December 19, 2012 – Are you 18 to 29 and passionate about renewable energy and sustainability? If so, apply by January 9, 2013, to join the Canadian Solar Industries Association’s (CanSIA’s) Emerging Leaders in Solar Energy (ELSE) Program.

CanSIA says the ELSE program empowers Canadian students and recent entrants to the labour force who are passionate about solar energy, sustainability and the environment to direct, facilitate and run advocacy campaigns.

PHOTO: Youth delegate Rebecca Sharpe with CanSIA president John Gorman. Photo A. Capkun.

ELSE was founded in 2012 by CanSIA, working with 50 emerging leaders during two days of Youth Advisory Panel roundtable sessions at Solar Canada 2012 (sponsored by AMP Solar Group Inc., the founding sponsor of the ELSE program).

The program will be led by an executive committee of 12 emerging leaders, each of whom will serve a one calendar-year term.

• 2 co-chairs, responsible for overseeing program activities, ensuring deliverables are met and liaising with CanSIA.
• 2 vice-chairs: a communications vice-chair responsible for preparing and disseminating messaging and informative materials; and a campaigns vice-chair responsible for the organization and delivery of advocacy campaigns.
• 4 communications participants responsible for working with the communications vice-chair.
• 4 campaigns participants responsible for working with the campaigns vice-chair.

CanSIA says the benefits of being on the Emerging Leaders Executive Committee include:

• Access to CanSIA conferences and networking events.
• An annual subscription to SOLutions magazine and CanSIA Industry Directory.
• Potential to meet with elected officials.
• A letter of reference from the CanSIA president on completion of their term.

Terms of reference, eligibility criteria and other background information can be found on the CanSIA website, or CLICK HERE to APPLY now.