We’d love to have you join us! If you are interested in participating, contact Bill Muth to learn more.

Preparing and testing the chemicals at the VCU Rice River Center before heading down to the creek to test the water.

We’d like to maximize those benefits — and even add a few more — through the Third Act Richmond solar schools project.  Modeled on similar programs developed by Citizens Climate Lobby and the Climate Reality Project, our program enlists high school students to design their own systems for their own school.  This is not just an environmental program.  It’s educational.  And it’s not just educational in STEM skills (though that’s a major benefit).  The Solar Schools project helps develop skills in graphic design, 3D animation, civic engagement and writing.  Participating students investigate all of the parameters needed to specify a rooftop array for their school, then create a 3D model of the building and its solar components, write up the plan in an illustrated proposal, and present it with a resolution to their school board.

Board members then get to evaluate its feasibility, arrange for financing, and eventually sign a contract with the solar installer of their choice.  (Through power purchase agreements, these systems can often be installed for free!)  How does this avoid political complications?  By forgetting about politics altogether, and focusing on future generations, saving money for cash-strapped school districts, and creating a permanent showpiece of student achievement for the world to see.  (Note that if the school rooftop is unsuitable for solar, the design could focus on the middle or elementary school down the street, or even the administration building or a local business interested in supporting students and community.)

There’s one problem, though.  The program needs to be managed by teachers, and teachers already face an overwhelming set of challenges and constraints.  Our lesson plans, instructional materials and online resources can partially offset those burdens, but teachers need a clear understanding of what they’re getting into.

Here’s where you can help.  You can connect us with teachers.  Do you have children in school?  Do you know teachers or school administrators in your neighborhood or church?  Are you a teacher yourself?  We’re hoping to use the expanding network of Third Act volunteers to reach into high schools across the state and identify teachers who might be interested.  We’re asking them to meet with us at their school for a brief discussion and presentation about the project.  We can talk over their unique circumstances and explore ways to make this a workable program.  With one school year winding down and a whole summer for preparation, our hope is to kick off as many of these programs as we can for the fall semester.

Please let us know if this is something you might be able to help with.  We’re happy to answer questions and provide more detail. Contact Tom Beach at: tbeach2k@gmail.com if you have questions or know of any teachers that might be able to help. 

Several of our Third Act members attended the “Hands Off” march in Richmond, VA. on March 5th. What an inspiring day! It was a joy to see so many people gathered at the Capitol. Estimates vary, but I think the best estimate was that there were around 3,000 people that day. It was the biggest protest I’ve ever seen in Richmond and it remained peaceful and determined! There was one person in the crowd trying to disrupt the speakers, and the crowd initially ignored her. Finally one man peacefully stood in front of her to minimize her effect. After the rally we lined up and marched to Monroe Park where cars honked their horns in solidarity. By the time I got home and checked Facebook, my feed was blowing up with various posts documenting so many people’s experience at the March. Thanks to all who marched all over the country (5.2  million I’ve heard), and even abroad! It was a memorable day, yet we must not think our work is done. In fact, it has only begun. Let’s make this Third Act count!