Wish your energy committee could make more of an impact in your community? Is your committee struggling to identify your next project or getting too bogged down in planning? Join us for an introduction to the Local Energy Work Group’s Strategic Energy Action Toolkit that helps energy committees combine the right balance of strategy and action for maximum impact and success. We’ll hear from Vital Communities and the New England Grassroots Environment Fund, key developers of the toolkit, as well as from energy committees that are already using it to guide their work. You’ll also learn about how to get a copy of the toolkit, participate in trainings, and access other resources for local energy groups.

Presenters:

Sarah Simonds, Vital Communities

Sarah Simonds manages the Energy Program at Vital Communities, a non-profit organization serving the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire. Through her work, Sarah engages businesses, municipalities, and volunteer energy groups to move the Upper Valley toward energy independence. Since 2013, Sarah has led the development and successful launch of Solarize Upper Valley, partnering with 15 towns to help over 300 residents go solar.

Linda Gray, Norwich Energy Committee

Linda Gray is the current chair of the Norwich Energy Committee, which began its organization in 2001 and was officially formed in 2002. Linda has been active with the committee since 2008, after completing 10 years of service with the school board. She also serves as an Alternate on the District 3 Environmental Commission (Act 250 board). Linda has lived in Norwich since 1986, moving with her family from the Washington, DC, area.

Leigh Cameron, New England Grassroots Environment Fund

Leigh Cameron is the Energy & Climate Program Coordinator at the New England Grassroots Environment Fund. Leigh supports local energy action in New Hampshire through her role in the New Hampshire Local Energy Work Group, a network dedicated to providing collaborative guidance and technical support to New Hampshire Local Energy committees and groups seeking to reduce energy use, minimize energy costs, and/or reduce fossil-fuel consumption.