American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) is the nation's leading trade organization for wind energy. The primary work of AWEA is to:

GRID Alternatives is a 501c3 organization that provides both renewable energy job training and renewable energy installation opportunities for lower income and underserved populations.  This innovative organization aims to increase access to renewable energy benefits for all communities.

The organization, primarily based in CO, CA and NY, features the following programs:

Supply half of CA's energy needs through renewables in 15 years?  Now we are talking!

Recently elected to a historic fourth term, Governor Jerry Brown has ambitious plans for California's renewable energy commitment:  50% renewable energy by 2030 - the highest in the country.  In his state of the state address, Governor Brown said, "I envision a wide range of initiatives: more distributed power, expanded rooftop solar, microgrids, an energy imbalance market, battery storage, the full integration of information technology and electrical distribution, and millions of electric and low-carbon vehicles."

The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) is a "think and do tank" that helps corporations, non profit organizations, academic institutions, the military, and other organizations implement market based solutions to work in more efficeint, ecologically responsible ways.  

Originally founded in 1892 by legendary pioneer and environmental activist John Muir, The Sierra Club is one of the largest and most influential grassroots organizations in America.  Some of the succesful past campaigns of the Sierra Club include:

At the 2015 World Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland, the overarching topic of "resource scarcity and the environment (specifically the future of fossil fuels and fighting climate change denial)" was recognized as one of the top global challenges. 

Christina Figueres, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) since 2010, drew four primary conclusions on climate change and energy from the disucssions circulating at the forum.

Rainforest Action Network is a 501c3 organization based in San Francisco, CA whose mission is to challenge the world's largest corporate polluters through education, grassroots mobilization, and non violent direct action.  

The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) was founded in 1954 and is based in Boulder, CO.  ASES is the American Affiliate of the International Solar Energy Society.  The Executive Director, Carly Rixham, is a professional in solar, wastewater management, biofuels and education. She has plans to expand the reach of renewable energies on college campuses and at the grassroots level and to usher in a new generation of solar users and advocates.

Some of the notable programs of ASES include:

• Solar and Renewable Energy Publisher -- including Solar Today Magazine (in its 26th year)
• National Solar Conference Organizing Body
• National Solar Home Tour Organizers

ASES has chapters throughout the country; click here to find an ASES chapter near you.

Look here for assistance with installing solar on your residential or commerical property,  

This blog is part of an on-going series highlighting thought leaders in the Non Profit sector.

The Politics of Energy - Educated Voices Needed

The next two years will be challenging for advocates of clean energy in America.  

The new Republican majority in Congress is threatening to rollback the progress of the past 6 years.  Fossil fuels (tar sands oil, coal and natural gas) are their energy sources of choice - with renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal) pushed aside and starved of funding.

That is why the non-profit organizations we are highlighting in this series need your support.  They have the means to educate - to inspire - to call to action - the people (like you) that can make a real difference in the debate - and keep us moving on the road to clean energy.

Plug In America is a 501c3 organization that advocates for the use of battery electric and plug in hybrid vehicles powered by renewable energy.   

Consumers are embracing renewable energy for many reasons: