Join/Renew/Donate to AERO

Update: Thanks for all your support — we reached our goal!

We welcome your support to build communities that will leave our children and generations to come with vibrant local economies, and a stable global climate. Montanans – individuals, families, non-profits and local businesses – face a difficult year ahead and, in all likelihood, years to come. Please include AERO in your charitable giving this year.

If you choose to join, renew or donate to AERO this season, here is how it will help all Montanans:

AERO is showcasing Montana's sustainable energy and agriculture leaders.

• Farm Tours at the Quinn Farm, Sabo Ranch and Homeacres Orchard gave participants a first-hand look at these farmers' sustainable agriculture practices, marketing, and challenges.
• Energy Tours in Havre, Big Timber and at the Helena Wastewater Treatment Facility showcased innovative municipal and residential approaches to saving energy and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
• Over 400 people attended our 2009 tours.

AERO is a strong voice at the Legislature for local foods, sustainable agriculture and energy conservation.

• This year we worked with partner organizations to successfully pass a bill funding regional food development centers that will help farmers and ranchers develop food and fuel products for the marketplace.
• We supported successful legislation to increase the energy efficiency of Montana's schools and laid the groundwork for future efforts to promote locally-owned renewable energy projects.
• AERO members fought hard to pass the Montana Farmer Protection Bill, which would have leveled the playing field for farmers accused of seed patent infringement. The biotech industry rallied to kill the legislation, but AERO is primed to take on this issue again, laying the groundwork in 2010 and passing the legislation in 2011.
• AERO will hire a Local Foods and Sustainability Program Manager in early 2010. We are currently looking for someone to fill this exciting new position.

AERO is working with partners to institutionalize food security in Montana.

• The Growing Community Project in Helena, co-founded with WEEL, donated over 1,000 pounds of fresh produce to Helena Food Share this summer and fall, 600lbs more than 2008!
• AERO worked with NCAT and farmers markets leaders to expand the installation of electronic card swipe machines that accept SNAP benefit cards (formerly food stamps) and regular credit cards. This program makes healthy, local food available to low income people and more accessible to the general public.
• AERO also has worked with state agencies and a dedicated group of food systems advocates to organize the groundbreaking Montana Food Systems Council.

AERO is creating new tools to build sustainable communities.

• This year we published a guide to Building Community Gardens, a manual for operating the Montana Mobile Poultry Processing Facility, and materials to help members form Neighborhood Conservation Clubs to collaboratively decrease their energy footprint.
• AERO participated in training members of NCAT's new Energy Corp project, which will put 10 AmeriCorps members in rural communities around the state to do weatherization and to help communities create strategic energy conservation plans.

AERO is guiding municipal energy policy.

• AERO members and staff played a major role in authoring a Climate Action Plan for Helena that stands as good model for other communities eager to build resilience and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
• The plan calls for investments in energy efficiency, policies to encourage water conservation, a commitment to regional public transit, and more support for community gardens.

Please make your check payable to AERO and send it to:
432 Last Chance Gulch
Helena, MT 59601

or

Give to AERO each month Become a monthly donor and help us create solutions that promote resource conservation and local economic vitality. When you participate, your bank will transfer your gift conveniently each month from your checking account/credit card directly to AERO.

If you are transferring stocks, please use the following two numbers; Acct: 11280645 and DTC: 0361. If you have questions about transferring stocks, please contact Sarah Bryce at DA Davidson: (406) 442-9600.

Thank you!