By Alexandria Greene
As part of the Girl + Environment Energy Justice Ambassador Program, Alexandria Greene hosted a virtual energy justice event titled “Shall We Clear the Air” this past February. Here’s a glimpse into the event from Alexandria’s perspective:
The goal of my energy justice program was to empower my local community by hosting a discussion on Energy Justice in Georgia with a specific focus on Metro Atlanta residents in or around the 30354 zip code of Hapeville. The virtual event's purpose and activities were centered around availability and accessibility.
Initially, the plan was to host an in-person event but a few suggestions from mentors and friends made me realize that hosting a digital event could offer more benefits than anticipated. Facilitating an online discussion, presenting various energy assistance programs, encouraging support and membership within aligned advocacy programs were effective ways for me to reach my targeted demographic: minority and low-income residents.
Attendees were recruited via social media, word of mouth, and referrals. Additionally, I was able to create evergreen content via Zoom and Instagram Live simultaneously. Evergreen content is content that remains relevant, valuable, and applicable over time, regardless of trends (e.g., how-to guides). One of the main objectives of my project was to convey the sense of urgency related to energy equity, in addition to the time-sensitive issue of energy justice, and the feasibility of solutions and resources available to the local community and energy consumers. By providing tips on reducing energy bills and energy burdens in the household and greater community, participants were engaged in self-advocacy education on how to address homeowner and renter energy burden reduction.
Furthermore, one of my Energy Justice Ambassador goals was to help identify energy assistance tools, whether that be from like-minded organizations or through a checklist of local agencies, nonprofits, and groups like Girl + Environment (GPE). My underlying motivation for addressing utility insecurity was to emphasize the importance of knowing your neighborhood by honing in on your home zone and understanding that your particular zip code could factor into higher bills and less energy equity.
Whether referencing energy bill itemization, appliance rebate information, senior/teacher/military discounts, matching grants, or LIHEAP, my intention was to foster possible avenues for participants to feel empowered enough to pursue energy justice in a way that would work best for them. I also asked for folks to get involved with either GPE or Canopy Atlanta, and attend Neighborhood Planning Unit meetings, as well as engaging in public comment and/or letter writing to politicians and elected officials in the energy justice policy field.
As incentives, I had a virtual swag bag giveaway, which included 2 Skyhawks basketball tickets as a prize. Additionally, letter-writing supplies for activism (pens, notebooks, highlighters) were part of the stationery swag, which was mailed out and/or delivered in person. A follow-up piece of digital content I am working on is an Energy Justice Vision Board for future and further developments, in addition to resources to sustain momentum and generate new ways to promote energy education and empowerment.
Reflecting on this event, I feel like I could have done more to engage a larger demographic, but I believe the effectiveness of the content was thorough and well-researched enough that those who were able to attend benefitted from the information presented. My next steps include joining Canopy Atlanta as a way to more actively engage in community journalism while focusing on energy justice. Moving forward, I am committed to continuing this work and exploring new opportunities to expand the reach and impact of energy justice education in my community.
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