RE-AMP staff are wearing a few different hats these days, including publishing the Network newsletter, as our Director of Community Management, Sarah Shanahan, is on sabbatical and out of the country.  We can’t wait to hear about her epic adventures when she returns in January and we will be doing our best to fill her shoes in the meantime!  If you have stories to share with the network for an upcoming newsletter, please let us know!

-Connor, Erica, Gail, and Melissa

Have a story to share? Contact RE-AMP CEO Melissa Gavin at melissa@reamp.org

Connections

Meet Our Interns!

We are delighted to be working with Ruthie Davis and Nicholas Wallenhorst over the next several months on projects to help equitably eliminate greenhouse gas emissions in the MIdwest by 2050. Get to know Ruth and Nicholas reading their interviews and then reach out and welcome them to the RE-AMP family!

Review of 2022 Annual Meeting

We are proud to say that the 2022 Annual Meeting was wildly successful! From the content to the conversations to the fun we had it was an all around great meeting.

Over the three days we:

• Heard stories of all the great work that’s happened over the last year
• Dove into our strategic priorities and explored the intersection among them
• Heard about work to shift the way decisions are made and how to include voices that are normally excluded
• Had fun with Team Trivia and learned about how many bones are in the human hand and how many hours a koala allegedly sleeps
• Learned about the critical work of state level implementation, which becomes a model for federal policy
• Built awareness of the importance of the Inflation Reduction Act for reducing greenhouse gasses from the power sector and the chance that federal funding might increase transportation emissions unless it’s implemented well.
• Engaged through stories with the 4Rs (reform, resist, recreate, relate) for bringing about change
• Explored our Network map and community building
• Used Whova, a virtual companion guide for the meeting where attendees shared information and engaged with each other
• Awarded prizes for utilizing Whova, providing connections to our Network map, winning team trivia
• Left inspired by Yesenia Chavez who talked about the importance of grounding ourselves, the need to reset at times, the importance of planning and execution, that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it, and doing what it takes to bring about transformational change

Recorded sessions are available on the Annual Meeting page on the Commons. Navigate to the left hand side panel→resources→Annual Meeting.

You probably saw a number of emails inviting you to contribute to our Network map. Please do so! As you saw at the meeting, this information helps us connect and reflect on how well we are supporting the Three C’s of RE-AMP (connections, collective strategy, capacity building). Check out the Network Map page on the Commons for more information.

If you attended the meeting please fill out an evaluation. We use this to help improve your meeting experience!

Congratulations to our Annual Meeting Prize winners for connecting, engaging and evaluating!

• Rachel Myslivy (UUA) for most liked photo in Whova!
• Denise Abdul Rahman (Chisholm Legacy Project): Whova Leaderboard leader for Day Two
• Chase Jensen (DRA)- Inspired to host a pop up on pipelines in Whova
• Rachel Myslivy (UUA) was the Whova Leaderboard leader for Day One
• Margi Ault Duell (Destination Innovation)- for telling us about her connections for the Network map
• Huda Alkaff (WI Green Muslims) for exceeding expectations by having her profile and connections for the Network map done before the meeting
• Daniel Schoonmaker (WMSBC) was the first one to submit connections to our Network map
• Annie Wolf (SUN) was the first person to register
• Megan Voorhees (UMACS) was the early bird and the first person to join
• Who Knows Watt were the Team Trivia Winners. Team members included: Kim Hunter, Sarah Dehart Faltico, Scott Barth, Melissa Gavin, Jackson Koeppel, Lauren Drumgold
• Hannah Burns (Green Neighbor Challenge), Brian Campbell (IA Environmental Council), Arlinda Bajrami(MEEA) were randomly drawn for submitting an evaluation

Thank you again to our AMAZING Planning Committee and staff for putting together an excellent meeting.

• Deirdre Courtney, West Michigan Environmental Action Council
• Sarah Dehart Faltico, Climate + Energy Project
• Gregory Norris, ACES 4 Youth
• Nicole Donaghy, North Dakota Native Vote
• Miguel Yanez, Environmental and Energy Study Institute
• Kelly Nichols, Respiratory Health Association
• David Vitse, Outrider Foundation
• Pastor Booker Vance, Elevate
• Elissa Schufman, Move Minnesota
• Erica Flores, RE-AMP
• Sarah Ann Shanahan, RE-AMP
• Gail Francis, RE-AMP
• Melissa Gavin, RE-AMP

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Collective Strategy

Action Team Applications Now Open

Background
The RE-AMP Network requests proposals to fund RE-AMP Action Teams for members to connect with each other, set collective strategy and collaborate on equitably eliminating greenhouse gases in the Midwest.  Proposals will cover activities from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023

Priority will be given to proposals that:

• Address one of our Strategic Priorities: The strategic priorities of the RE-AMP Network are: agriculture, buildings, energy democracy, integrated voter engagement, and transportation. For a fuller description of how these topics are linked to our North Star goal of equitably eliminating greenhouse gas emissions in the Midwest by 2050, see the final page of this document.
• Conduct the work in accordance with our Network values of community, collaboration, democracy, equity, justice, and scientific rigor.
• Build on previous RE-AMP investments: The committee will prioritize work that stems from previous or ongoing RE-AMP events or collaborations. This could include ideas that come out of the Transportation Hub, the Agriculture Summit, the Utility Debt Jubilee Working Group, Action Teams, the Annual Meeting, the Systems Thinking Academy, the Collaborative Leadership Program, or any of the Community Strategy Conversations.
• Have broad RE-AMP member participation: Your team should be comprised of least 50 percent RE-AMP members and include participants from at least two states.

Requirements
Please describe your proposal for funding for up to $40,000. Proposals should answer these key questions:

1. What will you do or create?
2. How will you be accountable to communities that are highly impacted by the work? Accountability might look like people from the communities participating in and/or leading the action team, the action team work being done at the request of an members of an impacted community, MOUs with groups representing impacted communities, or other demonstrations that the work is credibly desirable to those it seeks to benefit.
3. How does this work relate to or build on conversations in the broader RE-AMP network? For example, does this build on work from a RE-AMP Summit, Hub, Action Team, State Table, or training?
4. How are our Network values demonstrated?

Please include the following:

• A budget, including organizations to whom any money is regranted
• List of members of the collaboration, including names and organizational affiliations
• List of leadership team members or roles, including names and organizational affiliations

Selection Criteria
The proposal should involve at least four organizations, and at least half must be RE-AMP members.
Points will be awarded based on the degree to which the proposal:

• Addresses one or more of the RE-AMP Strategic Priorities
• Conforms with RE-AMP’s values
• Builds on previous RE-AMP investments (weighted less than the first two criteria)
• Has a credible budget to do the work proposed.

How to Submit a Proposal
Proposals are due by November 30, 2022. There is no required proposal format, however proposals should include responses to the three key questions above. Applicants may apply by either submitting a written application or by speaking with RE-AMP staff and answering application questions verbally. If applying in writing, the lead grantee must use the funding page on the RE-AMP Commons. You must be logged in to view the page.

Apply for an Agriculture Mini-grant

Building on recommendations from RE-AMP’s 2022 report, Transforming Agriculture in the Midwest, the RE-AMP Network is seeking applications from members who will, through this work, create or deepen relationships with 1) farmers and producers in the Midwest practicing regenerative farming and 2) community members or grassroots organizations (staff or otherwise) directly engaged in opposing development or expansion of existing Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs).

RE-AMP is making available mini-grants of $2,000 per story. A minimum of $300 within the allotted $2,000 is expected to provide honoraria for the interviewee. Organizations can apply to submit multiple stories. Find out more and apply for an agriculture mini-grant:

CAFO Mini-grant RE-AMP Network is seeking applications from members who will, through this work, create or deepen relationships with community members or grassroots organizations (staff or otherwise) directly engaged in opposing development or expansion of existing Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs).

Highlighting Regenerative Models Mini-grant: RE-AMP Network is seeking applications from members who will, through this work, create or deepen relationships with farmers/producers in the Midwest through interviewing and creating case studies that highlight one or more of the following practices:

• No till
• Living roots on the ground and reduction or elimination of bare soil
• Diversified plant communities
• Incorporation of animals back on the land
• Community supported agriculture
• Agrivoltaics

All questions can be directed to Program Manager Erica Flores at erica@reamp.orgBack to top

Capacity Building

RE-AMP launches Energy Democracy Hub

RE-AMP is excited to share the launch of a space for network members to collaborate on energy democracy issues! This past month, the Energy Democracy Hub was created to give members a place to expand and build knowledge of true energy democracy and connect with others looking to improve or advance democratic processes within the energy system. Join the hub here! Additionally, RE-AMP held an inaugural webinar to dig into what true energy democracy is and envision how people-powered solutions can look in our own communities. We were honored to be joined by Crystal Huang, National Coordinator of the Energy Democracy Project and Co-Founder and CEO of the People Power Solar Cooperative, Jessica Tovar, Energy Democracy Organizer with the Local Clean Energy Alliance, and Jonathan Welle, Executive Director of Cleveland Owns. This webinar recording is available to watch here.

Mosaic Movement Infrastructure Grants

On October 24th, Mosaic opened a $5.5 million RFP to support local to national movement infrastructure that enhances diverse and collaborative implementation of four key statutes and initiatives – the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Justice40, and 30×30. Their goal is to move resources quickly to maximize the climate, environmental, and community benefits now possible, and ensure no community bears disproportionate burdens as this effort unfolds. Apply now for a Mosaic grant

Tracking Federal Funding for Midwest Climate Solutions

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) have unlocked hundreds of billions of dollars that will flow to states, local governments, and community based organizations for a myriad of projects— clean energy, water infrastructure, transit, climate resilience, and much, much, more. But according to research by Headwaters Economics, the Midwest is slated to get fewer federal funds simply because so many of our communities lack the resources and capacity to apply for that federal funding.In order to take advantage of this historic moment when federal funds can make critical projects a reality, the Midwest will need additional capacity to identify and apply for funding opportunities that would otherwise go to the coasts. Often these opportunities come out quickly with little turnaround time and onerous application requirements. RE-AMP will be exploring ways to support our members to navigate the federal funding landscape in the coming months and in the meantime, we are highlighting four tracking platforms for government funding that have been made available to the climate/environmental community:1.Climate Program Portal: Log in is required, but anyone with a nonprofit organization can sign up2. Communities First: Intends to be a one stop shop for BIPOC groups on IRA opportunities3. Federal Access Center: Hosted by the Just Transition Fund (JTF), intended to be a one-stop resource hub that builds on JTF’s work of helping coal-impacted communities4. Funding Finder: Hosted by the Equitable and Just National Climate Platform. No log in required

RE-AMP Implements Membership Dues for 2023

Beginning in 2023, RE-AMP will be implementing a sliding scale fee that considers budget and membership status. For the past three years, the RE-AMP Steering Committee and Membership Committee have been developing a policy, based on substantial member input, to implement dues for membership to the RE-AMP Network. Membership dues will help support numerous benefits our Network offers to members including:

• Members are able to send one person to the Annual Meeting and/or Issue Summits for free or greatly reduced cost which includes registration, meals, and eligibility to receive travel assistance. Beginning in 2023, full members will receive priority in registration and travel assistance requests for RE-AMP events
• Members have access to our online collaborative platform, the Commons, our monthly newsletter and our Zoom accounts.
• Members are eligible to participate in capacity building opportunities for free or greatly reduced cost like the RE-AMP Systems Thinking Academy, Collaborative Leadership Program or the Modeling Boot Camp. These programs include registration cost, meals, and eligibility to receive travel assistance.  Beginning in 2023, full members will receive priority in registration and travel assistance requests for RE-AMP events
• Full Members are eligible to apply for grant opportunities including Rapid Response Fund, Action Teams, and State Level Collaborative work.
• Members have access to consultation and facilitation services with professional staff.

The benefit of being a Full Member is that you are eligible to run and serve on the RE-AMP Steering Committee, eligible to vote in Network elections, receive priority in registration and travel assistance requests for RE-AMP events, and are eligible to apply for grant opportunities. For members joining during the calendar year, dues will be prorated. Dues go into effect January 1, 2023, coinciding with the annual membership renewal. Members will have the opportunity to pay at the time of renewal or request an invoice. No member will be turned away for inability to pay. Members who are experiencing financial hardship will be able to apply for a dues waiver. Members will also be invited to contribute more than their dues amount to support the participation of groups experiencing financial hardship.Pay What You Can- The criteria for this level includes:

• Full or Ally Member with a budget less than $100,000 or with no paid staff
• Individual members

$250- The criteria for this level includes:

• Full or Ally Member with a budget between $100,000 and $999,999

$500- The criteria for this level includes:

• Full or Ally Members with a budget between $1 million and $1,999,999
• Ally members with a budget more than $2 million

$750- The criteria for this level includes:

• Full Members with a budget over $2 million

For more information about dues please review the Membership Dues 2023 document

RE-AMP’s 2022 State-Level Collaboration Grants

RE-AMP is pleased to announce the results of our most recent round of funding to support the Midwest climate movement, though our state-level collaboration grants docket.  The grants committee approved eight grants totaling $326,585 in this round of funding. Summaries of each grant are below.

1. Empower Michigan: In 2023, Empower Michigan will focus on influencing DTE’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) by building partnerships with community organizations within DTE’s territory, educating, organizing around Michigan PSC hearings, boosting public comments, and facilitating a media and communications campaign to shift the IRP narrative to address issues of affordability, health, energy democracy, and justice. Lead grantee: West Michigan Environmental Action Council ($45,000)
2. Iowa Clean Energy Table: To support continued work to hold utilities accountable such as through the “Clean Up Mid Am” campaign to get MidAmerican energy to close coal plants in Iowa and Nebraska, using the franchise agreement renewal process to ensure utility companies are accountable to the customers they serve; To support efforts to organize at the local and state level for adoption of components of the Ratepayer Bill of Rights, bring in new partners and lift up the voices of the most impacted communities and build a public narrative to change the perception and build support for these principles. Lead grantee: Clean Energy Districts of Iowa ($40,500)
3. Just Solar Coalition: To support the Just Solar Coalition’s work to intervene in Xcel Energy’s General Rate Case and bring new and diverse voices and perspectives to the process as a way to ensure energy affordability and to expand access to clean distributed energy resources. Lead grantee: Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light ($45,000)
4. Kansas Wealth Table: To support collaboration infrastructure to set inclusive, coordinated, and intentional strategies that drive equitable climate and energy policies in Kansas, including strategic planning to identify a set of shared values and goals that will inform the 2023 Policy Agenda and Action Plan. Funds will also be used to build capacity of table members and to develop strategic communications to educate Kansans around climate issues and encourage civic engagement. Lead grantee: Climate + Energy Project ($41,085)
5. Minnesota EJ Table: To support collaboration infrastructure to set inclusive, coordinated, and intentional strategies that drive equitable climate and energy policies in Minnesota, including engagement in Hennepin county’s climate action plan, wok to shut down the HERC incinerator;  mapping out urban farming and community gardening in the Twin Cities;  supporting efforts to win an inclusive financing pilot in Minneapolis, and developing a report detailing how much money from Renewable Energy Credits are going to incinerators in the state. Lead Grantee: Community Power ($20,000)
6. North Dakota Rural Electric Cooperative (REC) Campaign CollaborationTo support campaign efforts that will educate about the importance of rural electric cooperatives in rural communities, work to elect clean energy champions to REC boards, advocate for improvements to cooperative energy policies, and ensure investments in rural electric cooperatives at the federal level do not incentivize unproven technologies. Lead grantee: Dakota Resource Council ($45,000)
7. Re-democratizing Public Utilities in Illinois: To support coalition infrastructure that will accelerate the transition to clean energy in municipally owned and rural electric co-ops in Illinois. Efforts will include research, coalition building, and organizing to clean up the last remaining dirty power plants in Illinois not covered under Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which provide electricity to approximately 23 percent of the state. Lead grantee: Citizens Utility Board ($45,000)
8. Wisconsin Climate Table: To support the ongoing Community Commitments Campaign and the new Wisconsin Clean Energy Plan (CEP) campaign. The Community Commitments Campaign is seeking to develop a Tool Kit for Equity and Justice in Climate Action Planningfor local governments and includes a set of strategies for centering equity in climate planning, best practices, example components of climate action plans, and trusted resources from national organizations. Once complete the Table will work with local governments to share and use the tool for planning purposes. The Wisconsin Clean Energy Plan campaign will seek to boost the public engagement process of the CEP, track federal funding and share information about funding that is accessible to Wisconsin municipalities and regrant funds to community based organizations for participation in the Climate Table’s engagement work. Lead grantee: Clean Wisconsin ($45,000)

Events

Agriculture and Food Systems Hub Monthly MeetingTransportation Hub Monthly MeetingIncreasing Democratic Authority for RECs Monthly MeetingUtility Data TransparencyAction Team Applications Due | November 30

Jobs

NRDC, Energy Justice Advocate ($83,5000 to $100,000)