Green Iowa AmeriCorps is Iowa's leader in boots-on-the-ground energy and environmental services. GIA is headquartered at the University of Northern Iowa's Center for Energy & Environmental Education, and maintains 20+ sites throughout Iowa. Visit our website at GreenIowaAmeriCorps.org to learn more about our program and how to apply to serve with us!
OUR SERVICES
-
ENERGY & COMMUNITY - The Energy & Community branch helps Iowans (homeowners, tenants and community members) become more energy efficient through residential weatherization, energy education, and community outreach services. Energy & Community uses a team-based approach to provide residential weatherization services as well as energy education and energy-related community outreach efforts. As of 2016, all labor and materials are FREE to any individuals who qualify for a home weatherization after testing for too much air infiltration during a Home Energy Audit.
-
SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS - The Sustainable Schools branch serves as a resource and catalyst for Iowa school districts, cities, solid waste agencies, and community colleges to build a more energized and sustainable future. These Green Iowa AmeriCorps members serve in pairs as Sustainability Coordinators for an 11-month service experience at each host agency, with specific focuses on Operations and Education. These two members work together to assist in reducing district-wide energy costs by developing Climate Action Plans and energy reduction strategies, often through behavior-based lessons.
-
LAND & WATER STEWARDS - The Land & Water Stewards branch strives to revive Iowa's lost or disappearing ecosystems and improve water quality throughout the state. Our outreach and education initiatives focus on proper land management practices, ecosystem revitalization, storm-water management, and pesticide reduction. Land & Water Steward members work directly with host sites across Iowa to carry out their environmental stewardship missions. Members in this branch are trained as Local Champions for the Good Neighbor Iowa program. This program aims to reduce unnecessary urban pesticide use and to transform lawn culture to encourage appreciation of diverse lawns as a way to protect child health, water quality, pets, pollinators, and biodiversity. Members also complete a Save Our Streams certification through the Izaak Walton League of America to assist with monitoring of impaired waterways throughout the state.