Think of what it takes to plant seeds in a garden in order to make them grow and flourish. There's the soil, with the right mix of organic matter and nutrient-rich micro organisms. Then there are the seeds which need the right amount of water and sunlight to germinate and grow into healthy plants.
So too does any sort of significant social change require similar conditions to work. A transition model is built around communities who wish to build sustainability, lower CO2 emissions and build resilience. These are useful aspects to incorporate into any community considering peak oil, climate change, peak debt and rising food prices.
So how do we go about cultivating seeds where a transition culture can be nurtured? There's no right or wrong way to build a transition network, it's more a process of trial and error (and embracing failure and learning from it). I've outlined some of the seeds we need to plant in order to begin growing a transition network for change. Here they are:
Awareness: this can involve doing something different to change people's perception of the way things "should be." This might mean installing solar panels on your roof and then telling your neighbors about the benefits thereof. It could mean coming together in your local community to create a unique vision for the future. Or it could entail communicating with someone to understand how they've successfully implemented a change policy, or a way to live independently from fossil fuels.
I believe, even a questioning process (one I use in personal development coaching with my clients) can be a very effective form of raising awareness because it requires one to contemplate or reflect on the way one thinks, acts or communicates. This is often the starting point to implementing necessary action that will take your vision into the future.
Vision: if you can't imagine a world without non-renewable energy resources it's almost impossible to design it. With relevant design comes relevant vision. Any transition initiative would involve creating a holistic vision of the future where anything is possible. The outcomes of this vision need to be neatly aligned with the betterment of all involved.
Ask yourself the question; if you had to wake up in the year 2030, what would you like to see around you? Would it be an environment operating on low carbon emissions, would you like to see more resilient communities, or would it be community sharing programs or local food programs that you would like to see implemented etc?
Authentic communication: here's what's at the heart of authentic communication - empathy, respect, compassion and trust. This involves building partnerships where people's fundamental needs can be met. It involves really listening to one another, hearing what the other person has to say, understanding their perspective and working to meet each others needs.
It also means allowing people the space and time to express their feelings, needs and desires and to relate that back to the overarching theme of what you're trying to achieve. This will give you a sense of "placement" - how people see themselves fitting in. This builds connection, trust and resilience.
Creativity: creativity can be used as an effective tool to help people engage, not only with each other, but with the process of change itself. We all have unique skills and talents that can be integrated and applied for the good of the whole, so why not utilize them?
Imagination is a powerful element for change. Use your imagination to create the more abundant future you and your community desire. Think of a child painting or drawing. There's no limit as to what range of color, shape or texture they can use. So let your imagination run wild to generate creative insights and solutions to pressing concerns within your community. Creativity may not need to be generated in relation to a problem. An idea could just emerge out of the creative process itself that has a significant impact on the way you do things.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, there's no right or wrong way to sow the seeds of a transition network and culture. I've merely outlined some pointers for you to initiate the change you wish to see in your local environments and communities. It's up to you to take it further.
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