Navajo Solar Lighting Project - 2014

Navajo Solar Lighting Project 2013

We are partners in this project with the Durango Daybreak Rotary Club. We will be donating $2000 as a District Grant and will send a team of members to help with the installation. Your support is appreciated. Below is a recent email describing some details of the project.

Our Rotary club (Durango Daybreak) has now finished installing the 30 Solar Light Kits that we purchased with our fundraising and 2013-2014 District Grant ($8,000 project). In the process we learned to effectively manage and perform the installations in a manner that should work well for your eClub to participate.

We made two weekend trips to the Reservation with roughly 12 Rotarians making each trip. In October, we traveled to the Monument Valley, UT, area and installed lights in 15 homes. In November, we traveled to the Navajo Mountain area, UT, and installed lights in another 15 homes. We focused on homes of elders as well as homes with children; roughly a 50:50 split.

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We would like to begin the planning for your funding and installations. Once we receive your club’s funding (plus that of a few others that wish to donate), we will order as many light kits as possible to install in the spring 2014. We think the months of April, May and perhaps very early June, will be the best time for installations; the temperature should be nice and it is before the monsoon season that begins in July.

The Monument Valley area will likely be the best area for us to install your light kits; assuming that your members still wish to join in the installation. If they do not wish to do the “hands on” work, we still would very much appreciate the donation and we will do the work We stayed at Goulding, UT in the Goulding Campground which was very nice; electricity, water, flush toilets, and showers. There is also a Goulding Lodge if people prefer a hotel room versus camping. I have not been inside the Lodge; however, I am sure that it would be good accommodations.

Key things that we have learned are as follows:

• An efficient installation team consists of 3 to 4 people plus a Navajo guide. One team can complete the installation for 3 to 5 homes in one day; depends on the complexity of the installation, the distance between homes, etc.
• At least one of the team members needs to have experience in the installation. We now have many experienced installers that we can provide with each trip.
• A few people with carpentry skills are nice; however, the installation is simple and most anyone that can run a power drill can do the job.
• A 4 person team would consist of (1) a “driller”; drills hole in roof/walls for the conduit and wires to pass (2) a “helper”, carries tools, ladder, screws, etc. (3) a “roofer”, person that climbs on the roof to install the solar panel and seals the roof around the conduit and (4) a “talker/photographer”, person that talks to the recipient to explain how to use the lights, takes down the names of the people that live in the house and takes memorable photos.
• Each team will have a specialized tool kit, ladders and appropriate mounting hardware that we will provide. - A pickup truck is essential for each team; preferably 4 wheel drive. Our members that go on the trip can provide those.
• In addition to the installation team members, a “camp host” to prepare the meals, do cleanup, etc. is invaluable.

For your installation, your members could fly or drive to the area and we could meet you there. Perhaps a better way would be for your members to meet us in Durango. They can stay at the homes of our members and then we can drive out together; roughly a four hour drive. As you know, Durango is a very nice vacation area and your members can visit the area for some time either before or after the installs.

Also, the Monument Valley area is spectacular. You may wish to spend extra time around there. You can check out the scenery on the Goulding’s Lodge website; http://www.gouldings.com. The website has nice “marketing” photos and a video of the area.

Finally, I am enclosing a few photos of our installations. You will notice a photo of a family with a cardboard sign thanking the Oconomowoc, WI Rotary Club. That was our “spur of the moment” approach to thank them for their unsolicited gift of $485; based on the RI Magazine article. In the future, we can do that with a bit more class Check out our website (www.durangodaybreakrotary.org ) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/durangodaybreak ) where you will find a few more photos.

We really appreciate your interest in joining this project. All of our members that have made the trip have found it most rewarding and fun. Hopefully, your members will have the same experience. As I recall, your club is planning on a donation of $2,000; that will cover the cost of 8 homes. We hope to raise another several thousand dollars so that we can light 15 to 30 more homes in the spring 2014.

SoJ PoC is Pat Crane

The Navajo Solar Light Project - Our Initial Challenge

Our purpose is to provide solar lighting to eight (8) Navajo families on the Navajo Reservation in Central Arizona.
The struggles of the Navajo Nation are above what we can fathom, the idea of not having basic needs met, like electricity.  Think of all the things we would not be able to do after the sun sets.  
Now, take a challenge.  For one (1) hour on any given evening, shut off your lights.  All of them.  Go to the kitchen and make a peanut butter sandwich.  Go to the restroom.  Get the kids or yourself ready for bed.  Bedtime story or an evening read?  Not likely.  Finish the hour by clipping coupons, picking up the house, and perhaps deciding what you will wear tomorrow.  Sound impossible?  This is ONE hour!  Imagine this as everyday life.

Please look at our project, see its value to humanity and give what you can.  This project is a match through a district grant.  We are proud to work along side the Rotary Club of Durango Daybreak to assure this basic need for 30 families living on the Navajo Reservation. We estimate about 6 members will provide their labor and cover their expenses for a 3 day work session next Spring from our partner club, with members of the eClub of Jefferson joining to complete the project.

In 2012-13, using a simplified grant, the Rotary Club of Durango ran a pilot program to provide and install solar lighting in homes of 12 Navajo families on the Reservation.  The program was a tremendous success and will light these homes for many years.  The beneficiaries were very appreciative of their work and the result.  During 2013-14 year,  the goal is to expand the program to 30 more Navajo families, prioritizing families with children and elderly.  

The Navajo Solar Light Project will provide solar lighting in the homes of selected Navajo families and elders living on the Navajo Reservation in central Arizona.  These families live far from the electric grid and have neither electrical lighting nor running water.  The solar light kits will afford many positive advantages to the families; normal household activities can continue after dark such as weaving, cooking, and attending to children.  The greatest advantage to children provides reading and studying after dark.

What We Need & What You Get

• This is a $2000 total project cost.  A small price for such a basic need. We will be matching the $1000 of campaign with a Rotary District 5110 grant of district designated funds of $1000.
• Check out our perks!  We want to thank you with a little something for your support to others.
• If our goal is not met, we will look to local Rotary clubs for some help!

The Impact
Let me show you some examples of the campaign impact and see the difference your contribution will make:

• Economic impact:  This humanistic benefit also impacts the positive economic possibilities when weaving, carving and other traditional crafts are able to be done after dark.  This empowers families to reach beyond the norm and create a stable economic position.
• Educational Impact:  School age children are able to read, write, and study after dark with this beneficial lighting.  With this opportunity to expand learning time, it will assuredly show higher learning scores and the likelihood  of continuing education becomes more of a reality.
• Health and Wellness Impact:  The health of children and the elderly are a primary focus to many of the Navajo living on the reservation.  Lighting provides safety and confidence in both of these age groups, benefiting all concerned.

Rotary is well known and well respected in the world community for humanitarian projects.  This project will impact eight families that are under served and underfunded.  I can only make this as real as the information given. I encourage you to Google this project and feel the impact you will make in the lives of the Navajo Nation.

Other Ways You Can Help
Some people just can’t contribute, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help:

• Spread the word to others about this project!  Have a dinner fundraiser, or another gathering to share and seek support.  Fifth week socials are a great way to increase fellowship and bring area Rotarians up to date on local and district projects. 
• This campaign has share tools that we encourage you to utilize to share our project.  Where there is Rotary, there is hope.

Help make it happen! Contribute to Navajo Solar Light Project - Rotary Club of the State of Jefferson.
We are offering several valuable perks for donations.
Contribute Now ▶

$402  Raised of $1,000 Goal
Fundraising program ends on Nov 21st!  Contribute Now ▶

Flexible Funding
This campaign will receive all funds raised even if it does not reach its goal.  Funding duration: October 07, 2013 - November 21, 2013 (11:59pm PT).

Select a Perk for your contribution

$50 Dinner on the Oregon coast $25 gift certificate at a great seaside eatery!
Come and spend some time on the beautiful Oregon coast!
Estimated delivery: December 2013  1 out of 2 claimed

$150 Cooking Competition tickets
Iron Chef Bay Area 2014! This cooking competition is in its 7th year, presented by the Interact Club of North Bend High School. 2 local chef's compete for the title! Great food and fellowship! (We will have 2 total tickets)
Estimated delivery: December 2013  0 out of 1 claimed •    

$350 Men's Gold Ring

$350 Men's Gold Ring Handcrafted 10K gold man's ring gold with black onyx and 8 diamonds size 11 3/4 (resizable up or down).
Makes a GREAT holiday gift!
Estimated delivery: December 2013  0 out of 1 claimed •    

$350 Duck Tickets Ducks vs. Utah Nov 16 2 tickets to watch the Ducks in action! Enjoy a tailgate with fellow Rotarians!
Delivery of tickets 5 days before game**
Estimated delivery: November 2013  0 out of 1 claimed •    

  $400 WildSprings Resort
WildSpring Guest Habitat is a small ecofriendly resort overlooking Oregon’s south coast, offering luxury accommodations in a peaceful, naturally beautiful setting.

Enjoy the non-carbon footprint experience!! http://www.wildspring.com/

Estimated delivery: December 2013  0 out of 1 claimed

Friends-

I am working on a project to promote gardening access to people with mobility issues and low income households.

For people who have mobility issues, including Senior Citizens and chair bound persons, I have designed a simple raised bed that can be installed at whatever height is appropriate. Like all good ideas, I found that others have worked on this, including Extension Service Master Gardeners and even a commercial interest selling into the care facility market. Much research has been done into the benefit of accessible gardening and there is a huge movement nationally for community gardens and school gardens. I submit that it is self evident that promoting and supporting food gardening is a worthwhile Rotary project for interested Rotary Clubs and Interact/Rotaract clubs especially.

I have researched the topic and built prototypes. In the process I found suppliers of everything that I need, notably sources for reclaimed lumber, inexpensive lumber, and appropriate soil. My pilot garden beds have gone in at very low materials cost, less than the price of a standard cedar raised bed kit designed to set on the ground.

There is really no end to the design options, from a sand bag with soil and a plant to simple platforms filled with soil to that with a bar overhead to accommodate hanging plants, to decorative planters with bench edges to set on. I personally have a large lot and shop space which is now well stocked with lumber and Etc, and also with all power tools needed to make construction relatively quick and easy. This includes pneumatic nail guns, table saws, chop saw, drills, planer, and much more. I also have an appropriate utility trailer and have found that delivery and setup is a piece of cake.

Mostly I am out of pocket on all of this, and it is my delight to provide that, but I also found that when I wanted some support to stock up on a component while it was on sale, I posted on my facebook, and friends immediately pledged plenty. I anticipate that is these projects go to a scale that needs financial support, the fundraising will be very easy. (Thank you Kevin for setting up card processing to support that possibility)

Help support this project

I also got a very positive reaction from youth program leaders who would bring New Gen members to the mix with labor for me, or with independent programs following the template. This has all been very exciting.

I would like to report that accessible gardening planters are flying out the door, but that is not the case. In what I can only call a bizarre series of interactions, I have not been able to find partners in the community who will refer appropriate recipients. These social service agencies and charities seem to be bureaucracy bound and anything but nimble, ossified in what they know and closed to new offerings. I supposed in time they will come around but I have little patience and had to gear down and find other channels.

Finding myself all dressed up with nowhere to go, I started looking for logical business partnerships over social service agency partnerships. Again, new ideas, not always nimble, it is work to sell the idea of getting something free. I started with BiMart because there is a fantastic potential synergy. BiMart is in every Rotary town in the district, they are employee owned, big supporters of local causes, and best of all, they sell gardening supplies and plants. The turbo boost to this one is that BiMart accepts food stamps and I learned that garden plants can be paid for with food stamps. In other words, if we set a food aid recipient up with the ability to garden, they can go to BiMart and buy plants. I proposed to set up one day events in their parking lots where Rotarians would offer free planters of soil, point out that BiMart sells good plant starts and accepts food stamps, and then if the client bought a plant, pot that plant for them and help put it in their car. I asked nothing of BiMart except space to run the project which would promote their sales. I pointed out that their demographic target (over 55 and home oriented) is also our target demographic.

Guess what? No fly. Maybe in another year, maybe in another BiMart district, but here in Eugene it was a no-go.

This did not feel good. I think that I caught the wrong person at the wrong time and was shown the door mostly because they could not get their arms around the idea and were overwhelmed with other projects to such a degree that they could not even take the time to really understand the proposal.

Where I live on River Road in Eugene, there is a Grocery Outlet Bargain Market right next to the BiMart. I hatched a devious scheme... what if Grocery Outlet, who also sells some food plants, who is very active in Habitat for Humanity, and who accepts food stamps, let us set up in their parking lot, feet from BiMart?

I also contacted two other Grocery Outlet stores via email using the forms on their web pages and submitted the elevator pitch for the project. That happened today and I expect to talk with some of them tomorrow. Grocery Outlet is in seventeen district 5110 Rotary towns and eah store is an independently owned franchise. Cross your finger and think about recruiting these store owners into Rotary.

In summary, this is a great project and easily duplicated but needs marketing help and time to really develop. This is the season to get these gardens established and the more that we can install this first year, the more the concept will be comprehensible next season because we will have pictures and testimony and success stories.

Advisors have suggested contacting the media and using Craig’s list, good ideas but I am really afraid that this could result in being overwhelmed and so I want to reach a more targeted audience.

To track this project, watch the SOJ on facebook and/or open the loosely organized project information Google Doc. There is also a facebook group page, Accessible Gardening, which has no content at this time. To join me, and I am not asking for a committee here, just list yourself as a contact on the Google Doc.

Thank you-

Brian Bray

 bb2u2@hotmail.com
541-521-1213

Google Doc:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/172s4GnAJUxrC8Izi5oUa04oE2zCXKDHQht6PXvfdPXw/edit#

Accessible Gardening facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/543124112395955/?fref=ts

Brian Bray facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/brian.bray.756