IYES — Interfaith Youth Energy Squad

Students:
Beginning in Winter 2009, IYES will begin working with youth and adult volunteers from 8-12 faith communities and high schools partner in NE Detroit (Osborn), NW Detroit, Southfield, and other communities west of Detroit.  We will hold two trainings for 20-30 students; space is limited so please apply sooner than later.  The first training will be in January 24st at Wow Church, in northeast Detroit (Osborn Community);  the second training will be February 21st, location TBD.  If you know a group of young people through a team, youth group, or class who would like to learn more about program, please contact Justin to schedule a time for him to meet with you (justin@youthenergysquad.org; 313-459-8987).  We plan to expand the number of students and communities we serve as well as our geographic radius, but our resources in this first year of the program are limited.  If you live elsewhere in Southeast Michigan and want to be involved, please contact us to discuss how we can work together.         

Link to Training Overview

While we will have groups of students coming from partnering faith communities and schools, all young people ages 14-19 are welcome to apply to the program.  IYES strongly believes diversity is a stregnth and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual preference, socio-economic class, or any other factor for that matter.  You do not need to be currently enrolled in school to participate.  A commitment to community service, interest in learning about energy issues, and the ability to work well with others are essential. 

All youth are required to complete an application to participate in the program.  Applications are due Thursday, January 21st for the first training and Thursday, February 18th for the second.  Slots will be filled as applications come in.  

Online crewmember application

Download a crewmember application

Volunteers:

Volunteers are invaluable to IYES, the backbone that gives the program its strength and character.  Volunteering with IYES is an opportunity to help families in your neighborhood cut energy costs, reduce air pollution and global warming, and most importantly, guide young people on a path toward meaningful and successful careers. 

IYES volunteers are committed to serving as mentors and role models, instilling respect, responsibility, compassion, and a belief in one’s ability to succeed.  Comfort working with and leading young people is important; aptitude for simple home improvements is helpful but can be learned during training.  Knowledge and background with energy, environmental, or social justice issues is a plus.  Passion for transforming the lives of crew members is vital. 

Interested in being a part of IYES?  We’d love to have you join our team!

Online volunteer application

Download a volunteer application 

Partners — Schools, Faith Communities, Non-Profits, and Others:

The goals of helping families reduce their energy consumption and empowering youth along the path to successful careers are best achieved through cooperation and partnerships.  We value your the support of many organizatoins, particularly through efforts to inform and recruit students, volunteers, and families in need of household energy improvements.  Financial and in-kind support is also greatly appreciated.  At the same time, we hope that IYES can be a vehicle for advancing the valuable work of other organizations.  If there are ways your class, program, or ministry can benefit from working with IYES, please contact us with your ideas.  It is a privilege to partner with organizations that are committed to revitalizing Detroit and Southeast Michigan. 

Download the program overview 

What to expect