A message to Virginia's weatherization network and partners
January 20, 2025
As we reflect on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let us not just honor Dr. King’s powerful words, but let us also honor his enduring legacy by striving to live out his principles in our work and our communities. Dr. King’s vision of justice calls on all of us to actively confront and dismantle barriers that perpetuate inequality—in every form.
In the spirit of Dr. King’s commitment to justice and equality, I encourage us to focus on the role we play in advancing energy justice. Energy justice ensures that all individuals - regardless of income, race, or geography - have access to safe, affordable, reliable, and increasingly sustainable energy. For the communities we serve, this means reducing the disproportionate energy burdens faced by under-resourced households and promoting healthier, more comfortable living environments.
As we carry forward Dr. King’s legacy, let us consider how we can act on these principles:
- Identify Barriers - Take time to identify systemic obstacles that make it harder for some households to benefit from weatherization services. These could include application hurdles, outreach gaps, or geographic disparities in program availability.
- Break Down Barriers - Collaborate and innovate to address those challenges. For example, consider ways to simplify program processes, expand outreach to underrepresented communities, or prioritize investments in areas with the highest energy burdens.
- Promote Equity - Ensure our programs are accessible to everyone, particularly to historically marginalized groups who have borne the brunt of energy injustice.
Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ’What are you doing for others?’” Each and every day this network advances energy justice for our neighbors. In doing so, we not only honor Dr. King's legacy but also make meaningful strides toward a more equitable and sustainable future for all Virginians.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication to this mission. May Dr. King’s example inspire us to act with courage, compassion, and resolve in the pursuit of justice.