Localvores Unite! 2016 Member Drive Kickoff.
Published in Oneota Co-op’s The SCOOP, Winter 2016 Edition, December 1, 2016.
On my fridge there’s a magnet that says “Yay! Local!”
Maybe you have seen such magnets, marked by enthusiastic sentiments such as “Yay! Cats!” “Yay! Gnomes!” “Yay! Bacon!” We are in an enthusiasm epidemic.
Compared to cats, gnomes, or bacon, the noun “Local” may come off as being oddly abstract or lacking trendy cuteness, yet we show up for the delightful things that are found in the closest proximity to our own existence: our locale.
The Oneota Co-op and it’s members are well versed in the value of local food, local governance, and local membership. They know better than anyone how our farmers, religious communities, environmental conservation, businesses, t-ball games, and our member-owned co-operatives make up the social, environmental and economic threads that weave the rich fabric of a place, creating vibrant and comfortable communities.
So how about local energy?
The Winneshiek Energy District has been working to promote locally owned clean energy in northeast Iowa for the past seven years with the values of sustainability, stewardship, localism, and leadership at its core. The nonprofit is a member organization that thrives on participation, feedback, and financial support from its members. This allows it be relevant to local needs and offer locally-focused energy conservation programs, energy education, renewable energy alternatives, and so much more. It functions off the idea that real change starts at a grassroots level.
Will you support this work by becoming a Winneshiek Energy District member?
The “Yay! Winneshiek Energy District!” magnet has not yet found its way to production, but If you like what the Energy District is doing in your community and want to support further efforts, you can snip out this template and stick it to your fridge as a reminder to become an Energy District member by going to www.energydistrict.org/join. Once you become a member you will receive an “I <3 Local Energy” bumper sticker.
Thank you for supporting the good work being done in your community, for your community. Become a member at www.energydistrict.org/join or contact me at kristin@energydistrict.org.
Yay! Local!