While with RENEW, Joe Friesen compiled data to generate Google Maps of Wisconsin's renewable energy installations. He synthesized other data for the organization, as well as assisting the communications  director with news articles for the RENEW Newsletter and blog. He also helped maintain  membership services.

RENEW is very grateful for all of Joe's time and efforts.

 

Interns at RENEW Wisconsin

 Joe Friesen, in his own words . . .

          I'm volunteering this year (2010-2011) through a program called Mennonite Voluntary Service which is an extension of the Mennonite church.  MVS has 22 houses across the country from Chicago, San Antonio, Manhattan, Seattle, San Francisco and between.  While there is no mandatory service component to the Mennonite faith, there is a strong culture for service within the Mennonite tradition.  Notably, during World War II many Mennonite young men served in the Civilian Conservation Corps, were firefighters in the mountain west, or found other ways to serve their country without betraying their pacifist beliefs.  My grandfather for instance, served for three years helping reform a mental hospital that more closely resembled a jail in Ypsilanti Michigan.  Also, Mennonite Disaster Service helps clean up and rebuild communities after devastating natural disasters.  Long after FEMA's trailers have broken down, MDS is rebuilding houses in New Orleans and throughout the Gulf Coast. 
 
          So service is something we take pretty seriously.  After graduating from Goshen College with a degree in Environmental Studies, I decided I needed to take time to intentionally devote myself to a year of service.  Through MVS I am able to gain useful skills from worthy organizations that normally could not afford my help.  Instead of having to try and find scraps of time to volunteer, my whole year here is composed of service to the larger Madison community.  I have been extremely appreciative of all the skills I have been able to cultivate while at RENEW Wisconsin and Madison Audubon Society. 
 
          Throughout my studies at Goshen College, the more I learned, the more I realized that we as a global community are rapidly coming up on very hard realities that will completely change the way we live.  Our use of finite fossil fuels with blatant disregard for the ecological consequences is reaping serious ramifications on our pale blue dot. I was eager to join up with RENEW Wisconsin which is tackling our harmful energy dependence in the public policy realm, where decisions with wide reaching ramifications are crafted.  As the Communications Assistant here at RENEW I have been able to manage our membership database as well as our new database of all the renewable energy installations in the state.  It has been gratifying to work on a project that helps people see the importance of renewable energy throughout the state.
 
          In terms of remuneration, I receive a $50 stipend each month to use as I wish.  However, my placements, and the placements of my three other housemates, combine to cover our food, rent, utilities and transportation.  This year, I am also receiving AmeriCorps Credit which will help me with $5,000 off my student loans.  Unfortunately, due to federal budget cuts, AmeriCorps funding has been zeroed out for the incoming MVS participants.