Being here is like being home: a glimpse into the Build It Green program

by Jaclyn Lewis

April 10, 2022

green|spaces’ Build it Green (BIG) program gives young adults (ages 18-24) hands-on experience in sustainable building and construction practices. Currently part of the AmeriCorps Opportunity Youth Service Initiative, participants work with contractors to weatherize and insulate homes in the Chattanooga area. An equally important part of the curriculum is supportive team-building and effective communication.

I visited the BIG headquarters on Glass Street the other morning to meet the newest cohort of members. The group’s mentor, Chris, introduced me to Jermaine, a shy-looking young man outfitted in a baby blue t-shirt, matching hat, and a set of dimples no stranger to those recently out of high school. Once we sat down, he opened up, telling me about his experiences so far in the program.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am 19 and a graduate of East Ridge High School. I grew up around here but honestly never knew about this building. I live just around the corner.

How did you get involved in BIG?

I was trying to leave my job for one that would give me more flexibility. My stepdad knew about this program and he knows I like construction and hands-on things. 

Do you find that you have more flexibility here?

Yes, and to be honest, I don’t see the point of needing flexibility here. Being here is like being home. Any issues we have, we communicate with each other. We don’t judge each other here, so that brings a lot of freedom.

This is only week two of the BIG program, but where do you see this experience taking you?

This program has a lot of opportunities. We can get certifications for most things that you have to do all sorts of research, just to figure out how to get certified. 

We learn a lot of things that will help other people out, like building techniques and weatherization. These are things that we can actually apply to our lives.

The certifications are enough to make me want to be here. Forklifts, tug lifts - I want to be certified to do all this stuff. Here, we can come and talk about what we want to do. It’s cool just to have a place where we can talk about what we want.

It sounds like so far this program embodies resilience and self-reliance, but also teamwork and communication.

This program shows you how to be organized and how to set goals — Getting used to following your goals and not getting distracted. There is a lot of growth in the program and it really teaches us how to open up to other people and how to be social. 

What’s your favorite aspect of this program?

The best thing about this program is that there are so many benefits. Here, it’s not like you are having a textbook shoved down your throat. If we have problems, we communicate with each other to fix it. This program is teaching us how to come together as a team. More often, it’s teaching us how to come together as a community. 

I’ll be meeting others in the Build it Green cohort this Spring and covering more stories that come out of the program. Stay tuned and reach out if you know someone who would benefit from being involved in BIG. More information and qualifications can be found here.