Open Space write up (UK conference May-07)

Specific Topic Training for transitioning communities

 

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

Proceedings

The first point to note is that there is a group within the Transition Network devising a training strategy and a programme of courses for the points below.

The training needs to cover the 3 steps of running a Transition Initiative:

  1. Setting up the initiative
    • train the core group
    • need to focus on using the core group's time well
  2. Expanding the initiative
    • train the focalising group [or subgroups, or transition groups according to your terminology - Ed]
    • running meetings
    • project support and planning
      • to include: avoiding burnout, active encouragement
    • skilling up for powerdown
    • giving people the skills to promote the message positively and effectively
  3. Doing the Transition
    • Training in the new paradigm and shifting from the old
      • EDAP
      • permaculture [would also be useful at the earlier stages - Ed]
      • energy projects
      • it's all about having fun doing sustainable things
      • there are lots of people with existing skills and knowledge that could used for skills transfer right away

Sharing best practice

This too is a type of training, or skills transfer. This could be effected by:

  • Using blogs covering specialty areas
    • say what went well and what could have been better
  • Transition Network keeping a register of good trainers
  • Setting up Forum for discussion of topic [Forum exists, though some functionality needs to be opened up in order for it to be more usable, I've made the requests and I believe they're in someone's to do list... - Ed]

Characteristics of "good education"

  • First requirement is to "de-school society
  • Create "learning webs"
    • provide access to resources
    • find others to share knowledge
    • make the challenge known to the public
  • We need to connect things, concepts, peer groups, elders
    • Andy from Permaculture Association UK has further details [conference attendees should have his email address from the list I sent around - Ed]
  • Use the internet with Forums and blogs to increase inclusion

Financing training

  • To maximise inclusivity and sustainability, it should be a mix of charging people and assisted places and/or courses
  • Funding for development of training would be a significant help

Some other ideas and points

  • Should the training should be delivered at Transition Colleges/Unis or on site? [How about both/and? - Ed]
  • Fete
  • Hard copy of the website information [hard copy of Transition Initiatives Primer is in the pipeline - Ed]
  • How does all of this work with people who don't have computers????
  • Penwith has funding to roll out the transition model across Cornwall

Other trainings we can learn from

  • Staffing a stall
    • Alice in Teme Valley - the training was for 1/2 day for volunteers covering:
      • responding to questions
      • signpost people

Editor questions

I wasn't sure about the following points - if anyone can enlighten me, I'll incorporate them intelligently above:

  • Template package
  • Design busy people out of the process
  • Will reskilling put people out of jobs?