Stage One
Understand the Model
We’re thrilled you may be interested in starting a local Clean Energy District!
The first step is to understand the model and be sure you’re comfortable with it.
For an in-depth read, study our concept document, A Geography of Change (PDF).
- Local leadership exists everywhere. Energy Districts empower local champions to lead the clean energy transition in their beloved, unique neck of the woods.
- Through direct action, Energy Districts simplify and clarify the complicated energy system, making a community-wide difference. Energy Districts put boots on the ground, providing community-wide technical assistance with sophisticated energy evaluation, installing energy-saving measures, and providing advanced energy planning services.
- When the “Green” of economic prosperity meets the “Green” of climate stewardship, communities unite and thrive. A locally-led, implemented, and accelerated clean energy transition will create jobs, retain wealth, build energy prosperity (one green), and simultaneously advance climate stewardship (another green).
- Energy Districts are inclusive and replicable. Regardless of members' age, gender, race, way of life, socioeconomic status, or geography, Energy Districts exist to benefit everyone. Universal replication of the Energy District model is entirely possible. The clean energy future will be accomplished through energy democracy: clean power of, by, and for the people. Energy Districts mission to strengthen the community happens in three fundamental aspects:
- To positively affect the local economy by retaining energy dollars within the district;
- To slow climate change by promoting wise energy use; and
- To facilitate inclusive (for everyone) access to clean and local energy.
Energy districts are local organizations composed of resident, passionate champions. These local champions know what works in their neck of the woods. Energy districts have a broad mission to strengthen their local community, focusing on energy conservation, but do so with agile and smart techniques localized for their county.
Geographically defined by Iowa county lines, existing Energy Districts are incorporated non-profit organizations. Emerging Energy Districts are equipped with a blueprint for establishing the intersection of green meets green, powered by the collective support of the Clean Energy Districts of Iowa.
Stage Two
Grow Your Team
Energy Champions
Individual members of an Energy District are passionate clean energy champions. They are skilled and come from all corners of the district. Energy District leaders are often represented by a range of ages and have both gender and racial balance.
A strong Energy District brings together:
- conservationists;
- clean energy professionals;
- local business leaders;
- farmers;
- neighborhood, civic, and church leaders;
- landlords; and
- climate activists.
This group of champions is connected to their community; they have strong relationships in their communities, which gives them leverage to advance the Energy District’s mission.
These local champions roll up their sleeves for the common good. They are doers, understanding talk is cheap unless followed by boots-on-the-ground action.
Above all, Energy District champions love their communities and the planet they inhabit. This group firmly believes the right thing is active leadership of the inclusive, locally owned transition to clean energy.
This “Energy District 101” presentation can spur conversation with interested community members. For additional coaching and materials, please contact Joleen Jansen, CEDI's coaching lead for new and emerging districts.
Stage Three
Go Make a Difference
Getting Established
Energy Champions should be prepared to meld their energy and dedication for making change with managing expectations and avoiding burnout. Financial, personnel, and related challenges are common and in fact universal to young organizations.
As a new Clean Energy District, you’ll be part of a growing network and inspirational movement working to grow the resources available to Districts everywhere, but the network at this time does not have significant financial resources to provide to each member district.
To start, get the word out:
- Begin community engagement through informational breakfasts/lunches/presentations.
- Gather names and develop a newsletter/digital distribution list.
- Organize tours of what's working (and what's not!) in energy issues in your county. (CEDI has resources for this!)
- Go where the people are: represent your new Energy District at established events, with organizations, and at the county fair.
- Identify the most-needed technical assistance, “boots on the ground,” in the county and who could provide it. The scope of energy district activities is broad and depends on local needs, opportunities, and resources. More information can be found on the model page, in Geography of Change, and of course from fellow districts once you’ve joined the network.
More will come! Every journey starts with a single step.