The People Behind Environment Florida and What They Do

Environment Florida is a citizen-based environmental advocacy organization, as stated on the official website. Florida’s environment is unique and worth protecting for future generations. Environment Florida states that it is an organization funded by supporters and that it researches the challenges confronting our environment to educate the public about what’s at stake. The group has also stated that “through the research reports, news conferences, interviews with reporters, op-ed pieces, letters to the editor and much more, Environment Florida raises awareness of environmental issues and promotes sensible solutions.” 

I intern at Environment Florida and wanted to talk about the great things we do.

The Impact:

• Moving to be able to power our lives without polluting our environment. America has the ability to produce and consume energy while still enjoying healthy communities.
• This allows America to give their children and then their children a livable future.

The People Involved:

  The Tallahassee team consists of:

• Jennifer Rubiello, State Director
• Rob Sargent, Senior Director, Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy
• Jenna Stevens, Florida Impact Organizer
• Nicole Parke, 100% Renewable Energy Campaign
• Kamaria Imani, Intern, Media & Journalism & Communications
• Willow Michie, Intern
• Nolan Hartz, Intern, Grassroots/Partnerships
• Ashley Johnson, Intern
• Taylor Montgomery, Intern
• Samuel Bradford, Intern
• Marisa Gleason, Intern
• Sydney Countryman, Intern
• Taylor Bonachea, Intern
• Samantha Murray, Intern

Intern Positions

  The Tallahassee team consists of:

• Grassroots
  • Informing the public about the health risks of common environmental exposures
  • Empowering individuals to act as catalysts for change within their communities

• Media & Journalism & Communications
• Writing LTEs
• Contacting press for events
• Creating additional social media posts
• Gaining a VIP co-author for the semester
• Taking the lead on writing and submitting an op-ed
• Graphic Design
  • Design and update weekly volunteer e-newsletter
  • Design/post flyers for recruiting volunteers and events
  • Make sure “swag” inventory is stocked
  • Design photo petition props and signs
  • Creating a template for the volunteer newsletter & volunteer and intern recruitment flyer to be used in the future on other campaigns
• Grassroots/Partnerships
  • Reach out to student organizations, local elected officials and business to sign-on
  • Recruit speakers and co-sponsors for events
  • Keep up with coalition/partner events to put in the volunteer newsletter
  • Meet with SGA member and have them join sign-on to commit to a “yes” 100% vote
  • Gaining a keynote speaker and partner organization for each event

Our Campaign: 100% Renewable Energy

• Our 100% Renewable campaign is focused on three areas in which we can make the most immediate progress: college and university campuses, cities and states, and Congress.

Campaign Slogan:

• Renewable is Doable!

Campaign Mission:

• Move the energy debate in Florida to 100% Renewable Energy. North Florida plays a huge role in this. In Tallahassee, taking action at Florida State University is the first step. We aim to get a 100% Renewable Energy commitment from the university by 2020. Our goal is to convince President Thrasher to commit FSU to 10% Renewable Energy. This isn’t an easy goal, but definitely a doable one.
• Public support is the main thing needed to sway to a full commitment for support of this campaign.
• This campaign will help FSU’s rankings.
• There are enough alumni and students calling on Thrasher to support 100% Renewable Energy

Our Strategy:

• Taking the approach of “pressure” strategy by organizing to effect change at FSU.

Tactics:

• Lobbying
• Media letters
• Press conferences
• Coalitions endorsements,
• Research and reports
• Mobilizing grassroots support petitions
• Photo petitions
• Petitions
• On-Campus Visibility
• Mobilizing alumni
• Professor sign-ons
• Coalition sign-ons
• Electric Vehicle Events
• Renewables Roundtables

The point of Environment Florida’s internship is to try and help transition the city of Tallahassee to a 100% renewable energy based city. The first step is by bringing on the campuses, consisting of Florida State, FAMU, and TCC. Florida State, being the biggest, will bring on much attention from alumni and other people of importance that will help focus on bringing the campus to 100% renewable energy. The interns are working on convincing the presidents of each university that making their campuses 100% renewable energy is worth the money and time. It may cost a lot of money in the beginning, but over time the universities will actually be saving money because then they won’t be paying for trying to provide electricity to multiple buildings.

• FSU
• interns