California Center for Sustainable Energy

Appreciation night recognizes important role of volunteers

“We couldn’t have done it without you” was the repeating theme during Volunteer Appreciation Night at CCSE as several dozen staff and volunteers gathered in the Energy Resource Center for an evening of fun and socializing on Nov. 19.

The dinner event recognized the efforts of more than 60 individuals who support CCSE by volunteering to assist with administrative services, help at special events, provide information to the public and perform other activities that facilitate CCSE’s programs. Executive Director Irene Stillings hosted the event and told the volunteers that these are good times for promoting sustainability and CCSE and that she is “delighted you are marching with us.”

Although the center has enjoyed the benefits of having volunteers for many years, the formal volunteer program has operated for about a year, according to Kimberly Ann Baker, CCSE human resources assistant and volunteer coordinator.

“Whether you want to explore a green career, expand your work horizons or simply lend a hand, volunteering at CCSE is a wonderful way to become an advocate for a sustainable energy future,” Baker said.

Sukhyun Park, a student and mother, volunteers at CCSE to advance her academic interests in ecological issues and public education. A native of Korea, Park moved to San Diego from Syracuse, N.Y., in summer 2008 when her husband obtained a research position at UC San Diego. She is continuing to work on a doctoral degree in environmental science and forestry at the State University of New York while volunteering at CCSE as well as the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy and the Ocean Discovery Institute. At CCSE, she has worked with the education, special events, human resources and marketing and communications staff on projects ranging from database management to working at Solar Energy Week and online networking.

“Volunteering at CCSE gives me an opportunity to learn the state-of-art technologies and latest information about sustainable and renewable energy and how to apply educational efforts to inform the public,” Park said. “Volunteering is great. Not just to know what CCSE does in the way of events and workshops, but to learn how CCSE operates and its role in the local community.”

Lauri Walker, CCSE special events manager, knows well that nonprofits rarely have enough resources or staff to accomplish all of the tasks at hand, especially for large, public programs.

Volunteers Appreciation 2009

“Our CCSE volunteers have made such an important impact on special events. It would have meant many sleepless nights for me had it not been for their assistance and willingness to step in and assist when and where needed,” Walker said. “They’re terrific, and we are forever grateful for their dedication.”

Drew Adams has first-hand experience with how volunteering at CCSE can lead to a career opportunity. The young psychology graduate was initially a volunteer for CCSE’s California Solar Initiative residential program, and when a job opened for a program assistant, he applied and was hired in September 2009.

“Being new to the renewable energy industry, volunteering offered me exposure to the field, which allowed me to realize the many benefits of working at CCSE and the difference I could make by being part of this organization,” Adams said.

CCSE needs volunteers throughout the year to assist with a wide range of events and projects. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our volunteer website or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Continue reading December's newsletter.