By Melat Hagos
The EmPowering ATL: Energy Policy and You workshop was a dynamic gathering aimed at fostering discussions on the significance of energy policy in Atlanta, Georgia and its impact on our lives. Through an introductory presentation, interactive workshop, and discussion, we reached empowering insights and explored actionable steps to leverage energy opportunities. Attendees left with resources and knowledge on how to engage their families, friends, and wider communities on topics of energy justice and address growing concerns in all our neighborhoods about energy burdens.
The event took place at the ZenTea, a cafe and event space in Chamblee, Georgia. I originally meant to co-host this event with Atlanta Refugee Women’s Network but this time fell during their off-season so it was difficult to arrange a time together. I hope to collaborate with them later on. Instead, I decided to do a discussion workshop in Zentea’s space which 8 Brown and Black participants attended creating a vibrant atmosphere of dialogue and collaboration. Outreach included posting through social media platforms and leveraging networks of environmental organizations and community groups that I am a part of.
The event served as a platform to share insights on energy policy and justice issues specific to Georgia. I began by sharing my story of growing up in Chamblee with a single mom who was always telling me to turn the lights off because she always had utilities bills on her mind. We then went into the current state of energy affairs in the state with rising energy bills and manipulation of solar options, while highlighting disparities in access and affordability. Some of the conversation starters included facts like: “In the US, poorer households and households of color consume less energy than the average household. At the same time they spend a greater share of their income, roughly three times more than non–low-income households, on energy. They also have less access to the benefits of the transition to low-carbon energy systems (Energy Opportunity Lab). How can we develop solutions to address the energy disparities and burdens in the energy transition?”
I also passed on some of the lessons I’ve learned in GPE workshops in bringing people in through storytelling to inspire and empower people, bring people together and make topics relatable. We talked about frameworks such as Story of Self, Us, and Now along with the values that bring us to this moment, and how we can center outreach through their lens. We also talked about language equity and how reaching our communities in ways they can understand matters most! Excitement started to brew as we discussed all the different mediums and forms of expression that this information can be shared through such as short films, essays, interviews, etc.
Participants were encouraged to take actionable steps towards advocating for energy justice in their communities. This included joining local advocacy groups, reaching out to elected officials, and spreading awareness through social media platforms. I emphasized that building power started with deep community relationships and personal 1:1 interactions as Salome Garcia shared with us. We all agreed to talk to 1 person in our community about energy justice each week for the next month in addition to the other long term actions discussed.
To continue learning together, we agreed to have a follow up event in the spring and continue to work on translations of energy justice materials together such as the fliers below in English, Spanish, and Amharic. Some of the participants were eager to deep dive into topics such as policy advocacy strategies, community-led renewable energy initiatives, and grassroots organizing efforts. I’m excited to learn from them as well!
In conclusion, the Energy Justice and You Workshop was a fulfilling exchange full of interesting dialogue. I received positive feedback from attendees and they strengthened their commitment to taking action towards energy equity. I do wish more people had showed up to the event. In the future, I will make sure to sort out location and dates further in advance so I can advertise the event more. I was happy to provide a platform for fostering dialogue, education, and action around energy policy and justice in Georgia as GPE has done for us. I look forward to continuing this work and seeing meaningful change and collective empowerment blossom within our communities.
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