What is an Energy Navigator volunteer?
Energy Navigator volunteers are concerned and capable residents in the North Country who help their friends, neighbors, and other community members learn about ways they can reduce their energy usage and bills, while enjoying safer and more comfortable homes.
Program Description
Energy Navigators help educate community members about more efficient and sustainable energy options to power their homes. In particular, Navigators learn about programs that cover costs of energy efficiency solutions, renewable heating, and solar for households with limited income. Navigators can provide one-on-one advising to interested residents, including hands-on demonstrations of energy-saving strategies. They also try to lead by example!
2025 Training Dates
April 3rd-May 13th
Tuesday/Thursday 1-3pm
(no session on April 22 and May 1)
*time/date somewhat flexible based on group’s schedule and availability
Responsibilities
To accomplish this goal, Energy Navigators first need to participate actively in all sessions of the training, including completing homework when necessary. Within the first year, Energy Navigators help at least 10 residents take concrete steps to reduce energy use, save money and switch to renewables. They will complete a minimum of 60 hours of community service over the course of the year. These volunteer hours include helping the North Country Clean Energy Hub staff a table at community gatherings or festivals, give community presentations, or accompany Hub staff on a home visit.
Navigators will use their personal networks to inform people who are interested in reducing their energy use and carbon emissions, especially those with limited income, and follow up with those who express interest. Additionally, they will create outreach plans with the support of CCE staff, and provide updates at monthly meetings as needed. By applying their training to their own situation and helping other people, Energy Navigator Volunteers actively promote energy efficiency and renewables, and help North Country residents achieve greater comfort, and energy savings.
Energy Navigators Volunteers should uphold the high standards of Cornell Cooperative Extension and only disseminate unbiased, research-based information. After the first year, interested Navigators can continue their volunteer work with varying levels of involvement.
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Basic interest in energy-related knowledge and skills. Enthusiasm for helping others with energy-related questions and actions. Reside in the North Country, or be well-connected to the area. Ability to attend all training sessions and commitment to do related service work. Ability to use the internet to conduct research required to answer basic energy questions with unbiased information. Ability to communicate with community members in a responsible, helpful, timely, and respectful fashion. Ability to self-start and follow through on volunteer efforts with limited guidance.
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Acquire new knowledge and skills. Reduce energy waste and help community members save money, and have more comfortable homes. Contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Improve teaching and leadership skills through community education. Make a difference in people’s lives through community service. Meet new people, and work as a team with others who share similar interests.
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Ten 2-hour sessions. Classes are a mix of classroom presentations and discussions, led by Cornell Cooperative Extension educators and community specialists, and at least one session will be in-person. Topics include energy efficiency, renewables, heating systems, energy audits, as well as outreach and community-building skills. Topics of transportation, waste reduction and local food will be briefly discussed. Following the training, there will be monthly Navigator meetings to share updates, receive support, provide additional training, and enjoy each other’s company.
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As part of the Cooperative Extension system, volunteers are screened in several ways: Application and reference checks NYS Sex Offenders Registry & National Criminal History check (which requires providing a social security #).
Interested in Becoming an Energy Navigator Volunteer?
The Energy Navigator Volunteer program is offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County.
To sign up for the course, click the link below or contact Nick Hamilton-Honey, North Country Energy Navigator Volunteer Coordinator. Please feel free to reach out if you have additional questions:
Email: nh327@cornell.edu
Phone: 315-379-9192 x 230