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Energy Justice Ambassador Program

The Protecting Our Energy Project: Mobilizing the Next Generation of Black and Brown Energy Justice Activists in Atlanta

This transformative 6-month opportunity aims to empower and mobilize Black and Brown womxn in Atlanta, enabling them to become advocates for clean, affordable, and equitable energy policies. Participants will receive comprehensive training in effective communication and community action, equipping them with the tools to engage their communities in energy work.

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So, WTF Happened

In 2022, Georgia Power proposed a 12% rate increase for all its residential ratepayers. While a 12% rate increase was not approved, with a 4-1 vote, the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) did approve an increase of 2.8% which began in January of 2023 (yeah sis, that's why your bill was even higher). This was initially considered a win, but in April of 2023, Georgia Power went back to the PSC to request additional funds from ratepayers to account for fuel costs and to pay for nuclear plant Vogtle which is already 16 billion dollars over budget. In 2024 and 2025, an additional rate increase of 4.5% is also expected.

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It’s evident that our work is not done and that community mobilization is more important than ever. Georgia Power is going to keep pushing for rate increases if our communities don’t stop them. Our community is eager to intensify their engagement in clean, equitable energy policy.

Apply to Participate in our 2023-24 Cohort

Am I Eligible?

  • Must identify as a Black or Brown womxn

  • Must be based in Atlanta, GA. Priority given to individuals in 30303, 30310, 30311, 30314, 30315, 30354 zip codes

  • Must be able to attend the in person convening September 8th and September 9th in Atlanta

  • Do I have to already be an expert in energy? ABSOLUTELY, NOT :)

More about the Program

  • The Energy Justice Ambassador Program offers participants extensive training covering essential topics such as energy burden, energy policy, and energy justice, equipping the ambassadors with effective communication skills, including storytelling and data visualization, to convey complex energy concepts to their communities in an understandable manner.

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  • The program empowers the ambassadors to identify the specific needs of their audiences and employ best practices to encourage their communities to take meaningful action on energy justice issues. The goal is to ensure that community members have a direct say in energy policy decisions that impact their lives, thereby promoting community-led solutions.

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  • Ambassadors receive financial and technical assistance to plan and execute their own community education events. These events are instrumental in raising awareness of energy burdens, energy policy, and pathways to more equitable energy solutions. By fostering community buy-in through dialogue and knowledge-sharing, we aim to empower individuals to take an active role in the energy transition.

More things to Note

The Benefits

  • Ambassadors receive $500 stipends to help host their own community energy justice event

  • The opportunity to connect with a network of other amazing Black and Brown womxn in Atlanta

  • The opportunity to really have a positive impact on your community and a say in clean, affordable energy

The Commitment

  • 2-day In-Person Convening: Foster community-building and networking opportunities.

  • 5 Virtual Trainings: Sessions on energy policy & justice and how to motivate community action.

  • Unlimited 1:1 Coaching Calls: Individual support and mentorship.

  • Individual Outreach Projects: Cohort participants lead community outreach projects on energy justice across Atlanta.

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Important Dates:

Applicants must be available for the in-person convening on September 8th and 9th and for one-hour monthly virtual trainings on October 3rd, November 7th, December 5th, January 9th, and February 6th.

Deadline to apply is August 18th
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