Outline of the Initial Thinking for HRTI's Development

1) Set up a Steering Group -January, 2009

Establish an initial team to get the process started and design its demise from the outset. Initial team disbands once the sub-groups are formed.

2) Raise Awareness – Ongoing

Films, events and presentations can alert the community of the potential effects of both peak oil and climate change.

3) Lay the Foundations -Ongoing

Build connections to existing organizations. Coordinate with other initiatives and sustainability groups.

4) Organize a great Unleashing- Fall 2009

A memorable event that announces the Transition Initiative to the community. All members of the community are encouraged to participate.

5) Form Sub-Groups

Set up a number of smaller groups to focus on specific aspects of local life, tapping into the collective skills, resources and creativity of the community. Sub-groups might include food, energy, housing, economics and business.

6) Use Open Space Meetings

An innovative meeting strategy that encourages creativity, intelligence and problem solving. “ Unleashing the collective genius of the community”.

7) Develop Visible Manifestations

Demonstrate that the Transition Initiative has the determination and skills to implement practical visible solutions.

8) Facilitate The Great Reskilling

We have lost much of our knowledge of how to take care of our most basic needs. Subgroups hold training events on practical skills such as growing and preserving food, home energy efficiency, building techniques.

9) Build a Bridge to Local Government

Work with village, township, county and state agencies to gain support, funding, and maximize efforts.

10) Honor the Elders

The elders remember how our town functioned as a community. Their experience of life before cheap oil, during the depression, during the wars, is a tremendous resource to be gained and shared.

11) Create an Energy Descent Plan

Define, as a community, a plan for living with decreasing oil dependency. Addressing specific community needs and strategies while accounting for economic and environmental conditions.