As we wrap up an unseasonably warm September, a look at how Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light is focused on helping communities co-create a more just and sustainable world.

“Humanity has one of the biggest challenges that we’ve ever ben up against. We need to not only reorganize the way we relate to the earth and to energy. We need to reorganize the way we relate to one another,” Julia Nerbonne told us. She’s the Executive Director of MN Interfaith Power and Light.

They see solar as a big part of the solution. The non-profit supports projects like the one at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth.

“The array has performed wonderfully. It’s met all the expectations of the installer and us. It’s providing 40% of our power, for our congregation,” explained Beth Tamminen, who’s part of the Climate Action Team at UUCD.

Bret Pence, Greater Minnesota Program Director for MNIPL said it was an honor to work with the UUCD.

He also just helped facilitate a forum focused on climate and treaty rights at AICHO.

Above their heads, another solar array. And one of the first large ones MNIPL worked on.

A grant from the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation is helping them support spaces like AICHO become a resilience hub.

Resilience hubs are energy efficient, community serving places. “In this region, we are hoping to have five resilience hubs. Where we can get communities of practice learning together, and talk about the ideas from across the nation that have worked for other folks,” Nerbonne said.

It might lead to adding a battery back up for the solar arrays, or green heating. And it definitely means increased access to resources to keep going.

“We’ve got a plan in place, and we’re excited to see where it leads,” Pence added.

The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation has chosen them as a 2024 Touchstone Honoree.

You can see the Touchstone Celebration here on WDIO-TV on Thursday, November 14th, at 6:30pm. Six non-profits will be featured.