Engaging the community – the core of transition Transition Training 2007

Some questions Why do we awareness raise? How does engagement happen? Who are we trying to reach? How many do we need to reach?

Why awareness raise? The messages in the media are profoundly contradictory and confusing The Transition message is clear and helpful: PO + CC = Systems rethink Transition has a big vision and needs many people to make it work

Stages of change Transition Training 2007

Pre-contemplation Contemplation Preparation Change Who needs what? “Keep going?” “Something else?” “What will I do? and how?” What needs doing? Is there a problem? Talks, films, information! Peak oil films, 11 th hour Detailed reasons for change, and solutions Re-skilling; ; transition teams; bus timetables Support, company celebrations, deepening work

Who is in your “community?” Transition Training 2007

Interested in different topics Housing / built environment Energy Education Food, land

Different cultures or countries White UK Irish BME Muslim Other social / demographic breakdowns – class, age..

Style of learning / engaging Physical – digging, cycling.. Kinaesthetic – senses, auditory, touch Emotion – feelings, connection Mental - talks, books, articles

Values and Motivations Personal security Loyal to family / social group Entrepreneurs Collective well being

When are people available? Working weekSome evenings? Weekends Looking after childrenDaytime; creche will help out of school hours Part time workersSome day / evenings RetiredDaytime and evenings

The “End of Suburbia effect”. “Healthy functioning requires that we have faith that our needs will be met in the future; without this confidence, our trust in the world is damaged. Winter, D.D. & Kroger, S.M. (2004) The Psychology of Environmental Problems. New Jersey, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Transition Training 2007

How many do we need to reach? Awareness raising Splash! 5 – 10%? 400 came to Totnes launch First year Sep 2006 Rippling out! Bring in natural supporters Second year Sept 2007 Consolidation Create a solid centre. Keep changes going Third year Sept 2008 Reaching out Outreach work to precontemplation

How many do we need to reach? Change is non-linear! Between 15 – 20% can create the tipping point Social connectors help to widen and bridge External changes are working in your favour??

Understanding some underlying dynamics will help Motivational Interviewing Change models Transition Training 2007

Home Groups – maintaining and sustaining Transition Training 2007

Designing a programme Month-> Stage SepOctNovDec Pre-contEnd of sub + discussion Power of community + discussion ContemplnThe future of food PreparationEnergy saving wshop Insulate your home ChangeLaunch home groups Low carbon christmas fair