This is a great idea! Alright, so I have been in contact with some agencies throughout this school year about volunteer opportunities and how we as a club can become more involved in the community. I wanted to let everyone know of volunteer opportunities, as well as various organizations you can join around Memphis to get more involved. With summer almost here, I also wanted to encourage everyone to do something this summer that will help the environment. So take a look and please let me know if you have any questions at all! 

-Shelby Farms Youth Alliance: I have been in contact with the director for some time. There is an essay to fill out, but you can go to meetings about conserving the park, sponsor volunteer projects, etc. Let me know if this interests you and I will be happy to give you an application.

- Call your lawmakers about global warming and saving energy: you can contact Senator Lamar Alexander or Senator Bob Corker, illustrating to them your concern about global warming and implementing strong federal legislation to protect the environment, something Tennessee legislators have not made a priority. Any form of communication will help! I spoke with some people who have taken steps to do this at the Down to Earth celebration last weekend and they expressed that it really does make an impact, even an email. You have a powerful voice...use it!

Lamar Alexander- http://www.alexander.senate.gov (contact via email)

Memphis Office Phone Number: (901) 544-4224

Bob Corker: http://www.corker.senate.gov

Memphis Office Number: (901) 683-1910

If you feel uncomfortable doing this...not to worry! There are still ways to make an impact regarding environmental legislation. I picked up some cards already made to send to our senators, explaining concerns and asking for a signature (a petition, if you will). If we could all do this, think of the impact we could be making. 

-Hang with me....I also encourage everyone to visit greenpowerswitch.com, an organization which works to create clean and renewable energy. If you sign up and donate $4, you purchase green power in 150-kilowatt hour blocks (12% of a typical month's electricity use) This purchase adds to the mix of power the TVA provides to the Valley. This can only help. JUST $4! Let me know if you are interested in contributing.

Lastly, you can visit www.cleanenergy.org, a website geared towards educating the public on ways to make their lives cleaner and better the environment. Join the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, and you can write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, stay educated about current environmental issues, and learn even more about how we as a school can help our community.

I have some volunteer projects that I've somewhat communicated with other organizations about and I will be sure to let everyone know about them, so be sure to keep yourselves updated at the end of the year and into summer!