the cforse team

Fred Kirsch, Director

Mr. Kirsch launched CforSE because he believes that making the transition to sustainable energy is the challenge of our generation and that the change needed must come from the grassroots. Mr. Kirsch has been working on environmental and consumer campaigns throughout the country since 2000. Today Fred guides the direction of the organization and plays a role in research, staff development, advocacy, and administration.

2024 Organizers

Crispin Hilliard

Crispin is from Reno, NV and moved out to Colorado for school. He graduated from CSU with a double major in Political Science and Mathematics. Crispin's work at CSU inspired him to make positive change in local governments; that is why he joined CforSE. He hopes to use his opportunity at CforSE to help the city of Fort Collins be the green policy leader it aspires to be.

Charlie Fitzpatrick

Charlie was born and raised in North Carolina, where he studied Meteorology at NC State University. While his studies mostly covered the processes of the atmosphere and how to accurately forecast the weather, Charlie has always been interested in renewable energy. He moved to Fort Collins in May of 2024, and he plans on attending CU Boulder for graduate school in the fall of 2025. He intends on working towards a Masters of the Environment with a specialization in Renewable and Sustainable Energy. Charlie joined CforSE to learn more about renewable energy and its applications in local communities.

abbey block

Abbey is from Morrison, Colorado and is currently studying Human Dimensions of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. Abbey’s work in CSU is centered around the study of anthropogenic behaviors and their impact on Earth’s natural resources. Her studies explore various implementations of sustainability and the social aspects of environmental science. Abbey joined CforSE to instigate change through renewable energy and to spread her passion for the natural world to others in her community. 

gabe dancy

Gabe is a student at CSU studying Economics and Political Science. He has always been a lover of nature and has a passion for sustainability and justice. He joined CforSE to learn more about sustainable energy and local issues in Fort Collins. And through CforSE he works to organize, educate, and connect with citizens to make a positive impact here in Fort Collins.

mark lynch

Mark is from Cranford, New Jersey and graduated from The College of New Jersey with a degree in education. In his studies he focused on community based education and environmental education. His interests include societal inclusion, sustainable energy, and local government policy. He is excited to join CforSE in supporting Fort Collin’s transition to sustainable energy.

Emma Freeman

My name is Emma Freeman and I joined the CforSE team in 2024 after moving to Fort Collins with my husband, Jacob. I'm originally from Tallinn, Estonia, but moved to Texas to study at the University of Texas, where I double-majored in Geography and Sustainability with a pathway focus in Natural Resource Management. I am pursuing a Masters in Environmental Science and my field of primary interest is climatology; I am deeply interested in paleoclimatology and the ever-evolving study of anthropogenic climate change, and am invested in understanding and mitigating our environmental footprint, both as individuals and as a community. I am passionate about fighting for a future where we have divested completely from fossil fuels and am honoured to serve my community by making this my livelihood. I look forward to knocking on your door!

Ciara Mylen

Ciara is currently a CSU student finishing her bachelor's in Zoology. She joined CforSE with a mission to better understand the influence of people on the ecosystem. CforSE provides an opportunity for learning about renewable energy that allows for a cleaner, healthier environment as well as many other life long skills. Ciara enjoys hiking, playing piano, and enjoying time with friends. 

cory miller

Cory is from Denver, Colorado, and currently attends CSU for a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. He grew up exploring the Rocky Mountains, where he gained his love for and sense of interconnection with nature. His creativity is displayed through his original music and poetry, which has always been a big part of his life. His passion for sustainability and preservation goes beyond Colorado, as he is also interested in coral preservation and coastal waste management. As a business student, Cory looks to use the skills he’s learned to make sustainability a priority wherever he lands.

grassroots Organizers

Grassroots Organizers are the foot soldiers of democracy. Each canvasser knocks on 60 doors per day, contacting 40 people to raise awareness of local energy issues and organize individuals’ concerns into a united voice to influence decision makers. Talking to people, face to face, is irreplaceable for building community and bringing us together to make a better world. 

Want to join the CforSE team? 

We pride ourselves on professionalism. To be hired as an organizer one must demonstrate a sincere commitment to creating a more sustainable community, be able to learn and communicate the details of our campaigns, and must possess a strong work ethic to leave a positive impression with every citizen contacted. Organizing is an excellent tool to develop communication skills and learn what makes a community tick.  The satisfaction an organizer derives from inspiring individuals and playing an active role in creating positive social change is incomparable.

EMAIL cforse.fred@gmail.com FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Organizing with CforSE is a unique opportunity to make a difference, have fun, and grow as a person. This is what some of the CforSE staff and alumni have to say:

“Working at CforSE was an amazing opportunity for me not only to gain valuable experience in my career, but to contribute to work that genuinely matters in my local community. It helped teach me that remedying complex issues like climate change starts at the local level with grassroots democracy, and that there is widespread support for action on clean energy. I learned so much about community engagement and renewable energy policy and my career since CforSE has undoubtedly been shaped by this knowledge. It was also the most fun, collaborative team I have had the privilege of working with. I have so many great memories of chatting with Fred and other co-workers in the Stay Puft Marshmallow Van!” Jackson Littlewood, Field Manager 2022-23. Current Masters in Global Politics, London School of Economics

“Working with CforSE was an amazing experience and a turning point in my life. Fred is an amazing leader who has found a unique way to mesh valuable life-lessons with canvassing and he truly cares about his staff. This form of canvassing is hard work; but it is an incredibly rewarding experience and I would strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a career in advocacy, politics, or local government. The work itself is far above similar jobs, you get to go home every night with newfound motivation and a real sense of purpose.” Dakota Sharette, Field Manager 2018-2019. Current state development director, Idaho Democratic Party.

"After canvassing with CforSE I did Peace Corp in Kenya and saw the immediate effects of climate change. People are dying, NOW. I returned to the states even more dedicated to the cause of environmental activism. Working for CforSE is the foundation my future is built on. As an Environmental Lawyer, I will probably be working for an NGO, fundraising will still be a big part of my work. Remembering to work from a community point of view will be very important in helping me pick which projects to focus on. At the end of the day, I hope to be like Fred; picking and choosing my battles, so I can help change the world, one step at a time." Julia Muench, canvassed 2010-2011. Graduate, Vermont Environmental Law School

"Working with CforSE gave me skills and experience to get me where I am today (Operations Manager for the Advancement Office at Interlochen Center for the Arts). I learned how to talk to anyone, anytime - and that philanthropy is an opportunity for those who care about a cause."  Angela Morino, canvassed 2007-2009

"Canvassing has helped me mature and become more proactive. It has taught me the benefits of hard work in a way I don't think that I could have learned doing any other skill or trade. All this while exploring and getting to know my native Colorado in a fun and productive way! I am grateful for my experience with Fred and CforSE."  Jared Ross, canvassed 2009-2013

"Canvassing wasn't just a job. It taught me how to build authentic connections with people from all walks of life. The camping trips were my favorite "office" ever - work hard, play hard is epitomized by canvassing all week then going to a weekend bluegrass festival!" Chantel Havre, canvassed 2010-2012. Location Director, Symmetry360 Massage

"I had a blast traveling Colorado with CforSE and meeting and working with such cool people. I dig CforSE’s grassroots approach and working on local issues to make a difference in people’s everyday lives." James Dupray, canvassed 2009-2011. Greenpeace Senior Teamleader. 

"There were times when I was so overwhelmed by peoples’ kindness, open-mindedness, and optimism that I would leave a porch with tears of gratitude in my eyes and I had several 10 minute conversations I will never forget." Darcy Donnellan, canvassed winter/summer 2013

"I'll never forget the invaluable lessons I learned about grassroots democracy and I'll never forget what I learned about myself. I've since taken these lessons into all aspects of my life with great success." Eric Palmer canvassed summer 2012. Research scientist CSU, Microbiology

"Yes We Can Save OUR Earth. Don't let them fool you, working together we can make the changes we need to make sure our kids have a future. Join the team working to organize our sustainable transformation right here in Fort Collins." Dave Van, canvassed 2014 - 2015. Previous ACORN organizer

2023 Organizers

Daisy schaub

Daisy is from Fort Collins, Colorado, and is currently a senior studying Environmental Sociology and Political Science at CSU. Her interests include social research, environmental policy, and painting. Fort Collins is near and dear to her heart and she loves being able to work on local sustainability through CforSE!

Abby Jordan

Abby is from Fort Collins, Colorado and graduated from CSU with a degree in Theatrical Design and Technology. After hopping from coast to coast for two years working in theatre, she realized her passion lay more in helping people and the planet. She has also worked in the service industry and for several nonprofits. She loves that at CforSE she gets to learn about the nitty-gritty of how our democracy functions. Her favorite conversations at the door are ones where she gets to empower citizens to use their voice and teach fun facts about current developments in sustainable energy. 

jackson littlewood

Jackson Littlewood grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado, in close proximity to the mountains and nature in general. He is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin where he studied political science. His bachelor's thesis focused on international relations, specifically on explaining variations of attitudes towards China in South Korea. He has always been interested in political issues, especially those relating to the environment. Therefore, it's been incredibly rewarding to him to have the opportunity to organize for CSE.

SHelby Weder

Shelby is from St. Petersburg, Florida and spent most of her childhood at the beach along the Gulf of Mexico. She is nearing the end of her bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics at CSU. Growing up on the ocean sparked her interest in environmental and social issues at a young age. Her interests of study include forestry, water, and sustainability. Shelby’s role in research and organizing for CforSE has only fueled her passion and given her the opportunity to utilize her skills in a rewarding way for the community and environment. 

Telly Jacobs

Telly recently graduated from University of Massachusetts Amherst with degrees in Ethics and Social Change and Legal Studies. While an undergrad, Telly spent a lot of their time with the UMass Marching Band and working for a women-run fruit farm focused on ethical and local food production. Telly and their cat Vanessa moved to Northern Colorado to begin law school at University of Colorado in the fall. Telly’s hobbies include yarn crafts, reading, and playing music. They have always been interested in social issues and advocacy and they’re excited to learn about local environmental issues and advocate for positive change in their new community! 

Allison Clark

Allison is from Golden, Colorado, and moved to Fort Collins to study Ecosystem Science and Sustainability at Colorado State University, and because she wanted to stay close to the mountains! She is currently in her senior year and hopes to use her degree to improve the relationship between people and the natural environment by making ecosystem science accessible to all through inclusive language, citizen science projects, and strong community and environmental connections. She is therefore very grateful to work for a grassroots organization that shares her values and aspirations and provides her with an opportunity to put her ideas into practice and make a real difference in the world.

2022 Organizers

Torrey Egan

Torrey Egan is originally from Arvada, Colorado and moved to Fort Collins to attend Colorado State University. She is nearing the end of her bachelor's degree in Environmental Sociology with a minor in Global Environmental Sustainability. Torrey has always had a great passion for the environment and nature as her long-term hobbies include hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and traveling. Her love for animals, specifically dogs, has emphasized and shaped her respect for living things. Working with Community for Sustainable Energy has been the perfect combination of environmental and social advocacy that Torrey wants to promote throughout her life.

Tristan Jones

Tristan was born and raised in Wichita, KS where he studied computer science. After witnessing the power of grassroots action during Occupy Wall Street, he became committed to justice for all sentient beings. When he is not advocating for farm animals online, he can be found cycling the trails around FoCo or sampling front range culture. Tristan believes that ecological justice is a moral imperative and hopes to help create a more fair world through campaigning for sustainable energy.

Ben James

Ben James is a human dimensions of natural resources major at Colorado State University. His primary hobbies include snowboarding, exploring the outdoors, and producing music. As a southwestern Colorado Native, he has spent the majority of his time at his reservation and has grown a strong passion for managing natural resources. Ben recognizes that clean energy development is necessary to protect the biological systems that support a variety of communities. His dream is to learn more about clean energy systems and to one day take his knowledge back to his nation. This pushes him to be a strong advocate for CforSE and everything we stand for. Sustainability is the way of the present and the future!

Sascha Tymchyshyn

Sascha grew up in Venice Beach, CA until the age of twelve when his family moved to Savannah, GA. Living on both coasts further encouraged his love for nature. He graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Dramatic Writing. His senior feature film screenplay featured an arctic fox who united the animals of the Alaskan arctic to fight oil and gas projects that were ruining their ecosystem. Sascha has always been an outdoor enthusiast. Most of his prior work was in the service industry where he enjoyed meeting locals and tourists from all over the world, but always wanting to do something a little more meaningful. Organizing for CforSE has been very rewarding for him because he gets to meet people from all walks of life who live in Fort Collins and unify them for a good cause.