Many of you are familiar with Energize America from the many fine diaries by Jerome a Paris and A Siegel. For the uninitiated, EA is a unique, comprehensive, all-volunteer, netroots plan for US energy independence. We collectively created a 20-point plan, which we unveiled at YK06 with NM Gov. Bill Richardson. Since then we've been working to introduce specific legislation based on the plan - the first being the 'Energy Smart Communities Act'.
Today's good news is that EA has been selected from hundreds of organizations to participate in the New Progressive Coalition's 'Political Mutual Fund' program. NPC's unique program allows individuals to invest in progressive causes, knowing a rigorous, 3rd party evaluation ensures donations are going to both deserving and effective organizations. What is really cool is that the selected organizations can see clearly how much investment is available for their efforts. Note that NPC's mutual funds provide 'political' ROI, not financial ROI.
Press release is below the fold.
The reason we are fund raising is so that we can staff a formal organization to promote the many fine ideas within EA. Everything we have done has been with 100% volunteer efforts. Please donate directly via the EA web site or the NPC mutual fund categories if you are able to do so. We get 10% of all monies donated to NPC's 'Energy & Environmental Fund', which launched this morning. As of now, that means EA has raised $2,530!! A great way to donate is to buy a really cool EA shirt! Many thanks for all who have assisted with this critical effort.
For release: 8:00am EST, Monday, November 19, 2007
Energize America Selected for Innovative Energy & Environment Progressive Investment Fund
People-powered plan for US energy independence gains momentum
Blogosphere* - The New Progressive Coalition (NPC) has selected Energize America as a participant in their Energy Independence & the Environment Political "Mutual Fund." NPC’s political "Mutual Funds" are actively-managed portfolios consisting of stellar organizations working in the areas of health care, energy independence & the environment, and progressive politics. Energize America was selected from 120 organizations to be one of 11 organizations included in NPC's Energy Independence & the Environment Fund.
"We are thrilled to be selected for inclusion in this important progressive mutual fund," said George Karayannis, Executive Director. "Our focus is on ensuring a strategic and sustainable US energy future, and our selection helps ensure NPC mutual fund investors receive a directed return on their specific investments."
Energize America is a non-profit, people-powered initiative to achieve a sustainable and prosperous US energy future through the use of a transparent and collaborative ‘open source’ development process – similar to how the Linux operating system was created. Energize America’s initial plan was unveiled with New Mexico Governor and former Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson in June 2006. Energize America’s unique and comprehensive plan provides a broadly-informed perspective on a wide range of energy generation, transmission and consumption issues.
Energize America is currently working with Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) and other congressional leaders to introduce the first proposed legislative item, the ‘Energy Smart Communities Act’ (ESCA). The ESCA is an innovative program that creates ‘energy smart’ communities across the US through a largely self-sustaining bond program which stimulates investment in local energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
"With NPC’s support, Energize America is stepping up our game." Energize America Board Member Adam Siegel commented, "Our all-volunteer structure has been a unique advantage, but it’s also limited our ability to promote the many excellent solutions in our original 20-point plan. NPC will enable Energize America to move toward a full-time staff and work more directly with other organizations and Congressional offices to develop and enact innovative energy concepts that transition America to a prosperous, climate-friendly future."
As part of the selection process, Energize America went through an intensive analysis and third-party verification. All organizations chosen for the funds were analyzed through NPC's proprietary Political Return on Investment (PROI)™ methodology, which helps contributors understand the impact of their giving.
The NPC seeks to bring the same discipline to political donations that has been occurring in the charitable sector. NPC responds to the often overwhelming challenge of researching organizations working on the issues you care about, narrowing down potential recipients from myriad options, and wondering about the impact of your donation. NPC's Political "Mutual Funds" are accessible through their website (http://www.newprogressivecoalition.com). Energize America is proud to be part of a process that could revolutionize how people make political donation and charitable giving decisions.
###
About Energize America
Energize America (www.ea2020.org) is a non-profit organization that seeks to achieve a sustainable and prosperous US energy future. Energize America developed a comprehensive, 20-point plan for US energy independence using a unique and full-transparent ‘open source’ development process in 2006. Noted environmentalist and scientist Bill McKibben calls Energize America, "the most comprehensive package of energy proposals, bar none, on the table today."
Over the course of nine months and five versions, nearly 50,000 individual comments from thousands of diversely-experienced individual contributors came together to create the nation’s first comprehensive, people-powered plan for US energy independence. Energize America is currently working with senior members of Congress to introduce the ‘Energy Smart Communities Act’, and continues to explore and promote sustainable energy technologies and policies, as well as sound environmental practices.
Media Contact:
George Karayannis,
Executive Director
937-216-5140
info@ea2020.org
www.ea2020.org
*Energize America has been an internet based, open-source approach to energy discussions and policy development. With thousands of participants from the United States and elsewhere, Energize America has thrived in the 'virtual' world of the blog-enhanced internet or "blogosphere