Notes from 10/25/05 Prep Group meeting
We developed a schedule for the “1st Wednesday” meetings that the prep group would facilitate. The schedule will alternate between a workshop one month, then a discussion group the following month focused upon everyone’s progress/challenges/questions in attempting to become more sustainable. (Informally referred to as the sustainability “support group”.) There may be a suggested area of sustainability to focus upon, such as food, energy, etc., or not. This allows the group to express themselves and support each other, building community and perhaps measuring progress and sharing resources.
The schedule we have developed so far runs through April. If needed, the December meeting can be “donated” for the other speaker the group is trying to get (sorry don’t remember who right now!)
12/7 - Support group
1/4 - Workshop on hand tool maintenance by Gary
2/1 - Support group
3/1 - Gardening topic workshop arranged by Jeremy
4/5 - Support group
We will continue to facilitate shorter workshops on the 1st Wednesday meetings, and longer ones can be scheduled outside of Wednesday meeting times.
Other topics discussed:
It was suggested that we stop using “peak oil” (i.e. coming from a fear-based or controversial position?) and instead use phrases such as “when gas is more expensive” or others which imply being sensibly thrifty, etc. We should appeal to people’s desires to save money, have fun, etc. rather than sounding alarmist for those who aren’t yet “believers.” !!
It was discussed that one of the most important things we can do is get neighborhood associations on board to whatever extent is possible as they are invaluable resources already in place for building community. There was a suggestion that we might give presentations to organizations like SE Uplift, then hopefully be invited to present at the different neighborhood meetings from that exposure. This topic needs further development.