Equity Working Group
Develops outreach, engagement, and accountability strategies for equitable coalition building. Far from containing equity issues in a silo, this working group is tasked with ensuring they are baked into all working group and staff activities.
Work takes place in three outreach-focused sub-committees, youth (engaging and inspiring the next generation of decarbonization advocates), interfaith (engaging faith communities), and education and trainings (planning and developing the calendar of free trainings Midwest BDC offers each month).
Email Marnese Jackson (jackson@midwestdecarb.org) to get involved! Learn more about the recent projects of each sub-committee below!
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
The intent of the Youth Engagement Working Group is to engage the next generation of decarbonization leaders through networking, career development, and project support.
In 2023, the working group organized a podcast series featuring youth climate advocates speaking about green building careers, indoor air quality, and climate justice. As you can see in these podcasts, it’s critical to this working group that they are uplifting the voices of young people - not speaking for them.
INTERFAITH
This working group was started by coalition members who identified the impact local faith groups and places of worship have in their communities. The goal of this group is to serve congregations through education and training on the benefits of decarbonization. Faith leaders in this group advocate for electrification and energy efficiency through the lens of spiritual responsibility for the Earth as well as health, equity, and financial benefits.
In 2023, the interfaith working group hosted a lunch and learn session with Pastor Raymond C. Dix Jr. of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Pastor Dix and the panelists shared their stories of decarbonizing their houses of worship and discussed the rebates and grants available to others who are interested in doing the same. Check out the recorded session below!
EDUCATION + TRAININGS
The Education and Trainings Working Group strategizes with other working groups, Midwest BDC members, and community members to bring relevant, timely training and webinars to our membership. They also craft coalition language for our coalition, such as our defining our values.
Check out the upcoming events page to register to attend an upcoming training!
Tune in to hear from professionals who are working in all different aspects of green building careers. We will hear how they got into this field, the emerging career paths they see, and hear tips and tricks on how to interview, network, and develop your own path to work!
Recorded October 19, 2023.