Open Space write up (UK conference May-07)

Specific Topic Working with the Mainstream

 

Overarching question How do we sustainably expand and support the network of communities working on transition?

Proceedings

  • It's important to recognise that "mainstream community" is actually a lot of different separate and often overlapping communities
  • Some businesses are much more aware than the public about Peak Oil and Climate Change because it will affect them personally and in business. However, even with this knowledge they're mainly market-driven and want profit above all.
  • There's a danger of businesses following a superficial "marketing" response to CC and PO
  • It's crucial to show evidence that these challenges can present business opportunities
  • We have to go out to businesses, we can't expect them to come to us
  • We have to talk their language if we're presenting to them
  • Alert businesses to the fact that they are far more dependent on plastics and oil than they might be aware
  • Can we set up presentations and workshops?
  • It's useful to try to involve the Chamber of Commerce
  • Can we help them with their business plans - this could be a revenue generator for transitioning communities
  • Small businesses and big businesses are very different, and within each we see the full continuum of open minds all the way through to close minds
  • Can we encourage consumers to buy less, but buy better?
  • Rising fuel prices will/may reverse the trend for long distance trade
  • Should we be talking to unions?
  • Talking with the mainstream is seeing just how far the transition process can s-t-r-e-t-c-h
  • Within a transition initiative, it may be best to go first for the smaller businesses. That way you get your easy wins first, and can build on them.
  • Check out the "Natural Step" for businesses as a model for transformation
    • find the pressure point
    • evoke an emotional response - eg people don't like the idea of animals dying from eating plastic (viz Modbury in Devon and their plastic bag free town)
  • We need to adopt a systems approach - get experts and paid specialists into their businesses to tailor the analysis rather than to present "off the peg" solutions to tell them what to do.
  • "What if" scenarios can be useful - what happens if oil hits $150 a barrel? What kind of assumptions underpin their business plans?
  • If they do engage, make sure to get their answers and solutions so that they can be adopted/adapted by others