Rewiring Australia is launching a new program to support ten volunteer groups to run ‘Electrify My Community’ campaigns in their own community.
Receive access to resources, advice, a small grant and a collaborative space to start or further your campaign. By being one of Rewiring Australia's Community Partners you will also help forge a pathway for other groups across Australia to follow suit to build a national electrification movement.
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When a household electrifies, they open up a range of financial, health and environmental benefits. When a community electrifies, that impact can be exponential: lower emissions, cleaner air, a supported local economy and more collective power.
Rewiring Australia wants to harness the strength of community-led action and connect new or existing community groups across Australia to run effective electrification campaigns in their community. By working together, we can share ideas, resources and energy to increase each community’s capacity and impact.
70% of Australia's domestic emissions occur at the household and business level. To meet our emissions targets we need to rapidly replace the fossil fuel machines that sit in homes, driveways and businesses with efficient, electric versions powered by renewable energy.
These decisions take place around kitchen tables and meeting rooms and can be positively influenced and supported by trusted sources within the community. This highlights the critical role communities can play in decarbonising Australia’s economy.
The initial ‘Electrify My Community’ program will be for ten groups at different levels of development to participate in a program supported by Rewiring Australia and other experts.
We know there is a lot of fantastic work already taking place in this space by community groups and individuals and Rewiring Australia aims to facilitate a shared experience, offering opportunities for mentorship and support.
The purpose is not for Rewiring Australia to run the campaigns, but to support and empower local groups to drive positive change in their communities.
In different parts of Australia, we’re looking for a mix of:
These ten groups would in turn inspire and support more groups, by providing case studies and resources, to kickstart an Australia-wide electrification movement enabling positive climate action.
The key components of the project include:
Stage 1: Design and Development
Over an 8-week period, Rewiring Australia will run a series of online sessions and offer intensive support to help groups establish or further their community electrification campaign.You can access an online platform with other groups, make use of templates and a website (optional), develop or further a campaign strategy including engaging with local media and decision makers, and plan the best use of the grant funds for community engagement activities.
These engagement activities may include (but not be limited to): community events, webinars, newsletters, household guides, bulk buys, council engagement, letter writing, etc.
Stage 2: Support
We will regroup in February 2024 to check in with the forward plan. Over the following months, you will connect with the Community Team at least once a month for ongoing support and updates. You’re encouraged to continue to use the online platform to connect with other groups. We will identify opportunities that may benefit a range of groups (eg. research, appliance deals) and create case studies and resources that can be provided to more groups to run their own campaigns
For further questions please email Kristen, Mobilisation and Engagement Manager