The sun is out, and Here Comes The Sun workshops are fast approaching! These upcoming free workshops, funded by a 2020 CERTs Seed Grant, will provide information about education, training and job opportunities related to renewable energy, and include activities for students. At each event, a featured speaker will give a talk sharing their story of work in the clean energy sector, followed by a Q and A for adults and teenagers.
through design is co-hosting both events: Saturday, March 7th, 1PM-5PM at the Family Freedom Center, featuring Keith Dent, and Saturday, March 14th, 1PM-5PM at AICHO Cultural Center, featuring Bob Blake.
UPDATE: THE MARCH 14TH WORKSHOP HAS BEEN POSTPONED. STAY TUNED FOR OUR RESCHEDULED DATE.
At both events, workshop attendees will participate in discussions about renewable energy, climate change, and economic justice, including ways that they can participate and lead in the transition to renewable energy in their own communities. We'll have some information tables from our partnering organizations and other groups that participate in the clean energy sector. And we'll have art projects and solar demonstration activities for kids and adults. Childcare will be available for children ages 1-5 — please contact Rachel at rachel@throughdesign.net or (218)343-5583 to make arrangements.
The event schedule for each workshop will be as follows:
1:00 sign in and gather
1:15 welcome by event host
1:30 short presentations from partners
2:00 featured speaker
2:45 kid activities, time at info tables and break-out discussions
4:00 communal meal and visiting/more time at info tables
Keith Dent will be our featured speaker March 7th at the Family Freedom Center. He is a solar installer and project manager, and also the founder and CEO of a camp for kids, Just B Solar. Keith, his wife Noy and his son DeQuay will all be present at the Family Freedom Center, guiding activities that show that solar energy isn't just important, it's fun.
Bob Blake will be our featured speaker at the AICHO Cultural Center. He is the founder and CEO of Solar Bear renewable energy company, and also works with MN Interfaith Power and Light. He is a solar installer, educator, and leader. He is also a consummate storyteller, so come ready to enjoy stories during his presentation and in the discussion circle afterward. The AICHO event will also include tours of their rooftop solar array. See solar panels up close and personal!
The workshops each have an associated Facebook event: March 7th and March 14th. Please RSVP on Facebook and share with friends! UPDATE: THE MARCH 14TH WORKSHOP HAS BEEN POSTPONED. STAY TUNED FOR OUR RESCHEDULED DATE.
Co-hosting these workshops is Outside the Box, an educational program housed at Ecolibrium3 which aims to provide opportunities for exposure, education, and engagement to underserved communities. We focus specifically in the areas of creative problem solving, design, construction, energy and sustainability. For Here Comes the Sun, we are partnered with the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO), the Family Freedom Center and Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light; additionally, we received funding and support from CERTs.