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.
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