In an effort to be more proactive, Grambling State University’s Social Research Club and the Power Shifters sponsored an environmental information breakfast featuring Kari Fulton, climate challenge coordinator for the Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative. The primary purpose of Fulton’s visit to Northeast Louisiana was to assist the Power Shifters in fulfilling the energy goal that was put forth at the Power Shift Conference in November 2007, and to inform advisers and directors of student organizations of the Power Shifter mission, which is to achieve greater involvement of students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
The goal is to conserve 20 percent of the country’s energy use by 2015. To help meet this goal, the Power Shifters are working toward implementing a service fundraiser, “Adopt-A-Household” for energy-efficient light bulbs. Networking at Power Shift has opened up an opportunity for the students.
Grambling has been selected as a pilot school for “Let’s Raise a Million,” a program that will provide energy-efficient light bulbs for low-income households through community donations and sponsorships. Specifically in Grambling and the surrounding areas, there will be a special focus on the rural elderly.
Also during Fulton’s trip she met with senior citizens at the Lincoln Council on Aging.
Fulton explained the purpose of the light bulbs for the campaign to the elderly. Home Energy Surveys were administered by Brandon Moss, Proudy Collymore, Perlum Toombs, and Sasha Clark of GSU.
Attending the workshop were Dr. Connie Walton, dean of the College Arts and Sciences; Dr. Rose Harris, head of Political Science Department; Dr. Charles Humphrey, head of the Sociology and Psychology Department; Dr. Marianne Giorlando, dean of College of Professional Studies; and Charlette Favors along with other GSU faculty and staff members.