Opportunities From: City of Bloomington Volunteer Network

Are you passionate about energy, efficiency, renewables, the environment, community action, or all of the above? Consider volunteering as an Energy Navigator! to be a part of the new City of Bloomington initiative, Bloomington Energy Works. All adults and high school students are welcome to participate.

The Energy Navigator! volunteer program is organized and led by Electrify Indiana, a volunteer-driven nonprofit. Based in Bloomington, Electrify Indiana equips Hoosier households across the state to make cost-saving, healthy choices when their gas-fueled appliances break down. The Energy Navigator! volunteer teams make residents aware of energy efficient technologies and financial incentives that can reduce their bills and fossil fuel consumption. At a time of rising utility bills and energy use, the Energy Navigator! teams provide helping hands and trusted community voices.

The purpose of the Energy Navigator! program is to increase education and awareness, not to consult on specific project financing or installations.

 

Volunteer Duties

To educate Bloomington residents about energy saving incentives and the benefits of solar, electric appliances, sealing, and insulating, Energy Navigator! will rely on four types of volunteers:

·         Canvassers, who go door-to-door to let households know about upcoming public presentations and open house “Show & Tells”. We’ll provide the training you need. Shifts are available every Saturday and Sunday through the end of April. SIGN UP HERE.

·         Presenters, who deliver a simple presentation to the public in homes or public places. We’ll provide the Powerpoint, event coordination, and presentation training. Email electrifyindiana@gmail.com or SIGN UP HERE.

·         “Show & Tell” hosts whose homes have an air source or geothermal heat pump, or other electric heat pump or solar powered appliances. You open your home for the public Show & Tell, and we’ll provide everything that’s needed, from chairs to signs, refreshments, an activity for kids, projector and screen, cleanup, etc.! Email electrifyindiana@gmail.com to get involved.

·         “Show & Tell” team members and experts, who explain how electric appliances work, welcome neighbors, or help with set up and child care. Email electrifyindiana@gmail.com or SIGN UP HERE.

Whether you’re good at getting people to come out, can speak clearly about energy efficiency, like to explain how your heat pump water heater works, have an electric home others can learn from, or enjoy juggling keeping an eye on kids and food and welcoming neighbors, you can play an important role in helping our neighbors slash their utility bills and get off of coal and gas.

 

Volunteer Training

Training for door-to-door volunteers will cover how to:

·         Engage safely with residents and display identification provided by City

·         Motivate homeowners, landlords and tenants to attend a presentation

·         Convey local and state incentives available to help residents save on costs

Training for presenters will cover how to:

·         Deliver the presentation on residential energy upgrades and renewable energy projects

·         Local and state incentives available to help residents adopt these ideas

·         Address common questions from homeowners, landlords and tenants

·         Educate others to join the City’s Municipal Investment Fund public-private partnership plan

 

Reach out to electrifyindiana@gmail.com with questions. Groups or individuals may participate. Check out our Bloomington Energy Works website or sign up for the program mailing list to watch for opportunities.