Integrating 4CORE into the Fort Lewis College community

[To the left is a picture of FLC students with an IR camera, which are used in the Weatherization Assistance Program]

As a new intern for 4CORE I became very attracted to the Weatherization Assistance Program. It is a great way to strengthen the community because it increases the quality of housing stock, creates work for local contractors, decreases our dependence on foreign oil, and lowers our total energy footprint one house at a time. This program offers free weatherization services to qualified low income households. The only problem is that not very many people know about the program. I have decided it is time to get the word out there and recruit people to apply. It is not easy to get the word out, but I have devised a plan.

Fort Lewis College (FLC) students make up a large portion of the Durango renting community. College students have also always been known for being broke. Incidentally these two factors make them the perfect low-income candidates to qualify for the program. Students are ideal because it is easy to reach out to them. They are already grouped together in classrooms so if I can find my way into classrooms for a few minutes to present the possibilities of the program then just maybe I can attract a good portion of the students one short presentation at a time. Another way it’s easy to reach out to college students in bulk is through Facebook. 85% of college students these days have a Facebook account, and that number is only growing. I will organize a Facebook group dedicated to recruiting FLC students. On the page will be a link to the weatherization application and advertisement of an event where there will be a presentation and incentives to come- such as free pizza. I was a College student for the past four years and if I’ve learned anything about students it’s that they love free, especially free food.

This plan should attract FLC students to apply for the weatherization program and increase the number of homes weatherized in Southwest Colorado. My basic theory of the whole plan is to keep it simple and to the point. Let them know they can help decrease energy use for free and be helped by 4CORE for free; It’s a win-win situation. I want the students to get the idea that there is no reason they shouldn’t apply.

Hopefully while I am recruiting students to apply I can make the 4CORE name recognizable to the FLC student community. 4CORE exists “to decrease the emission of pollutants, protect public health, and strengthen the economy” as declared in the mission statement. Considering the amount of students enrolled at FLC is roughly one third of the population of Durango, the school could be a great portal to help accomplish the mission statement, especially strengthening the economy.

About the Author:

Cara was born and raised in New Hampshire. Upon completion of her internship at 4CORE, Cara will receive her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy. After four years in Durango, she has fallen in love with the mountains and claims she will never move back to the east coast. Cara enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, traveling, reading, dancing, and floating down the river with a good group of friends.