While Columbus, Ohio was the last stop on our tour before making our way to Washington, DC, person after person at Columbus State Community College echoed the feeling that transitioning to a clean energy economy meant a new beginning for them.

Michelle Pershing, a veteran, outreach assistant, and energy auditor for Interfaith Power and Light, talked about how after retiring from the military after 26 years, she was looking for the next career in her life. When she started taking energy auditing classes, she realized, “Energy audits are a great way to link people with needs with jobs and the needs of the community with those people and those jobs.”

For a former offender named Parrish Searcy, the Orientation to Trade and Apprenticeship Programs (OTAP) that we visited also represented a new beginning. As a former offender, OTAP gave him new options and opportunities that have allowed him to develop a career that he is proud of.

Watch Video of Parrish and Michelle HERE

It is with that spirit of new beginnings and new opportunities in mind that we make our way to Washington, DC.  Clean energy represents a cleaner planet, millions of new jobs across the country and renewed hope for millions of Americans.

Help us spread the word and share your voice in support of transitioning to a clean energy economy. Come to our event Wednesday at Noon in Washington, DC.

For more information on tour events visit www.hiphopcaucus.org/bustour