Jason helps low-income families in his community go green and gains a valuable new perspective, in addition to a possible new career path.

Name: Jason

Cause Website: www.gridalternatives.org/

“GRID Alternatives’ mission is to empower communities in need by providing renewable energy and energy efficiency services, equipment and training. We believe making energy choices that are good for the environment can go hand-in-hand with improving the lives of those living in low-income communities. GRID Alternatives works collaboratively with communities and local organizations to identify specific needs and to develop renewable energy solutions that are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.”

I had a very interesting experience. What I was volunteering for was to help install solar systems for low income housing. I have had an interest in Solar and renewable energy for quite some time.

I have had a strong interest in Alternative Energy and feel we need to move away from oil. With that in mind, and since I am in between jobs (about to embark on a 4 month job, starting December 25th with the Harlem Globetrotters), I decided to learn as much as I can about Solar before I leave. This nonprofit solar company Grid Alternatives was willing to let us learn as much as we want through volunteering. My plan is to learn as much as I can about this expanding, and rapidly growing industry, and to persue a job in this field when I return from the tour in April.

With this particular experience, I learned that there are a lot of people who love to volunteer. There is a lot of good that can come from putting in Solar. It was a fantastic experience, the company was very personable, professional, and really valued the contributions of its members.

I worked a total of 14 hours, Nov 28th and Nov 29th 2011 in the Templeton CA area. I went into this experience with no preconceived notions of what to expect, or what I would gain from my volunteering. If at the very least, I was working for a great cause and i was helping others in need.

I plan to volunteer with these guys at least one more time before I leave, because you cannot get this kind of knowledge any other way – for free. You see, they get my work for free – I get to do on-the-job-learning. You really cannot get that kind of experience from schooling and books alone.

Thanks Jason – keep making our community a better place and GO TROTTERS!

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