Utility Shutoff Protections in Michigan

Last year, thousands of utility customers across Michigan received protection from the shutoff of their utility service. There are a variety of shutoff protections customers may qualify for, including:

Low-Income Winter Protection Program

Protects income-qualified customers against utility shutoff from November 1st to March 31st.

Senior Citizen Shutoff Protection

Protects customers 65 years and older from utility shutoff from November 1st to March 31st.

Medical Emergency Protection

Provides a 21-day shutoff hold when a customer or member of their household experiences a medical condition that would be made worse by lack of utility service. This protection may be extended up to 63 days per household member and up to a total of 126 days per household.

Critical Care Protection

Provides shutoff protection when a disruption of utility service would be immediately life-threatening to the customer or a member of their household.

Active-Duty Military Shutoff Protection

Provides a 90-day shutoff protection for utility customers and their spouse when either is called to full-time active military service under certain circumstances.

Each shutoff protection has different requirements and/or income qualifications. For more information on these protections, along with other assistance programs available in Michigan, visit the Get Help webpage. You can also contact your local utility provider or the MPSC’s customer assistance team with any questions about available shutoff protections.

Every year the Soulardarity community comes together at an Annual Meeting to collectively affirm our values, celebrate our accomplishments and community, discuss our priorities and elect a governing Board of Directors. This year, Soulardarity's Annual Meeting and Board of Directors Election will take place on Saturday, July 22, 2023.

Soulardarity 2023 Board of Directors Candidate Form

BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ CANDIDATE SUBMISSIONS

ARE DUE BY SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 2023

We invite current dues paying Soulardarity members to run for a Board of Directors seat by submitting your Candidate Form or nominating a Soulardarity member TODAY!

Not a Soulardarity member yet, no problem. To become a member go to www.soulardarity.com/member.

Click here to learn more about the Board of Directors, its role in the organization, Board of Directors member requirements and commitments.

This year, all Board of Directors officer seats will need to be filled. The Board of Directors will appoint from among the Directors a President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The Board of Directors may, in its own discretion, appoint from among the Directors a Vice President. The Officers of the Corporation shall serve for one year. Officers may serve any number of consecutive terms.

Please complete the Candidate Form if you have been nominated or are interested in applying as a candidate for the upcoming Soulardarity Board of Directors Election. The Board of Directors Elections will take place during the Soulardarity Annual Membership meeting on Saturday, July 22, 2023. All Board of Directors candidate submissions must be received by Sunday, June 25, 2023 if you wish to have your name for consideration on the election ballot. Please use the Candidate Form to submit your candidate statement why you want to be on the Board of Directors.

To run for a Board of Directors seat, please complete and submit the Board of Directors Candidate Form by filling out the link below. If you have any questions, you can reach the Board Election Action Group at [email protected] or call 313.349.1063 and leave a message with your intent to run or if you would like to nominate a member.

Soulardarity 2023 Board of Directors Candidate Form

BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ CANDIDATE SUBMISSIONS

DUE BY SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 2023

We do not have open positions available at this time. Please check this page in the future for job opportunities.

Soulardarity 2022 End of Year Office Hours

Monday- Friday 9am-6pm and Closed Weekends unless noted below:

November 24 - 27, 2022

December 23 - 31, 2022

January 1 - 2, 2023 AND January 16, 2023

Soulardarity and Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) hosts "Rise Up" Solar Academy and Scholarships to Bring Solar Careers to Highland Park, MI

Soulardarity is excited to announce that we've partnered again with Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) for the Rise Up Scholarship & Training program to offer career training for jobs in the solar industry. The Rise Up Solar Training Scholarship was established in 2020 to support workforce development efforts and expand employment access in advanced energy by providing solar training scholarships and facilitating paid solar internships.

All students who successfully complete PV 101, 201, and 202 will qualify to sit for the NABCEP PV Associate Exam, an increasingly sought-after solar credential valued by the industry.

Apply for admission and scholarships by Monday, February 28, 2022. Course start date is Mon, 3/14/22. MREA is able to provide a limited number of loaner laptops to assist with completing the self guided courses.

Questions? Contact: [email protected]

Complete the online application here.

Rise Up Solar Training is apart of the 2022 Grow Solar Highland Park program.

Learn more at https://www.growsolar.org/highland-park/

2022 Soulardarity Community Organizing Collaborative

One Program, Two Tracks toward Energy Democracy

APPLY HERE

DEADLINE AUGUST 1

ABOUT SOULARDARITY - BACKGROUND

Soulardarity started out of necessity, when Highland Park residents were left in the dark by DTE Energy’s repossession of over 1000 streetlights in 2011. When we came together, it was with the simple goal of restoring light to the darkness. 10 years later, we have become a locally and nationally recognized leader in energy democracy.

Since 2012, Soulardarity has achieved tremendous impact with minimal resources. Some of those impacts include having:

- Restored 17 streetlights to Highland Park, and created a citywide solar street lighting plan

- Deployed $30,000 of solar lighting and emergency generation in Highland Park and Detroit.

- Grown numerous community initiatives in Highland Park, such as Avalon Village and Parker Village, through public lighting and solar projects and via formation of the Highland Park Community Crisis Coalition in response to COVID-19 which has continue to expand to community crisis resiliency.

- Conducted education projects for hundreds of youths, students, and community members of all ages on energy democracy and DIY energy saving skills.

- Created and organized around the Blueprint for Energy Democracy as a guide to achieve sustainability and self-determination in Highland Park.

- Became a leading advocate with the Michigan Public Service Commission on behalf of low-income communities and communities of color, seeking affordability, health, and community ownership of clean and renewable energy.

- Co-launched the Work for Me, DTE! Campaign to advance those goals through organizing, media, and movement building.

- Partnered in a study with the Union of Concerned Scientists to explore a viable pathway to a renewable energy future for Highland Park and released the report “Let Communities Choose: Clean Energy Sovereignty in Highland Park, Michigan”.

SCOC PROGRAM PURPOSE

We are building organizational structures that bring power into the collective capacity for self-governance and self-determination. A large portion of our work is collaborative with other environmental justice organizations and promotes just policy through direct advocacy and pressure campaigns aimed at local or state leadership. At every stage of organizing, ideas and proposals are reviewed and approved by Soulardarity's members and partners. 

2022 SCOC PROGRAM TIMELINE (AUGUST 13 - NOVEMBER 11)

The program is scheduled to run from August 6th to November 11th, 2022.The position come with a total stipend of $2000. Stipends will be paid half upfront, quarter midway, quarter at the close of the collaborative. Details for schedule requirements are listed below with the position description.

We are hiring 8 Organizers TOTAL, which includes 2 Senior Organizers this year. The Senior Organizer role is new and in its first year of existence. With the growth of Soulardarity, we want to foster that growth in the SCOC program as well. This position will be offered to returning organizers first and then to new applicants who fit the qualifications if the need is still there. 

ORGANIZER POSITION SUMMARY

SCOPE OF WORK

• - Assist in developing, promoting, and executing projects and events; 
• - Assist in supporting community awareness;
• - Represent Soulardarity at in person/virtual public events (MPSC, City Council, etc);
• - Promote voter education/engagement;
• - Participate in member recruitment efforts.

Organizers will provide support to our Local and State Energy Democracy Campaign, its Leadership Team and coalition partners. Its purpose is to engage grassroots community and leaders to build power, self-determination, and climate justice in Michigan as a response to the oppressive practices and policies of DTE Energy and the investor-owned utility structure. Organizers will be expected to serve as a support to Soulardarity, reporting to the SCOC Coordinators and Core Leadership Team. This program focuses on advancing community-owned clean energy goals through organizing, media, and movement building. The weekly minimum time commitment that we are asking of Organizers is five (5) hours. 

Position comes with a $2000 stipend paid in 3 installments + one year of free membership with Soulardarity.

THE ORGANIZER TRACKS

HIGHLAND PARK ORGANIZER TRACK

Organizers will focus on neighborhood engagement in Highland Park. We will do this by working with the Highland Park Campaign Team to conduct outreach to neighbors, friends, and family in Highland Park on campaign issues such as energy, water, and transparency of city government. Organizers may also conduct grassroots power building strategies to recruit Highland Park households, non-profits, and businesses to participate in our Grow Solar bulk purchase program (learn more here). Organizers will also participate in Get Out The Vote efforts for the November 2022 general election. 

ENERGY DEMOCRACY ORGANIZER TRACK

Energy Democracy is the practice of building a just energy system that engages the people of the community in the decision-making process of how energy is developed, maintained, and used in their lives. The Soulardarity Energy Democracy organizers are focused on three demands: Health, Affordability, and Community Power in decision making as it relates to energy.  

Organizers will learn about and organize around the energy system, wealth building alternatives for energy rate payers, and advance advocacy with legislatures for all who are affected by the bureaucracy that surrounds it. Organizers will also participate in Get Out The Vote efforts for the November 2022 general election.

TRAININGS & MEETINGS EXPECTATIONS

TRAINING DATES

Please expect to commit at least 3-4 hours per training day. 

+ Training 1: Saturday, August 13th

+ Training 2: Saturday, August 20th

+ Training 3: Saturday, August 27th

MEETINGS
Organizers will be asked to participate in community events, Highland Park Campaign Team meetings held once per month & SCOC meetings every 2 weeks (Details will be provided during interviews/on-boarding).

HIRING TIMELINE AND REQUIREMENTS

INTERVIEWING/HIRING/ ON-BOARDING TIMELINE: 

• - Begin accepting applications April 1
• - Begin scheduling interviews in May
• - Applications due June 3 
• - Organizer interviews June 20-July 5
• - Determination emails sent out July 11

APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO:

• - Complete and submit the application
• - Upload your resume and cover letter to the application or email to [email protected]
• - Commit to On-boarding and Training Dates:
• - Saturday August 13th, 20th, & 27th
• - Commit time and efforts during August-November 2022 to your chosen track (Energy Democracy or Highland Park)
• - Complete and return cohort paperwork
• - Sign and submit a stipend agreement

Soulardarity is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member) or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT WORK WILL I  BE ASKED TO DO AFTER TRAINING?

Organizers will also be responsible for targeted engagement, facilitation and decision-making roughly 5-15hrs. per week depending on workload. Organizers will govern the use of the SCOC organizing budget and tracking spending to conduct Community education sessions, Neighborhood Outreach, Event Planning and Implementation. Organizers in the past have helped to reshape local political conversations. SCOC program participants seeking, in the run-up to the November election, to impact the national discourse on race relations, a just-transition and clean energy are encouraged to apply.

HOW LONG IS SCOC 2022?

August 13th - November 11th 2022

HOW MUCH WILL I BE COMPENSATED?

$2,000 will be paid by Soulardarity in exchange for organizers working with and reporting to SCOC Coordinators throughout the program. Stipends will be paid half upfront, quarter midway, quarter at the close of the collaborative. In addition, organizers gain training and capacity building on energy democracy and environmental justice and have access to a budget to support those efforts.

WHAT ABOUT COVID?

Trainings/on-boarding and meetings will take place virtually. Door-to-door, canvassing and any other in person activities will follow state gathering and face mask rules.

SO YOU WANT THE JOB? 

Click this link to complete the application and include your resume & cover letter.

Any questions about this application or program, please contact Program Director, Rafael Mojica at [email protected] or Energy Democracy Coordinator, Michelle Jones at [email protected].

Deadline to apply is August 1, 2022 no later than 5pm.

We value a strong, diverse team of folks whose lived experience informs their relationship to social and environmental justice work and our collective liberation. Women, trans-and gender-nonconforming folks, queer people, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), individuals with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. We acknowledge this list is incomplete and encourage you to apply if your lived experience informs your desire to be a part of social and environmental justice work.

 Election time is here! Your Vote is Needed Soulardarity Members!

CLICK HERE TO REVIEW 2021 BOARD CANDIDATES & CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

VOTING INSTRUCTIONS: 

1. You must be a Soulardarity member whose dues are paid (you gave given at least $10 in the last 12 months) in order to vote. Need to start or renew your membership to vote? Click here
2. Each member has one vote for each available board position.
3. After reviewing the candidate information, use the 2021 Election Form to rank the candidates from the one you support the most (First Choice) to least (Third Choice). ****DO NOT select a candidate more than once!****

VOTING WILL CLOSE ON SATURDAY MAY 1st, DURING THE ANNUAL MEETING

Members are encouraged to attend the meeting by phone or computer. Zoom link and instructions will be provided upon RSVP. Candidates will be in attendance to answer questions from the membership. 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR OUR (VIRTUAL) ANNUAL MEETING on 5/1/2021 at 12:30pm

Hoping this email reaches in you and yours in good health! Election time is here! Your Vote is Needed Soulardarity Members!

CLICK HERE TO REVIEW 2020 BOARD CANDIDATES & CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

VOTING INSTRUCTIONS: 

1. You must be a Soulardarity member whose dues are paid (you gave given at least $10 in the last 12 months) in order to vote. Need to start or renew your membership to vote? Click here
2. Each member has one vote for each available board position.
3. After reviewing the candidate information, use the 2020 Election Form to rank the candidates from the one you support the most (First Choice) to least (Third Choice). ****DO NOT select a candidate more than once!****

Two of the three candidates will be elected to the Soulardarity board. You can see the list of other board members on soulardarity.com/board. 

VOTING WILL CLOSE AT 1PM ON SATURDAY MAY 2ND, DURING THE ANNUAL MEETING

Members are encouraged to attend the meeting by phone or computer. Candidates will be in attendance to answer questions from the membership. 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR OUR (VIRTUAL) ANNUAL MEETING on 5/2/2020