activities · 8
what they do
direct service · 7
- Community Health Extension Program Indigenous Health Services IntegrationOperates a Community Health Extension Program that connects individuals to essential health services and delivers health education in underserved Indigenous communities.
- Community-Based Resilience Hub Community Innovation & Co-Working HubsOperates a Community-Based Resilience Hub in Gallup, New Mexico, serving as a central space for training, collaboration, and resource-sharing across food, water, energy, housing, health, and economic development sectors. The facility functions as both a workforce training center and a community resilience node.
- Indigenous Community Empowerment through Housing and Social Justice Advocacy for Housing Access & EquityEngages in housing, advocacy, and social justice initiatives aimed at empowering Indigenous communities, with integrated efforts across multiple dimensions of community well-being.
- Renewable Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure Development Off-Grid Solar Installation & TrainingAdvances renewable energy systems and sustainable infrastructure in Tribal communities, with a focus on energy access for families living without electricity and long-term community resilience.
- Solar Energy and Food Production Infrastructure Schoolyard Habitat DevelopmentDesigned and installed the Solar Energy Dome at the Navajo Nation's Four Corners Monument in 2011, an insulated structure that generates electricity and supports food production, demonstrating integrated sustainable infrastructure.
- Solar Technician Training and Certification Off-Grid Solar Installation & TrainingOffers hands-on solar technician training and certification through the Sunburst Solar Academy in Gallup, New Mexico, preparing individuals for careers in the clean energy workforce. The program includes real-world experience through solar installations for families without electricity.
- Support Services for Diné EldersProvides food, supplies, and support services to Diné elders as part of a community care initiative focused on elder well-being and cultural continuity.
advocacy · 1
- Environmental Stewardship and Water Protection Advocacy Water Policy Advocacy & PlanningConducts community-driven advocacy campaigns focused on environmental stewardship and water protection in Tribal regions.
strategies · 4
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Collaborative and Community-Based Program Development collaborative_community_developmentThe organization implements integrated, community-based programs and partnerships to build capacity and deliver measurable impact. This involves collaborating with partners to co-create, develop, and implement programs that address community needs across various sectors like food, water, energy, housing, health, and economic development.
- Culturally Aligned and Integrated Sustainable Infrastructure culturally_aligned_sustainable_infrastructureThe organization implements clean energy systems and integrated solar and food production systems that are culturally aligned and community-driven in Tribal communities. This approach promotes energy autonomy, food sovereignty, and environmental sustainability, while also addressing systemic inequities and supporting intergenerational connections by honoring traditional values.
- Holistic Community Development and Self-Determination holistic_community_developmentThe organization advances community resilience, self-determination, and holistic well-being in Indigenous communities by addressing interconnected needs across food security, water access, energy sovereignty, sustainable housing, holistic health, financial wellness, and small business development. This approach is guided by the Diné philosophy of Hózhó, aiming to restore beauty, balance, and harmony, and is grounded in equity and dignity.
- Integrated Education and Workforce Development for Community Impact integrated_education_workforce_developmentThe organization develops and delivers alternative education and workforce programs that empower individuals and address critical infrastructure gaps. This scalable model integrates education, workforce development, and direct community impact, where students apply learned skills to help families in their communities, rooted in reciprocity and service. This includes training community members as solar technicians to support local deployment of solar energy systems and build community-based sustainability capacity.
named programs · 3
what they call their work
Navajo Solar Warrior Workforce Program
Trains and certifies Native solar technicians to design, build, install, and maintain solar energy systems, particularly for families living without electricity.
Solar Energy Dome
An insulated space capable of producing electricity and food, demonstrating applications of solar systems for energy autonomy and food sovereignty.
Sunburst Solar Academy
A hands-on solar training and upskilling center in Gallup, New Mexico, also serving as a Community-Based Resilience Hub for collaborative efforts across various sectors.
relationships · 14
who they work with
- Chizh For Cheii Partner — Collaborating partner supporting Diné elders through community care and cultural respect.
- Dawes Brothers Electric, LLC Partner — Terdell Dawes, Solar Electrician, is on the advisory board.
- EPA Environmental Justice program Funder — Provided seed funding for the Navajo Solar Warrior Workforce Program.
- Energy Solutions Partner — Lekha Acharya, Energy Systems Partner Off Grid, is on the advisory board.
- Navajo Nation Partner — Collaborated on the installation of the Solar Energy Dome at the Four Corners Monument.
- Nihikeya Partner — Collaborating partner focused on community empowerment and social justice for Indigenous populations.
- One River One Voice Partner — Collaborating partner engaged in environmental stewardship and water protection advocacy.
- Red Cloud Renewable Partner — Developed its comprehensive training system modeled after Red Cloud Renewable in Pine Ridge, South Dakota.
- Red Cloud Renewable Partner — John Red Cloud, Solar Training Program Advisor, is on the advisory board.
- San Juan Collaborative for Health Equity Partner — Collaborating partner advancing public health and resource coordination in the region.
- Simply Green Solutions Partner — Daane Birchmeier, Solar System Designer, is on the advisory board.
- Sixth World Solutions Partner — Collaborating partner advancing renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure in Tribal communities.
- Solar Energy International Partner — Johnny Weiss (co-founder) and Chris Turek (VP) are on the advisory board.
- Sunburst Solar Academy Partner — Delivers solar certification and hands-on technical training through the academy.