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

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. 

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!

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.

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.

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.

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Happy May! 

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.

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.

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.

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Here comes the sun... 

It's summer time! We feel the weather getting hotter, while our activism is just warming up. Beware: this newsletter contains plenty of new pathways for you to advocate for clean energy.

• Partners are running campaigns that need public support
• A 2021 winner of the Energy Innovation Award gets their award
• Ways to get involved through Energy Ball, Power Hour, and Energy Camp
• Starting today, we showcase personal stories of Friends of ReThink

We want to thank you for supporting our campaigns, coming out to events, and sharing our social media posts. You rock!

Floridians have been fighting to protect their coasts from dirty and dangerous offshore drilling, which threatens the health of our communities, coastlines, and economy. Join our panel to discuss the risks of drilling, the importance of a clean coast economy, how we can stand in solidarity with Gulf communities, and what we can do to #ProtectOurCoast.

WHAT: Protect Our Coast Virtual Panel with U.S. Representative Castor (FL-14)

WHEN: Tuesday, May 31st at 2:00 PM ET

You can see updates and follow along on our Facebook event page. Click the button below to register.

Join Food & Water Watch on June 1st at 6 pm ET to learn about the connection between the deadly Brightline train and liquified gas bomb trucks moving through South Florida.

The company that owns and operates Brightline, New Fortress Energy, is also transporting extremely flammable liquefied fracked gas on the same rail line. The transport of volatile gas puts more than half a million South Floridians in harm's way. We shouldn't allow New Fortress Energy to transport explosive gas near our homes, schools, and hospitals.

The Broward County Commission can act to halt the transport of liquefied gas in the county. Join the call to learn more about the campaign to stop the transport of liquefied fracked gas in Broward and how you can plug in.

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 you will join us!

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 Cynthia and Ronald E.

Cynthia and Ronald E. have been monthly donors since 2016 and serve on the board of directors. They attribute their long-time support to their daughter Holly, a nature enthusiast and former intern with ReThink. "We have been supporters of ReThink Energy Florida since our daughter Holly was an intern with the organization several years ago," they said. "Through her internship at ReThink, Holly was incredibly inspired as she learned the fundamentals of running a non-profit. She has since graduated and now serves as a political staffer with an environmental group in Colorado. One might say that, by her example to take action, she led us. Through work and regular giving, we try to do our part. We encourage you to join us!"

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 Cynthia and Ronald!

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. We are 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.

We would love to have you help us make Energy Camp a success, so If you, or anyone you know would like to volunteer in preparation for camp, at camp, or during our field trips, please sign up by clicking the button below.

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.

We are excited to announce three leaders recently joined our SEED team, the Social Energy Equity Deployment (SEED) initiative, that brings renewable energy to underserved 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. Without further ado: Talethia O. Edwards is a grassroots organizer, advocate, coalition builder and speaker; Lachanthia Hall is a Pastor at Fresh Wind Ministry, disability advocate for families in Florida, and a Medicaid provider with over 10 years of experience; and Kimberly Murphy has a strong love for her community, very solid roots in Tallahassee, and extensive experience in resource management. Welcome to the team!

One of our Energy Innovator Winners couldn’t make it to the ball last fall and we finally caught up with them this past week to present their award! Meet Hillary Van Dyke.

Hillary is the Founder and Executive Director of The Green Book of Tampa Bay Inc., a black-owned business directory that serves Pinellas and Hillsborough county. She helps people who are concerned with inequity in their community be intentional with how they spend their dollars, emphasizing the importance of nature in our lives and how to reignite connections between people and nature. Her work with Outdoor Afro as leader shows her passion to connect her community to invest and reimagine the environment with a presence that has often been excluded. In addition, she has an inclusive mindset for creating sustainable communities and educating people about current FL climate change issues and their impacts--both directly and indirectly-- on their lives. Hillary has planned and led monthly outdoor trips throughout the Tampa Bay region including hiking, kayaking, and yoga. She also researches and incorporates history into events and creates partnerships with local organizations including the National Park Service and local park system. Congratulations Hillary!

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.

It’s time to start planning for the Energy Ball! Our planning committee will begin meeting to discuss logistics, find sponsors, and obtain silent auction donations. Anyone located in Florida is welcome to volunteer to help, and there are things you can do even if you cannot 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 reply to this email or sign up at www.rethinkenergyflorida.org/volunteer/.

Watch this hillarious expose on monopoly utilities by John Oliver, where our Southern Alliance for Clean Energy friend and partner Susan Glickman was featured. Warning: R-rated language!

Thank you for supporting ReThink, and we look forward to catching up with you at our Virtual Power Hour on June 23 at 5:30 pm ET on Zoom!

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.

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter