Introducing.... Transition Towns! Notes from January 31st

On January 31st, 2010, approximately 50 people filled the space of the Downtown Bookstore, Owen Sound, for an introduction presentation on Transition Towns.  The hope was to increase awareness of the local economic situation,  introduce the concepts connected with the rapidly growing Transition movement, and determine local interest in future organizing around the model.  Shane Jolley, Anna Jean Bradley and Sean McGivern gave presentations followed by a Q&A discussion.

To summarize; the energy was high, and the interest was great! 

During the gathering, attendees wrote responses to the following questions sticky-notes - these are the responses. There are many and definitely worth the read!

1.  What challenges or obstacles do you see to increasing our community's resilience?

• local/provincial building codes
• insurance restrictions on building design/heating solutions
• increase in local wages to afford local goods over stuff produced overseas and available at Wally World
• transportation - car reliant communities
• my own fear
• our city government
• laws against micromanaging
• lack of railroads
• worsening bus service
• human greed
• I get frustrated with lazy people that don't seem to care about how their lifestyle is contributing to so many issues concerning the environment.  I would like people that want change to stay committed and persistent.
• poverty: people of low income need low-cost items.  When you only have $200/month to feed your family.
• government policies and procedures
• government mindsets
• rural nature of community requires travel, and the weather requires heat
• local manufacturing - having sources for parts locally
• old thought patterns
• winters are cold - makes it hard to not drive and to grow our own food
• local/regional/national/unilateral government, winter seasons, sustainable agriculture, sharing
• education, community connections, and $$$ funding
• attitudes and fear
• disconnect to place, earth, each other.  Vested interest in status quo.  Economic focus on profit/growth.  Linear economic growth vs. cyclical systems.
• large vehicles, cheap gas, packaging
• disbelief, disconnection, despair, we're absorbed in day-to-day struggle, perceived start-up cost barriers
• the large distance between homes, jobs, people.
• learning how to talk to each other
• minimal regional transportation
• zoning regulations need to change re: allowing small business in homes downtown - this area is central and within easy walk from both ends of city
• lack of transportation, lack of respect and attentiveness for the safety of those who chose to non-motorized modes of transportation
• some legislation, fear, hopelessness
• current mindset of "How do I make money?", government regulations, general public fear of change
• big business (EXXON), government interferences/incentives, global economics(environmental), people (takers vs givers), me (interest/time)

2.  What are you inspired by or excited about?

• people's energy to work toward change in a positive way
• I am so glad that there are so many people in this community that want to see change - I have realized that being environmentally conscious can easily become part of my lifestyle, and I can model my actions to others.
• United Way's community gardens help feed the soup kitchen
• the very positive approach (optimism), the creation of community, alleviation of loneliness, the do-ability of the plan
• Anna Jean, time - it's running out, and our future generations
• better bonds within the community, strength
• amount of interest in this community, Shane J
• these ideas for community meetings
• Hooplah!  Celebrations of how we want to live
• the people connections, learning the whats and hows, going forward
• community-positive actions of others
• the size and global aspect of the transition movement
• living closer to the earth
• number of people here today!
• idea of creating conscious choice rather than waiting in fear
• interconnections I can see in this room already, before anything has even taken structure
• positive vision, hope, caring, sharing
• today's turnout, the momentum, all the groups and people already in action
• seeing more micro-business in downtown - let's create a vibrant downtown community (easy walk from all parts of city), downtown-in houses-artisan-Kensington market
• building skills (practical hands-on), grow more food, consume less make more
• people coming out and helping and searching for community
• many, many potlucks
• the number of people interested
• community-building/sharing
• Thomas Malthus, sustainability, Peruvian organic community
• gradual embracing of local culture and arts, local food movement
• proper education/truth/knowledge - so we may make clear changes, substitution (oil vs. alternatives), increase self-sufficiency and promote our own ideas
  

3.  How can you see yourself getting involved? Is there something you want to offer?

• skill sharing, re-use trading post
• insertion of ideas/energy into schools
• skilling workshops, garden support, community arts, hard questions, party at my place
• if there is a committee on ride-sharing I will join
• help organize TT meeting in Wiarton
• create weekly craft group in my community to encourage traditional craft skills and communicate deliberately with others these ideas
• I would like to be more involved in community projects geared towards helping our community become more eco/environmentally friendly.  I think it is also important to get this message to younger generations - fresh ideas, very influential, they are the future
• I am working on stopping the expansion of the West Road up the peninsula - I am interested in finding out more about smart growth
• good attitude, share, generosity of spirit
• food production experience and organizing
• writing articles, research
• change thinking in our children
• I have a giant Victorian home that I would like to continue to live and create a small artisan business-zoning will not allow employees or sign
• design ideas and muscle for buildings, structures and landscapes handmade local objects
• barter system, local dollar without inflation, sharing models - ride share, re-training
• offer River Cafe for meetings, interest in developing local bakery
• knitting, sewing, gardening/sustainable practices, Xeriscaping, childcare, muscle for any project, enthusiasm, teaching/facilitating, self-taught herbal/non-toxic home and beauty products
• energy, enthusiasm, commitment, "heart" activities
• organizational skills, supply food and drink for meetings, spread the word, teaching others, environmentally friendly home for tour
• buy local, carpool, garden - expand and work, stay-cation
• What do you need?  If it is on a "soul-ular" level I can provide: time, energy, creativity, input, output, etc
• space sharing
• media/writing work, networking, food contracts
  

Thanks for all those who attended and signed up to stay connected or get more involved.

Feel free to use these ideas as a launch to discussions!  Keep your eyes and ears out for upcoming meetings, film showings, skill-sharings, potlucks and more!