Apr.
14th

From “somebody should” to “let’s get started”

By Tom | No comments yet

As with most “issue oriented” organizations, the Thurston Climate Action Team started with a series of discussion-oriented meetings to look at local actions that could be taken to reduce the effects of climate change, and what the roles of various sectors (local governmenets, citizens, businesses) might be in working toward that goal.  This discussion eventually led to establishing a mission statement and set of goals, and agreeing on priority areas to work on.  This allowed TCAT to narrow down its concerns into a set of “offers” it could make to the community in the areas of energy efficiency, transportation, and land use.  Group members also clearly expressed their focus on taking action locally to produce a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gases resulting from community activities.

One group that “self-organized” within TCAT was an education committee.  That group created two outreach and learning programs to engage both citizens and policy makers. 

One education effort became the Cool Thurston Campaign, modeled on the Low Carbon Diet program developed nationally by David Gershon and others.  This resulted in creation of over a dozen neighborhood teams working to improve their individual carbon footprints.   Each participant committed to carbon reduction targets, and reported regularly to the team. 

The other initiative targeted policy makers and business leaders in a series of educational events hosted by a local college.  Topics included national climate and energy policy, innovative financing of energy efficiency projects, transportation alternatives, and climate action plans.  These events used a combination of lecture and small group work focused on questions and challenges that were relevant and immediate. Participants were invited  to name “next steps” they intended to take.

In a sesne, TCAT was still engaging in lots of “talking.”  The difference was the conversations increasingly took the form of commitments to action and building partnerships.  City and county officials found themselves talking more about climate change, and hiring and assigning staff to work on it. They also increased their discussions on collaborating together on a wide range of issues, including climate change.

So this is how one local initiative started moving from “somebody should” to “let’s get started.”  Next time, I’ll discuss how this group started signing up partners in the region, and building financial support.

In the meantime, I invite you to share your own experiences and reflections on moving from talking to action.  Here are some questions that might help:

  • What was your most satisfying experience in taking action with others on a concern you were passionate about?  What do you think was the most important factor in its success?
  • What issue or concern in your organization or community would you like to see more action on?  What questions could you ask of others to get things moving?
  • What formal or informal learning experiences have you had that helped you get things done?  What made them especially practical and useful?

Have fun with these…I’m looking forward to your response, reflections and wisdom!

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Posted in climate change, collaboration, coordination, sustainability

Jan.
14th

From Talking to Doing: A Climate Change Case Study

By Tom | No comments yet

Folks passionate about a cause often find outlets for their energies by joining groups, attending meetings, and energetically expounding on their concerns and issues.  Converting the passion and sense of urgency around a cause or issue, into usable, practical action is gaining new prominence with the climate change movement.   There are pretty big reasons to be concerned and passionate about the threats associated with climate change.  How can the energy around this issue be harnessed and targeted in ways that produce concerted and effective action?  How can collaborative relationships be built among citizens, businesses, governments and NGOs to work toward solutions?

Over the past 18 months I’ve worked with a climate change organization which has done exactly that.  The Thurston Climate Action Team  has brought diverse  political leaders, companies, citizens and service organizations together to achieve the common goal of energy efficiency.  They did this starting with no money in the bank, no existing organization or track record, and limited community awareness of energy efficiency and climate change. Within those eighteen months they have:

  • Received  seed money contributions from four city governments, the county commissioners, and the local wastewater utility;
  • Been awarded $1.5 million in stimulus grants to fund an innovative community energy efficiency program.
  • Built a coalition of businesses, financial institutions, the local utility, building contractors, the economic development council,  local governments and others to promote energy efficiency.

 Key to the success of their work so far has been a set of very simple but powerful tools which helped them  convert talking to action.

  • They communicated a compelling vision for a new energy future,
  • They challenged potential partners– community organizations and institutions — to join in a bold county wide effort to dramatically improve energy efficiency,
  • They spoke in language local leaders understood, especially linking energy efficiency to cost savings and other benefits for the community, and
  • They made and followed up on specific requests and offers among themselves, and with potential partners.

 

In the next installments of my blog, I’ll expand on this story, covering some of the major stages in developing the program:

  • From “somebody should” to “let’s get started”– Early discussions, setting priorities, and initial outreach efforts
  • Expanding the reach –Recruiting partners and establishing identity.
  • From nice words to real money– Gaining financial support

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Posted in climate change, collaboration, coordination, sustainability