Transition Towns WIKI

Open Space write up (UK conference May-07)

Proceedings

Editor note: I've included several points from an allied session covering "The economics of Transition".

The key reason for raising funds was considered to be rewarding contributions. The other group considered, similarly, that it's important that transitions create employment in order to be sustainable, and that to help this, people will have to value themselves and consider their contributions worthy of financial reward.

Organisational issues

• Crucial elements of this are:
  • a legal structure that funders are comfortable with
  • a bank account
  • terms of reference

Coordination issues

• It's possible that transitioning communities may find themselves competing for funds
• To address this, there needs to be some kind of coordination within and between groups. The Transition Network has a potentially significant role here.
• We need to be aware that there's a tension between topdown Network vs local sovereignty. There's a benefit from having a common name and a common network, but that must allow for diversity rather than homogeneity.

Potential funders - National

• Awards for all
• Esmee Fairbairn [already engaged at the Network level - Ed]
• JustGiving.co.uk

Potential funders - Local

• Local trusts
  • no conflict with other communities
  • CVS - Council of Voluntary Service
  • need to market ourselves to them
• Local authorities and councillors
  • kick off an awareness raising campaign with them
  • find individuals that you can inspire (not just lobbying)
  • investigate whether they can second officers to the transition efforts
  • try to get start up core costs covered by the council
  • go straight to the top - write to the Chief Exec
• Local businesses:
  • sponsorship opportunities
• Donation box at events
• justgiving.co.uk
• Standing orders - will need a proper organisation with bank account