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
