Sitting at a table in the bustling Global Market, eating a Manny’s sandwich, I visited with both Agatha Vaaler and Julia Eagles of the Green Institute on a windy day in December. This was my initial meeting to discuss volunteering at the Green Institute.
The organization’s solid presence in the community and the type of solutions-oriented actions they champion to create a healthier environment motivated me to volunteer with them. By interning, I looked forward to working with a group of dedicated and experienced community organizers, and learning valuable skills I could take with me in the future.
Once the internship started, I worked on several projects. Aside from some administrative tasks and assisting in small projects, my main work at the Green Institute revolved around participation with the Metro Clean Energy Resource Team (CERT) and our Bike to Work event, Brake for Breakfast.
Joining the Metro CERT team was an extremely fortunate opportunity for me while at the Green Institute. Before joining the CERTs program, I was left to my own devices as a volunteer. As a part of team, I worked alongside a fabulous group of people on intelligent, beneficial campaigns. Big initiatives during that time included Vending Misers and Project Green Fleet. Putting my support behind these campaigns was not only easy, but fun. One method of recruiting for the campaigns, cold calling, I dreaded at first, but ended up really enjoying. Making a connection and informing someone of an opportunity to do several positive things at once (i.e. save money and energy, thus improving our community!) was really rewarding.
Another large part of my work at the Green Institute involved hosting the third annual Bike to Work event, Brake for Breakfast. The Green Institute served as a main organizational player for the event, but we also had assistance from several other individuals in the Phillips Eco Enterprise Center (PEEC). Working closely with Julia Eagles, we found donors and sponsors for the event andobtained 100% participation within the PEEC— a first for the Bike to Work Event. We were able to provide an extensive menu, including vegan options,all from donated sources. For me, planning the event was an excellent opportunity to learn about event planning, fundraising, promotion, and volunteer recruitment—as well as day-of surprises. All in all, the event was a success. Over 400 bikers came to our event, and several even received direct props from the mayor of Minneapolis, R.T. Rybak!
My internship at the Green Institute encompassed a wide range of experiences and opportunities. Apart from work with the Metro CERT, I learned valuable lessons about community organizing—frompreparing meetings to the Herculean efforts needed to find support within neighborhoods. I gained a fuller understanding of the clean energy community in the Twin Cities, and was able to attend dozens of networking events. My time at the Green Institute also introduced me into one of the fastest growing professional fields, the nonprofit sector. I am fortunate to have been a part of a group of people coming together to help people save energy and build community and, in turn, protect the environment.
Thanks for everything!
