An end-of-year message from our Chair
Friends,
As 2022 comes to a close, we’d like to take a moment to express our gratitude for your support of SoDak 350. We’re so thankful for the time, talent, and interest that has helped us grow in impact in our first year as an active climate change advocacy organization. We also look forward with anticipation, urgency, and hope about all we can accomplish in 2023.
In spring 2022, SoDak 350 emerged as an active organization committed to building a grassroots movement for climate action in South Dakota. In our first year alone, we introduced a blog series highlighting local sustainability champions, conducted our first voter education initiative, successfully convened an educational forum on residential energy savings opportunities, and worked actively with the city of Sioux Falls as a member of the Sustainable Sioux Falls Plan steering committee. All the while, we enjoyed engaging in conversations with our fellow community members about the sustainable future we hope to build together.
Aware of the challenges that still lie before us, SoDak 350 in 2023 intends to make an even greater impact through outcome-driven efforts that lead to real, measurable solutions to climate change in our region. Specifically, we hope to:
Increase focus on the Inflation Reduction Act: New federal tax credits and rebates for renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies from the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act will be rolling out throughout 2023, with some becoming available as soon as January 1. At SoDak 350, we hope to help as many South Dakotans as possible take advantage of these incentives by hosting more educational events like our Go Green to Save Green forum and developing online resources for navigating the new programs. Check back in January for announcements on our next IRA-related project!
Explore the intersection of climate change and public health: Working in partnership with local universities, we are developing a project to conduct research and public education on the impacts of climate change on public health in South Dakota. Look for more information in early 2023!
Expand our educational content: SoDak 350 aims to be a leading source of information on climate change and climate solutions in our region. We’ll be working in 2023 to dramatically expand our online educational content including blogs, social media, and interactive guides and resources. We’ll also expand our engagement with local news media to spread the word about climate change across all mediums.
Help finalize and pass the Sustainable Sioux Falls Plan: Finally, we’re committed to continuing our engagement and advocacy to get a strong, climate-forward Sustainable Sioux Falls Plan across the finish line. In 2023 we aim to work in cooperation with our peer organizations to build community support for the Plan and to increase our direct engagement with the Sioux Falls City Council to ensure the final Plan gets a favorable vote.
We’re excited about all that the new year has in store for us - but we can’t get there without your support. Our 501(c)3 nonprofit is 100% volunteer-run and funded by individual donations. We invite you to volunteer with us in 2023 or to make a tax-deductible donation to help make our vision of a sustainable future for South Dakota a reality.
We thank you again for all of your interest and support in our first year, and we look forward to continuing our work to build the climate movement with you in 2023!
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a happy and healthy new year.
Mike Heisler
Chair, SoDak 350
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