Image Credit: Sjo via iStock

As always, please reach out to let us know what else we can be doing to support you or your community on the road to a healthier planet for all!

MassEnergize is excited to announce that we are teaming up with two dynamic community-based organizations - Fairmount Indigo CDC Collaborative in Boston and Vineyard Power on Martha’s Vineyard - on an exciting new project funded by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. The project is titled: Supercharging Clean Energy Engagement in Environmental Justice Communities.

This project will focus on:

1. Identifying barriers to clean energy participation in environmental justice communities.
2. Developing user-friendly, bilingual tools in Spanish and Portuguese to ensure no one is left behind.
3. Deploying and evaluating these tools to increase community involvement.

The goal? To create long-lasting, scalable strategies that can empower more residents to join the clean energy movement.  By working closely with community members, MassEnergize and its partners aim to ensure that these new engagement methods can be replicated in other environmental justice communities, making clean energy accessible to all. Together, we are building a future where clean energy is inclusive, culturally informed, and within reach for everyone.

Stay tuned.  We're excited about this new project and look forward to sharing more with our community!

Welcome to our newest community, Sustainable Groton!

We are delighted to welcome Sustainable Groton as the newest MassEnergize community! The Groton Sustainability Commission is committed to tackling the climate crisis while preserving the town’s natural resources, economic vitality, and social well-being. By focusing on sustainability efforts and providing expertise, the Commission guides residents, businesses, and town officials in creating a greener, more resilient future.

With the launch of their new website, Sustainable Groton offers:

• • Actionable steps to help meet local sustainability goals.
  • Step-by-step guides for residents and businesses to implement these actions.
  • Resources and tools to track the town’s progress toward becoming a more sustainable community.

We’re excited to see how Sustainable Groton’s efforts will inspire and lead the way toward a brighter, more sustainable future! Check out Sustainable Groton's upcoming Heat Pump event in our event section below, or see all their upcoming events here.

What a fantastic turnout at our first Community of Practice meeting after the summer break! We loved hearing all about the creative ways you've been connecting with residents - whether it was at EV Petting Zoos, Energy Fairs, or even a Heat Pump Pizza Party! 

We were also thrilled to hear from Steve Breit of the Heat Smart Alliance, who shared insights on heat pump coaching and training strategies. Along with Steve, Andrea Beccerra, Acton’s Sustainability Manager, and Karen Root Watkins, Energize Acton's Community lead, gave us a closer look at Acton’s impressive, self-sustaining heat pump coaching program. 

In case you missed it, don’t worry! You can catch the recording of our September meeting right here.

Mark your calendars! Our October Community of Practice meeting is a week later than usual—due to Indigenous Peoples' Day—and will take place on October 21st at 7:15 PM. See you there!

Meet Our New Energy Efficiency Program Assistant!

During this enriching experience, student interns, with Cesar's help, developed community engagement materials for our Solar Para Todos program in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Now, as one of our Solar Ambassadors, working with our Community Action Program Coordinator, Fabiane Goncalves, Cesar will focus on community outreach and engagement. His connections as a Framingham resident will help him introduce our program to local organizations, enhancing our community impact.  Cesar has been hired with funds from a Mass Save Community Education grant which MassEnergize received in 2024.

Save the Date! April 30, 2025  Community Climate Leaders Conference at Bentley University

We’re excited to announce that the MassEnergize Community Climate Leaders Conference 2025 date and location are officially locked in! Stay tuned for all the details in our November newsletter, where we’ll reveal everything you need to know. We can't wait to share more and look forward to your participation in what promises to be an inspiring event! 

MassEnergize is Looking for Volunteers!

With Aimee Powelka recently moving on from her role as MassEnergize's Data Analysis Advisor and Project Coordinator, we're on the lookout for passionate volunteers to join our team!  MassEnergize thrives thanks to the energy and dedication of our amazing volunteers, and we'd love you to be a part of it. Interested in making a difference with us? We’re always on the lookout for new talents and helping hands! Let's create change together!

If you are interesting in helping out in the following capacities, please email us at info@massenergize.org.

• • • • • Software consulting
        • Marketing and Outreach consulting
        • Conference Volunteers to help plan our upcoming Annual Community Climate Leaders Conference in 2025!

Framingham Repair Cafe - Energize Framingham

(October 6th, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Scott Hall, 24 Vernon Street, Framingham, MA)

Got something that needs fixing or mending? Bring it to the Repair Café! Volunteers help to fix many things including: clothing, lamps, small appliances, computers/other electronics, bikes, batteries, toys, jewelry, and sewing machines.  They will also have a station for sharpening straight knives, scissors and garden tools. If you know what parts are needed, please get them ahead of time. Learn more about the event here.

Annual Solar Social - Sustainable Medfield

(October 17th, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - 7th Wave Brewing, 120 N Meadows Rd, Medfield, MA)

Come and learn about solar installations from experts or share your experience with solar with your friends and neighbors. There will be free pizza and desserts, a cash bar & activity for children. 

Please RSVP here if you would like to attend but also feel free to come spur of the moment, too. 

Harvest your Energy Fest & Medford Wind Tour - GECA

(October 19th, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm - McGlynn Middle School, Riverbend Park, at the base of the Medford Wind Turbine, Medford, MA) 

Join Go Green Medford for this opportunity to visit and learn about “Windy” the wind turbine! Windy supplies renewable energy to Green Powered members & Green Municipal Aggregation communities - including Medford! 

The event is a perfect opportunity for businesses, residents, and organizations to come together and learn about energy savings, environmentally friendly practices, and innovative climate change solutions. The festival will include exhibits and activities from a number of exhibitor tables, food and live music as well as tours of the wind turbine. Learn more about the event here.

Heat Pump Event - Sustainable Groton

(October 23rd, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - The Groton Center, 163 West Main St, Groton, MA) 

Is your heating system getting on in years? Are you considering a heat pump for heating and cooling but don’t know where to start? 

Sustainable Groton wants to help. This event will include:
Introduction to how COLD CLIMATE heat pumps are cost-effective, efficient, AND reduce your carbon footprint

• • Opportunities to meet in small groups or one-on-one with Heat Smart Alliance-trained heat pump coaches, including Groton’s own energy coaches.

RSVP for this event here.

Please help us by sending your community event pictures to  info@massenergize.org. We appreciate your support!

MassEnergize relies on donations from supporters like you! 

Please help us meet our mission of supporting 

community climate leaders and organizers.