I think the idea is solid. All I would change is the contest. Rather than spend valuable resources in different areas, do some demographics/socio-economic/awareness evaluation on several 'possible neighborhoods then pick one and do it. As for the 'mavens' that might actually be the best place to start, because not all neighborhoods have these, and of the ones that do you might find someone with legit power and an open mind to PO. For example, there is a man in the Mississippi area named Tony Hopson who owns and runs Self Enhancement Inc., he's a powerful community member/land owner/champion of the underdog. If you got him on board you might instantly take over the area. From there you can patent the model, so to speak and move outward.Just my $.02.

I'm going to make a few suggestions.

1 - Contact some neighborhood association presidents or board members and ask them, based on their experience in getting people's attention, what message best motivates neighborhood residents to get involved and attend association sponsored or endorsed events?

2 - Some schools promote civic involvement through various activities. This venue might be a good resource for door to door activities.

3 - John Noel (VP-Sunnyside Neighborhood Association) and I have decided that monthly articles in our neighborhood newsletter, would be the best way to get people thinking about promoting a sustainable culture in a post peak oil environment. A monthly sustainability column will be our venue. We are thinking that getting people familiar with CSA's might be our first article topic.

4 - PPO and its gathering place is a focal point for residents to get involved when they become ready for that level of participation. Although I initially endorsed neighborhood level meetings, I now think the best route might be to just use their newsletters to promote awareness. As awareness is built, the PPO meetings at St. Francis can be a meeting place.

5 - The term "peak oil" must be re-defined to something more easily identifiable to the average household.

6 - I think you're under the assumption that neighborhood association meetings are well attended. It's very rare that residents attend regularly. Good attendance is usually based on some property or security related issue. Once that issue is resolved, attendance drops. Sometimes, not even all the board members attend, so just realize that when you make your plans.

7 - Many neighborhoods have fairs. This venue would just be an annual event but they are usually attended quite heavily by the neighborhood residents.

8 - The Southeast area has an umbrella organization for neighborhood activities. It's called SEUL - Southeast Uplift. They will be a good resource for getting your message out. They are in the phone book. They may also know of other organizations like themselves for other Portland neighborhood regions.

9 - As I think of more helpful hints, I'll note them... Good luck as it's all about effective marketing. Robert

When we finally do make a plan for "Reaching Out" within neighborhoods, and lets say we need a flyer that makes sense to anyone reading it, I think it's important to point out trends they can mentally agree with.

Kind of the way we state the "WHEREAS" clauses in the resolution, we should have a simple one for passing out, with an invitation to learn what it all means. The information presented could include:

Economics -- Our Neighborhood is presently beholden to a chaotic energy market held captive by deregulation, price-fixing, and corruption.

Politics -- Our Neighborhood and every other Neighborhood's disproportionate reliance on fossil fuels from foreign sources detrimentally affects our national policies for energy and foreign affairs.

The environment -- Our federal government is intent on developing new energy sources by drilling for fossil fuels in places like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and off the coast of Northern California, and has even opened previously protected public lands to corporate energy interests without any public debate.

Technology -- Renewable energy technologies such as photovoltaic solar have advanced to the point of performing as well or better than traditional energy sources at increasingly lower cost.

Our Neighborhood's energy awareness and action will fuel greater production of renewable energy equipment, more dollars invested in technological improvements, and ultimately lower prices.

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Something like this, with a call to action about why it's so important, whatever you set up for your "Peak Oil 101" class to willing participants.

Thoughts?

Oh man I wish I could have been there for this group discussion! I'm so there with you folks.
When someone comes up with a good flier (is there a committe working on this? Can I help?) then I'm willing to flier all of Buxton and Banks, will need help in Forest Grove. Are there any folks reading this from these areas????
My head and heart are more than willing, and my feets can do the walkin'!!!
I can do copying too, and will donate some of the cost for that.
Grandma Misi