Energy Champion Program

At Solar United Neighbors, we’re a passionate team of solar organizers, educators, communicators, and policy and technology experts. We are neighbors and organizers, united in the mission to build an energy system that is fair, sustainable, and works for everyone. Our hands-on, state-based training programs empower individuals, organizations, and communities to engage in the critical work of energy justice.

Our free training programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each state while building a collective understanding of the power of energy democracy. These programs are designed for nonprofit staff, community-based organizations (CBOs), and community leaders who are ready to learn, grow, and take action to make the energy transition more just and equitable.

Ready to get involved?

By joining our programs, you’ll be part of a growing movement of energy justice champions who are working together to ensure that the future of energy is democratic, sustainable, and equitable.

Apply today and take the first step toward building a better, more just energy system in your state!

Training topics

Upcoming programs

This training program is ideal for those looking to lead energy justice efforts in their communities, empowering participants to become the next generation of advocates and educators working to transform the energy landscape in New York.

Cohort 1: New York City

Cohort 2:

New York training program overview

This curriculum is designed to educate participants on the concepts and importance of energy justice and energy democracy in New York. The goal is for participants to leave with a deeper intersectional understanding of the just energy transition and how to be an effective advocate for energy justice. The curriculum will take on a train the trainer model, with the goal to catalyze more energy justice champions to take action in New York. This training is being facilitated by SUN staff and our partners at Solar One.

Navigation energy policy and programs

Objectives:

Understand how the intersection of Federal, State, and City policies impact climate resiliency
Introduction to current energy programs that assist all New Yorkers
Apply a lens of energy justice to these policies – are they reaching the most vulnerable communities

Topics covered:

Energy Programs
Energy Policies

Building the energy democracy movement

Objectives:

Understand the principles of energy democracy
Gain insight into existing networks of climate justice actors
Learn methods of advocacy specific to energy & climate change
Get comfortable speaking about climate justice
Commit to an action

Topics covered:

Action Planning
What is Energy Democracy
Mapping Energy Justice Movements

Energy Champion Program Application

Thank you for your interest in our Free Energy Champion Program!
This program is designed to empower nonprofit staff, community-based organizations (CBOs), and community leaders to drive a just and equitable energy transition in their communities. Our curriculum is tailored to meet the unique needs of each state, building a collective understanding of energy democracy and providing practical tools for action. Please note that the training consists of 5 modules, each lasting approximately 90 minutes. The modules will be delivered over 6 weeks.

About our training

Ready to get involved?

Training topics

Upcoming programs

Cohort 1: New York City

Cohort 2:

New York training program overview

Application deadline February 21

Energy Champion Program Application

Application instructions

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