¡Se Fue la Luz! Arizona Workshops

In 2019, Vote Solar was honored to partner with Chispa Arizona, Wildfire, and SWEEP on a free clean energy workshop series in Phoenix.

Participants connected with neighbors and local leaders to discuss the state’s current energy system, its impact on their communities, and how to mobilize for clean energy access for all Arizonans.

The first workshop series was a huge success! Concerned Phoenix residents crowded into the Golden Gate Community Center for our three workshop series to hear Vote Solar staff and our partners explain how electricity prices and utility programs affect their monthly bill payments as well as the benefits of solar. Representatives from Chispa Arizona were also able to talk about the organizing work they are doing to mobilize the Latinx community in Phoenix around energy justice and environmental justice issues.

The reception to our first series encouraged us to host another series of workshops in early 2020, this time at the South Mountain Community Center. After we got feedback that community members were interested in learning more about the process of “going solar,” the second series integrated a presentation from an experienced local developer.

Dinner was provided at each workshop to support the building of new community connections and encourage knowledge sharing across lines of power. Each of the workshops was offered with live Spanish translation using individual headsets and a paid translator. This was the first workshop series Vote Solar co-created for a majority Spanish-speaking audience and we hope to apply the many lessons learned in future collaborations.