Kimberly Rawson

We all know someone who has had COVID-19, and we all know someone who has been on the front lines facing this disease – medical staff, food and other service workers, and teachers. I would like to introduce you to a woman who during this pandemic: has fought the disease personally; has been a front line teacher; and an educational and environmental advocate at the community, state and national levels – Ms. Kimberly Rawson.

Kim, a single Mom, was very sick (undiagnosed) for a month during the early spring days of the pandemic. Missing very few days to the disease, she would gather her energies during the day for on-line because it was important to her to maintain a positive attitude and a consistent routine for her students.Several weeks into the school year her children contracted COVID-19, and her school transitioned to remote. All recovered, but being the first within their small community to be diagnosed with the disease, local folks were initially scared of her family and this promoted even more of a feeling of isolation for Kim and children.

Kim Rawson, my nominee for the “Women of the Pandemic Award” has not only survived this pandemic year in a truly personal and professional manner; she has found the time and energy to actually lead, inspire and champion innovative actions that address the root causes of the COVID-19 pandemic – over-exploitation of natural and non-renewable energy resources and environmental degradation linked to climate change. Please support this nomination of an extraordinary woman.

Nonetheless, Kim not only persevered as mother and teacher, she also found the time to provide ongoing support for the following community, state and national challenges during the pandemic:

• Renewable Energy Committee for the town of Waterville Valley – Most recently securing Ameresco to conduct a professional grade energy audit.
• NEA – NH Government Relations Committee – endorsed federal and state candidates during the early days of the pandemic right into the fall of 2020. 2021 brought legislative battles against vouchers, union busting and discriminatory bills. Kim personally lobbied local representatives and senators and facilitated a regional meeting with legislators and constituents.
• Waterville Valley Democratic Town Chair – Ran ads and organized around the election of democrats at the local and state level for the November election of 2020.

Climate Protectors – Kim serves as the facilitator of a powerhouse group of women climate justice advocates on renewable/community energy policy, sustainable environments, education and voting/working rights.  Most recently helping to frame a new network with the Protectors allying with the Kent Street Coalition, Citizens Climate Lobby, League of Conservation Voters, 350NH, and a number of legislators and other advocates forming the NH Environment, Energy and Climate Network.