Helping build the Summer of Solutions

[Carlos Rymer]

*** Please forward widely!!! ***

I'm emailing to ask for your help raising funds for the Summer of Solutions 2009. As you know, we had a great program last year in St. Paul - the program has since expanded to 12 locations nationwide, led by teams of creative youth innovators working to build a green economy. You can check out the plans already underway at www.summerofsolutions.org. As a planner of the Summer of Solutions, I'm both looking for personal support so that I can spend my summer helping lead these teams as they work to create innovative approaches to energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable food production, green industry, and smart design across the country, and to help generate the resources they need to take two months out of their summer to learn how to lead a green economy. I'm excited to see where the program goes this year. Please invite people you know to apply!

We are raising funds from a broad range of sources to support these teams of young people - grants, sponsorships, and local partnerships - but particularly in a tight economy, traditional funding sources are tight. We're relying heavily on the power of everyday people to fund our work.

Would you be willing to support my work through the Summer of Solutions with a donation of $10? I understand that times are tight and would greatly appreciate whatever you can contribute. You can donate online or by check (this option can be tax-deductible). You have choices as to which local program you want to support - or just the national group as a whole. You can check out the details of how to donate here: http://www.grandaspirations.org/donate.html

Second, I would like to invite you to join us as a Volunteer Summer of Solutions fundraiser by inviting your friends, family, associates, and neighbors to help us out (or pursuing creative fundraising options of your own). Let me know if you have capacity and would feel comfortable with this role, and I can be in touch regarding next steps.

Please let me know if and how you can help me out in building the Summer of Solutions program. I will also add you to a list to receive periodic updates from the Summer of Solutions (every couple of months) so that you stay informed – let me know if you would prefer to opt out of this.

I look forward to turning the current buzz of grassroots activity at our Summer of Solutions site across the country into powerful models that will help young people lead the way with climate and energy solutions that also revitalize our economy and build community. It’s such an exciting process!

Thanks so much for your help.

Sincerely,

Timothy DenHerder-Thomas