Solar One’s Post

With the arrival of the new year, we think it’s a good time to look at the year behind us, and ask ourselves about what we value most, and how to bring it forward. In 2024 we created a North Star (so to speak) and wrote down what we want to focus on in the future. Our values are that North Star. What we will judge our decisions and actions on: Does this project reflect our values? Are we collaborating with trust? Does our invested time and energy have the future generations in mind? Are we acting with integrity? What does the new year bring for communities around New Mexico, and how can we contribute to their success? Let us know what you are putting focus on in the new year.

“I had thought a lot about equality in my life, but less about equity, and we explored that in depth. It was a window to the struggles that people all around me faced, people living right in my neighborhood whose realities and challenges I was oblivious to.” Public engagement in our cities and towns needs to change. Hearing different perspectives can contribute to a community’s equity and better living conditions for everyone. When residents have a chance to voice their concerns, issues that leaders wouldn’t have considered can be brought to the forefront. Check out this article from Smart Towns to learn more about more effective ways to engage with the community. #publicengagement #community #equity #publicspace #dpw #communityengagement #SmartTowns

🌿 Restoring Bushlands & Building Inclusion 🌿 Meet Bushlink a social enterprise by Northside that’s regenerating bushland in Sydney’s Northern Beaches while creating meaningful work opportunities for people with disabilities. 💚 Here’s how they’re making an impact: 🔹 Restoring natural habitats and creating vibrant outdoor spaces. 🔹 Partnering with schools to teach students bush regeneration skills and environmental care. 🌳 🔹 Hosting corporate volunteer days to connect businesses with nature and inclusion. With passionate leaders like Abi Byrne and dedicated team members like Tarek Lazhar, Bushlink is transforming both the environment and lives. 📖 Read more about this inspiring initiative in the Landcare in Focus online Magazine: https://lnkd.in/gWDNsKfS 👉 Click here to subscribe to our newsletter so you’ll never miss another issue: https://lnkd.in/g25hSF9

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is how businesses create a positive impact on society, environment, and the economy. Check out the top 10 industries leading the way in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). These companies are making a big impact by focusing on sustainability, community development, and more. It’s great to see how businesses are contributing to a better world.

Dive into Corporate Social Responsibility! 🌍 Our comprehensive course equips managers, leaders, and policymakers with the tools to implement effective CSR strategies. From environmental sustainability to community development, we cover it all. Ready to make a difference? Learn more on our website! #CorporateSocialResponsibility #CSRStrategies #CourseOnline #BusinessCourse

Friends… I want to be a Sister of the Traveling Hard Hat. Let me explain: It’s #ConstructionInclusionWeek and, as you all know, this is an issue that I have centered on in my time at SEIA. We’ve organized gatherings, launched programs, developed tools, and published best practices. As an association, we’ve incorporated DEIJ into every vertical of our work. But at the end of the day, it’s companies that translate these goals into meaningful change. So, this year for #ConstructionInclusionWeek, I wanted to uplift a specific example of the #solar industry taking the lead. Enter: Mortenson’s Sisters of the Traveling Hard Hat. The Sisters of the Traveling Hard Hat is a #solar energy site-specific mentorship program. Project teams of all sizes will nominate a Site Sister — a woman leader who exemplifies positivity, grit, determination, hard work, and a team-centric attitude. The Site Sister is someone who takes charge, shares their wisdom, and creates community. On every Solar Energy project, team members are nominated and then a Site Sister is selected by her peers. The program provides a platform for these leaders to amplify their voices and pass on their expertise to employees across the business. Plus, they get a really cool hard hat! 👷♀️ I love this program for a lot of reasons, but there are two things that I think make it successful: 1) Community building. Mortenson has now created a community of strong women who can learn and grow from each other AND provide an example to the rest of the industry. This is how we build long-term leaders and retain the very best workers. It’s the same reasoning behind our Solar Sisters group and our affinity group gatherings at events. It’s about making space for strong social bonds and bringing more folks into the fold. I know that I personally would not be where I am today without the community of women I’ve met in the energy industry. 2) So often, inclusion is about seeing yourself in leadership spaces. Every team member at Mortenson now has a group of strong, determined women to draw inspiration from. Each project team is looking to women to lead. Showing young women and women of color that their leadership, their perspectives are valued… is precisely the motivation that Construction Inclusion Week is all about. I want to thank Mortenson, Eric Grenz, and Liz Lachowitzer for sharing this story and leading with this innovative program. I also want to challenge every business in solar: What are you doing for #ConstructionInclusionWeek? What example are you setting? How are you creating a community and showing your employees that each and every one of them can be leaders? The group below is from Girvin, TX, and highlights a recent recipient of the Sisters of the Traveling Hard Hat. Read more stories from the Sisters of the Traveling Hard Hat on Mortenson’s website: https://lnkd.in/eGzZs2yE #Inclusion #DiversityInConstruction

Embracing the Power of Choice in Making a Difference “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall This powerful quote from Jane Goodall resonates deeply with me, especially in our increasingly complex world. Every action we take, whether big or small, contributes to the broader tapestry of our communities and industries. The challenge lies in being deliberate about the kind of impact we wish to create. As professionals, we often find ourselves at crossroads, where our decisions shape not only our careers but also the environment around us. In my journey as a Project Manager, engineer and PhD candidate, I have come to appreciate the importance of aligning my work with values that promote innovation, sustainability, and community welfare. It's a responsibility that extends beyond individual success; it's about fostering positive change and contributing to a better future. The question we must continually ask ourselves is: What kind of difference do we want to make? For me, it's about leveraging my skills and knowledge to develop solutions that address pressing challenges, whether in technology, education, or social equity. It's about mentoring the next generation, advocating for ethical practices, and committing to continuous learning and growth. In a world where the pace of change is accelerating, our choices matter more than ever. Let us be intentional in our actions, striving to leave a legacy of positive impact. Together, we can build a future where our contributions not only enhance our lives but also uplift those around us. I invite you all to reflect on the kind of difference you want to make and to share your thoughts and experiences. Let's inspire each other to make conscious choices that lead to meaningful and lasting change.

At SLIF, Jill Vitale-Aussem shared powerful insights on how to create a more inclusive and empowering culture within senior living communities. Her key message? Transformation begins with conversation. Jill emphasized that no one ever says, "I don't want people to feel like they belong here." Yet, fostering a true sense of belonging requires intentional effort. The first step is to start asking questions and involving more people in decision-making processes. As Jill put it, "Better decisions are made when you involve more people." When communities become more open and accepting, the outcomes are remarkable. Residents start to own the ideas and become more inclusive. There's a shift from "me" to "we," from feeling entitled to feeling empowered, and from focusing on individual rights to embracing shared responsibilities. Limited beliefs fall away, and a stronger, more vibrant community emerges. https://hubs.li/Q02Bbd150

“It's with drops of water that we fill bottles.” Deirdre Forte, HR Manager at Kersia in Ireland, is certain that being a catalyst for change isn't a competition; it's a mindset. It involves small actions – like a smile or a kind word – that can make a big difference. Inspired by her experiences during the COVID pandemic, Deirdre recognized the importance of #empathy and #connection in both personal and professional settings. By creating a more inclusive workplace, Deirdre helps others feel valued and encourages them to take risks without fearing failure. The results speak for themselves: Deirdre's intrapreneurial initiative has led to stronger ties with local schools, mentorship opportunities for students in her company, and a renewed sense of belonging among staff. By investing in the next generation, Deirdre’s commitment to fostering a culture of kindness and inclusivity is a reminder that we can all be #changemakers in our communities, and our workplaces. How are you making a difference? Read Deirdre’s story here and share your own! 👇 https://lnkd.in/d7mQ-t7z