Register for Online Energy Ball Volunteer Meeting

The 4th Annual TLH Beer Festival is scheduled for September 10, 2022 from 2-6 pm at The Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee. This fun event will include more than 80 home brewers and breweries, tasty food for sale, and live music by Deja Blu. All net proceeds will support the participating nonprofits including ReThink Energy Florida. VIP packages include exclusive & limited edition beer, food samples from 6+ restaurants, and live music from Shift 8 & Tony Demma. MUST BE 21+ TO PARTICIPATE. Please use Code REF to support ReThink Energy Florida at checkout.

Buy Tickets Here

Apply Here

It turns out that a wandering black bear known by scientists as M34 inspired this wildlife corridor project. Read the article in the Tampa Bay Times here and follow us on social media to never miss a story.

As the slower pace of summer sets in, please consider becoming a ReThink volunteer. We have online meetings with folks like you who are helping organize important projects like Energy Ball and Energy Camp.There are so many ways to get involved and signing up on our website is the perfect place to start!

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR RETHINK ENERGY ACTION FUND, INC. MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

Stay connected with ReThink Energy Florida.
Follow and like our social media platforms to keep up with the latest updates.

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We are still celebrating an exciting Earth Month and we have shared some of the highlights with you in this newsletter, along with what is on the horizon.

• Our coalition defeated the anti-solar bill HB 741 by organizing thousands of citizens’ actions that persuaded the Governor to veto the bill. 
• April was full of successful events including our first Power Hour, Earth Day Festivals around the state, and multiple school presentations. 
• Planning is underway for our annual Energy Ball, so please save the date for Friday, October 21. 

We want to thank you for supporting our campaigns, coming out to events, and sharing our social media posts. Earth Month was a big success, thanks to you! 

You’ve probably heard by now that the anti-solar bill was defeated last week by veto. We want to thank everyone who helped in this effort — your emails, phone calls, and lobby meetings made a big difference in raising the political will for this action to protect solar in the sunshine state. A records request done by our coalition partners showed that Governor DeSantis received 16,822 messages about the bill – of those, 16,809 urged him to veto the bill, and only 13 supported it!

On Earth Day Eve we met up with ReThink friends at Proof Brewing Company for Power Hour where we shared ideas to help guide our organization over cold drinks and snacks. We had a great turn out and plan to have Power Hour regularly. Save the Date of June 23rd for another Power Hour – virtual this time so our supporters can join statewide!

ReThink staff and volunteers enjoyed the Tallahassee EARTH DAY Festival on Saturday, April 23 where we shared about our new SEED (Solar Energy Equity Deployment) campaign that is seeking to plant seeds of information to grow solar in low to moderate income areas. Kids enjoyed our seed planting and solar bug activities, and it was a beautiful day to talk about solar energy.

We also had school visits in Tallahassee and Miami – Earth Day alone had us reach around 300 children!

Please mark your calendars for Friday, October 21 for our biggest fundraiser of the year: the 11th Annual Energy Ball held at the Goodwood Carriage House in Tallahassee. Save the date!

Our interns always impress us – and especially when they are balancing the final years of school. Congratulations to all of these graduates!

Our sister 501c4 advocacy organization, ReThink Energy Action Fund, is fundraising in anticipation of voter engagement in the fall elections. If you would like to provide your support, please donate via PayPal at the donate button below, or by mailing a check made out to ReThink Energy Action Fund, PO Box 1341, Tallahassee, FL 32302. Please keep in mind that donations to 501c4 organizations are not tax exempt.

Donate

More Information

Energy Camp is fast approaching so be sure to sign up and share this great opportunity for children to have fun while learning the impact of fossil fuel usage, the options of renewable energy, and the fundamental skills required as we downsize our energy use and environmental impact. Kids love it and have a great time while learning these important concepts. Energy Camp will be offered in-person with hands-on activities and field trips, and all activities will follow CDC guidance on COVID safety protocols.

Participants will join in hands-on experiential activities on:

• Climate change
• How to make a solar oven
• Creating your own solar bug
• Alternative transportation
• Growing your own food
• Consumption and waste
• Renewable energy solutions

Camp sessions are set for 7/11 – 7/15 and 7/25 – 7/29. Both weeks (which can be taken separately or together) are going to be held at (but not sponsored by) the United Church In Tallahassee, 1834 Mahan Dr.

Sign Up for More Info Here

Apply Here

April showers bring May flowers. We know April was a busy month and we are excited to keep up the momentum during the month of May. Thank you for making a difference! Remember to follow us on social media to keep up with our latest events.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR RETHINK ENERGY ACTION FUND, INC. MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

Stay connected with ReThink Energy Florida.
Follow and like our social media platforms to keep up with the latest updates.

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Happy April! Earth Month is the perfect time for you to get involved with ReThink Energy Florida, and we have highlighted some ways you can connect with us below.

Earth Month is a time to celebrate the Earth and the people and life on it. There are so many things we’re excited about – and we hope you are too!

• We’re excited about our Energy Camp and STEM Education Outreach Program that visits schools throughout Leon County and beyond to teach youth about renewable energy.
• We’re thrilled to be leading the Solar Energy Equity Deployment (SEED) Project to overcome barriers to solar in low-to-moderate income communities.
• And we’re delighted about our new hires, that our intern team is having a great experience this semester, and that we will be bringing new team members on soon.

Come celebrate with us by supporting these and other programs. See below for ways you can join our community!

🌟Become a REF Fundraising Star🌟

This Earth Month, you can easily create a Facebook fundraiser and invite your contacts to support all the good work that ReThink Energy Florida does for the environment. Share your story and you may find that people are grateful for the chance to help! Click the button below for all the details on how to create your own Facebook fundraiser. It only takes a few minutes to set up and can make a big difference in helping us reach our goals. Whoever raises the most donations will be featured on our social media channels and will win a prize.

Make an Earth Day Donation to ReThink Energy Florida

Create Your Fundraiser in Facebook

Join us on Earth Day Eve for a fun chance to connect with ReThink friends, enjoy a cold drink and snacks, and provide your valuable insight on important topics. We look forward to connecting with you at Power Hour and growing our REF community, so bring a friend!

RSVP and Share

ReThink will be at the Tallahassee EARTH DAY Festival on Saturday, April 23 and we need volunteers, so please sign up below. Visit our booth to learn more about SEED (Solar Energy Equity Deployment) that is seeking to plant seeds of information to grow solar in low to moderate income areas, and the kids can have fun at our seed planting and solar bug tables. This community event is hosted by Earth’s Garden at The Hole, 3030 South Adams Street, and admission is free.

Volunteer on Earth Day with ReThink

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The cafeteria at Buck Lake Elementary School buzzed with excitement early on a rainy Saturday morning in April as teams of elementary middle school kids huddled around model solar cars that they made to race in the Energy Whiz Expo competition. Adults were on hand to give advice but the kids were clearly in charge as they adjusted small plastic wheels, hooked up wires, and added final decorations. They were almost ready to race.

Read the rest of the Blog Post 

The Education Team has been conducting outreach to schools, afterschool programs, and teachers to offer STEM-based lessons and activities that expose students to energy and environmental science as well as a fun, hands-on activity. Last week our team visited Apalachee Elementary to talk about renewable energy and worked with the students to build their own solar bugs. Students decorated and assembled their bugs before taking them outside and into the sun to watch them come to life. 

Our sister 501c4 advocacy organization, ReThink Energy Action Fund, is fundraising in anticipation of voter engagement in the fall elections. If you would like to provide your support, please donate via PayPal at the donate button below, or by mailing a check made out to ReThink Energy Action Fund, PO Box 1341, Tallahassee, FL 32302. Please keep in mind that donations to 501c4 organizations are not tax exempt.

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More Information

Energy Camp is fast approaching so be sure to sign up and share this great opportunity for children to have fun while learning the impact of fossil fuel usage, the options of renewable energy, and the fundamental skills required as we downsize our energy use and environmental impact. Kids love it and have a great time while learning these important concepts. Energy Camp will be offered in-person with hands-on activities and field trips, and all activities will follow CDC guidance on COVID safety protocols.

Participants will join in hands-on experiential activities on:

• Climate change
• How to make a solar oven
• Creating your own solar bug
• Alternative transportation
• Growing your own food
• Consumption and waste
• Renewable energy solutions

Camp sessions are set for 7/11 – 7/15 and 7/25 – 7/29. Both weeks (which can be taken separately or together) are going to be held at (but not sponsored by) the United Church In Tallahassee, 1834 Mahan Dr.

Register Here

Apply Here

During the Energy Whiz Expo, one of our amazing volunteers, Amie, really brought the sunshine. Remember to follow us on our social media channels and share our posts with your contacts.

Please help us welcome Cara Fleischer to the ReThink Energy Florida team as our new Director of Communications. Cara has volunteered with REF for six years in many capacities, including serving on our Board of Directors, and brings decades of public relations experience to this new role. She is always on the lookout for a good story for our blog, so send her an email with your volunteer activities and photos at Cara@ReThinkEnergyFlorida.org.

During Earth Month, we hope you get out in your community to celebrate the earth. Let us know what you’re doing by tagging us – #ReThinkEnergyFlorida – and we will highlight some of you on our channels. Now, more than ever, we appreciate your support and being part of the ReThink Energy Florida community. Together, we are making a difference!

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR RETHINK ENERGY FLORIDA, INC. MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR RETHINK ENERGY ACTION FUND. MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

Stay connected with ReThink Energy Florida.
Follow and like our social media platforms to keep up with the latest updates.

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Happy month of March! We’ve been busy bees at ReThink Energy Florida during the FL Legislative Session. Now that it’s wrapping up, here’s the latest news and opportunities for you and the young people in your life to get involved this month.

 “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”

– Paulo Coelho

Send a letter

Florida is the Sunshine State – We should be encouraging rooftop solar and promoting Energy Freedom. To promote good green jobs and a just transition to clean energy, ReThink Energy Florida is working to persuade Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis to keep the current, popular Rooftop Solar policy in place against an attack by monopoly utilities.

But the Florida Legislature is trying to kill jobs and hurt small businesses by ending rooftop solar. If the Senate passed the bill, it could be presented to the Governor before March 11th, so it’s important to Act Now. 

Send a letter

ReThink Energy Florida was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory to lead a team to participate in the Solar Energy Innovation Network (SEIN) to discover transformative ways of equitable adoption of solar in vulnerable communities.

This team plans to unlock the market potential for solar PV in low-to-moderate income (LMI) neighborhoods by building from LMI community-based initiatives to find opportunities to lower solar installation costs. The project aims to provide a pathway to install solar installations at a neighborhood scale that can be replicable in other LMI neighborhoods through awareness of solar benefits in underserved communities and business awareness of LMI-funding opportunities.

Tallahassee SEIN team’s innovative approach includes neighborhood members in the project from the beginning to investigate how to best reach their communities. The current Tallahassee Neighborhood Revitalization Area Plan designates the pilot neighborhoods as bearing disproportionately high burdens of energy costs. The project will explore different financial mechanisms to expand solar access and address present and immediate needs within the community including reducing residents’ energy bills.

ReThink Energy Florida has hired Te’Rel Bowman as a Project Manager to oversee a new grant that aims to learn from residents in the Frenchtown, Bond, and Griffin areas on how to best communicate renewable energy opportunities to low-to-moderate income (LMI) neighborhoods.

Te’Rel Bowman is well known in Tallahassee after attending FAMU, working for twenty years at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, and currently serving as Operations Manager for Big Bend Habitat for Humanity, Inc. “I welcome the opportunity to learn how to best communicate that living greener and cleaner can reduce energy costs and carbon footprints in our most vulnerable neighborhoods,” Bowman said. “Tallahassee has long been committed to a clean and sustainable energy future and to do so, every part of our community must be engaged.”

Kim Ross, Executive Director of ReThink Energy Florida said, “We are excited that Te’Rel will be leading our team because he cares deeply about helping people thrive in our community. Our group was selected as one of eight across the United States to participate in this project, and with Te’Rel’s leadership, we hope to understand more clearly how to assist low-to-moderate income members of our community to gain access to solar energy. The ultimate goal is to create actual solar projects in the neighborhoods of Frenchtown, Griffin Heights, and Bond.”

The March Science Club meetings will be filled with activities and fun. High school meets on Monday, March 7 at 4:15 PM and middle school meets on Tuesday, March 8 at 6:00 PM.

You can sign up here: ReThink Science Club 2021-22.  For more information, email youth.outreach@rethinkenergyflorida.org. 

The Regional Energy Whiz Expo consists of two events, the Solar Sprint and the Solar Cook-Off, geared towards getting kids involved in using solar energy in a fun and innovative way. The Solar Sprint, open to students in 4th through 8th grade, consists of teams designing and building solar-powered race cars. The Solar Cook-Off, for students in 4th through 12th grade, is a two-part competition encompassing the design of a fully solar-powered cooker as well as preparing a dish using the same cooker. The winning team from each event will have the opportunity to compete in the state-wide Energy Whiz Expo!

Register Your Team

Sponsor a Student or Team for Energy Whiz

ReThink Energy Florida is proud to provide scholarships to Energy Whiz to any student that needs it. In an effort to expand our services to educate even more students, we need YOUR help right now to help us to continue bringing Energy Whiz to students in Tallahassee focusing on Title 1 schools. 

 

Would you please consider supporting a student for our upcoming Energy Whiz?

 

Your gift of $30 will cover a whole student team of Energy Whiz including: Energy Whiz materials, Solar Energy Cook off, Junior Solar Sprint and more. Your gift of $200 will help the winning team get to the statewide competition in Cocoa in April.

 

Please click on the link to donate: 

https://www.rethinkenergyflorida.org/donate/

Energy Camp is a summer camp designed to teach children the impact of fossil fuel usage, the options of renewable energy, and the fundamental skills required as we downsize our energy use and environmental impact.  Energy Camp will be offered in-person with hands-on activities and field trips. All activities will follow CDC guidance on COVID safety protocols.

Participants will join in hands-on experiential activities on:

• Climate change
• How to make a solar oven
• Creating your own solar bug
• Alternative transportation
• Growing your own food
• Consumption and waste
• Renewable energy solutions

Camp is set for 7/11 through 7/15 and 7/25 through 7/29. Both weeks (which can be taken separately or together) are going to be held at (but not sponsored by) the United Church In Tallahassee, 1834 Mahan Dr.

Interest Form

Afterschool STEM: The Education Team has been conducting outreach to schools, afterschool programs, and teachers to offer STEM-based lessons and activities that expose students to energy and environmental science as well as a fun, hands-on activity. We have visited Kate Sullivan Elementary, Sabal Palm Elementary, Apalachee Elementary and are hoping for many more opportunities. These sessions cover a variety of topics including renewable energy, the importance of plants, sea-level rise, building their own solar bugs, science journaling, and many more.

Sign Petition

Thank you for all of your support! To donate, please click here.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

Stay connected with ReThink Energy Florida.
Follow and like our social media platforms to keep up with the latest updates.

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