Energizing Community: Relating to energy systems individually & collectively

(RSVP @ https://partiful.com/e/bMWUJG1jXR2QcpoS82xz please!)
How can permaculture design allow us to think of engaging with our energy systems in ways that are transformative and community-centered? Can our sources of energy be more democratic and localized; and if so, how?

During a time of uncertainty and climate disaster, we are becoming more and more aware of how our modern systems impact the world around us. Our energy infrastructure literally powers our lives — from our forms of transit, to the food on our tables, to the media we consume, modern life is deeply tied to our electrical system. However, the corporate energy systems which we depend on also undeniably cause a lot of harm — Californians are no stranger to the power outages and wildfires that are hallmarks of a neglected investor-owned utility system.


Through roleplaying and breakout conversations, we will engage with questions such as:
How do we relate to our energy systems today?
What are ways that we can support each other as a collective during climate crises?
What are empowerment-based solutions to address energy consumption?

⚡☀️🔌

Our guest facilitator Ayla (she/her) is a campaign manager with the Local Clean Energy Alliance. She currently focuses on expanding climate resilience hub funding in Alameda and San Joaquin Counties, as well as building energy justice coalitions in the Bay Area generally. She has worked in various nonprofits and government agencies, addressing issues such as environmental health in Bayview Hunters Point, youth organizing for environmental justice, and grant funding for clean air justice projects in frontline communities. In her spare time, Ayla enjoys Irish country dancing, reading, and scaring herself with horror films.

Questions/prompts to think about/bring, articles/ideas to noodle on)
Flip through the People’s History of Utilities handbook, created by the Energy Democracy Project.
Question to think about: What are ways that electricity powers your life that you may not actively think about? What are ways that energy “flies under the radar” of our lifestyles?


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