Forwarded from: "The Review" <therev...@mum.edu> Subject: The Review, Vol. 30, #3, October 15, 2014, Maharishi U Vol. 30, #3, October 15, 2014 Copyright 2014, Maharishi University of Management
AmeriCorps Volunteers Increase Energy Efficiency in Community Three alumni of the Sustainable Living program began as AmeriCorps volunteers in September and will spend 11 months helping the University and Jefferson County increase energy efficiency and sustainability by offering free energy audits as well as community outreach, sustainability education events, and low-cost or free weatherization. "I had been wanting to share the information and inspiration that I gained in the Sustainable Living program," said Alexandra (Pomeroy) Crow, the team's logistics coordinator. "It's great to have an opportunity to transition out of school but still give back to the community." AmeriCorps volunteers serve for 11 months and receive a stipend during that time. Other alumni involved include Prana Miller, marketing coordinator, and Taylor Kneisley, audit coordinator. Two more volunteers are being added as the education and outreach coordinators. During the cold months, the team will be focusing on energy audits and weatherization. In addition, a major focus is outreach and offering education to the community. While their mission is to serve all of Jefferson County, the University, as the team's host site, will be a special focus. The team hopes to raise the University's rating by the American Association of Sustainability in Higher Education. In addition to educational and outreach events, the team will document and systematize the sustainability practices and features already in place on campus. Anyone interested in a free energy audit can sign up at www.greeniowaamericorps.org. Once an audit has been performed, the team is available to weatherize the home — either for low cost or for free. In addition, they evaluate appliances and can recommend replacement with energy-efficient models that are eligible for a rebate from Alliant. While all audits are free, the weatherizations are usually only at the cost of the materials. The materials are free for those who are veterans, low-income, disabled, or over 65. Those interested need not be a homeowner to take advantage of the offerings, but will need to have a signed waiver from their landlord. The volunteers are part of Green Iowa, a State and National AmeriCorps program that has existed since 2009. AmeriCorps is a division of the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal program created by President Bill Clinton in 1993. AmeriCorps consists of a network of national service programs that strive to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. Green Iowa funding largely comes from government grants as well as organizations such as Alliant and MUM. MUM is one of six Green Iowa host sites in the state. According to Ms. Crow, MUM was invited by the program director because the University is considered a leader in sustainability. Being a host site entails providing office space, a vehicle, office supplies, and a site supervisor. © 2014 Maharishi University of Management Transcendental Meditation®, TM-Sidhi®, Consciousness-Based, Maharishi Vedic Science, Maharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment, and Maharishi University of Management are protected trademarks and are used in the U.S. under license or with permission.
