And now, for something completely different . . .

Ironically, this just in on the Green Schools listserv (co-curricular life competency development meets the good kind of job training/vocational skills workshop -- remember the inclusion of "build a wall" in Heinlein's list):

Warren Wilson College is hosting BUILDINSULATE, December 4th to 6th, for colleges and universities who are interested in starting a community-based weatherization programs. Most expenses will be covered. Contact Phillip Gibson, 828.771.3781 or pgibson@warren-wilson.edu for more information.

>

Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa, NC
October 24, 2009

> Contact: Phillip Gibson, (828) 771 3781

>

> Through a significant grant from Progress Energy, the Environmental Leadership Center of Warren Wilson College's INSULATE! program will conduct a BuildINSULATE! workshop Dec. 4 - 6 to teach others how to create an INSULATE! program in their own community. BuildINSULATE! is a hands-on training for community groups, especially faith congregations and student groups, to learn the skills and knowledge needed for establishing a residential weatherization program in their community. Funding provided by Progress Energy will allow Warren Wilson College to reimburse participants for travel and lodging. Lodging is being provided on campus at Warren Wilson College.

Now in its second year, the INSULATE! program has assisted over 25 low-income households in western North Carolina to lower energy consumption, carbon emissions and utility bills by up to 30% per home.

Within the last year, Project Energize has contributed to meeting the huge demand for weatherization services. The 12-member crew, working with community action agencies and with faith and environmental organizations, expects to weatherize 300 homes before July 2010.

"BuildINSULATE! is an opportunity for other organizations to learn from our experiences and to determine how to assemble and implement a program that will mobilize others to reduce carbon emissions and improve lives," said Phillip Gibson, director of community outreach at the Environmental Leadership Center of Warren Wilson College.

The weekend workshop is designed to give participants an overview of building science and to assist in the development of a successful program. Through seminars with building science professionals, hands-on weatherization training, and a structured planning and program implementation workshop, participants will be prepared to form and lead weatherization assistance programs in their own communities.

Speakers include experienced builders from western North Carolina.

Weatherization assistance is gaining momentum in the region and across the nation. Community action agencies nationwide have received $6.2 billion from the Obama administration to provide weatherization service to low-income homes. Join us in reducing carbon emissions one home at a time.

For more information about INSULATE! and the BuildINSULATE! weekend workshop, please visit www.insulatenc.com

<http://www.insulatenc.com>.

Please pass on and encourage students to register for BuildINSULATE!

We are seeking participants from academic institutions as well as communities of faith. It is a great opportunity, especially because lodging and transportation reimbursement are included. Registration is available online at

> www.insulatenc.com.

>

> Ian, Nina & Phillip

> The INSULATE! Crew

--

Margo N.Flood

Executive Director, Environmental Leadership Center Chief Sustainability Official Warren Wilson College

828.771.2002

mflood@warren-wilson.edu

CPO 6323

P.O. Box 9000

Asheville, NC 28815-9000