tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84300599893647988102024-02-19T10:20:38.414-06:00Transition HuntsvilleMoving toward resilience in the communities of Huntsville, AL.benjoeclarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566235939358784769noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430059989364798810.post-64568913790458820102012-02-13T11:37:00.004-06:002012-02-13T11:37:47.551-06:00We've MovedTo better serve our community, we have moved to another hosted website, <a href="http://transitionhuntsville.org/">transitionhuntsville.org</a>. Please update your bookmarks and feeds. We're excited to continue this learning experience.benjoeclarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566235939358784769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430059989364798810.post-7447231382677902992012-02-12T15:56:00.001-06:002012-02-12T15:56:59.172-06:00Local Foods Talk Feb. 16, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU16LHv7aUsNJifdM4pLTdziFeMU48SenSmiJ0vAL37lKL3BI6LwZeq-aTxMsBzD_ezlOABQIC0S5Q_mks2AKYQI7ruX8SZDEq8Fr3Mf1pRf5Ivzlhl4agKdbOGNtuzenA6I7zlGdRW6M/s1600/Meter+Local+Foods+Presentation+Flyer+Final+Hsv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU16LHv7aUsNJifdM4pLTdziFeMU48SenSmiJ0vAL37lKL3BI6LwZeq-aTxMsBzD_ezlOABQIC0S5Q_mks2AKYQI7ruX8SZDEq8Fr3Mf1pRf5Ivzlhl4agKdbOGNtuzenA6I7zlGdRW6M/s640/Meter+Local+Foods+Presentation+Flyer+Final+Hsv.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />benjoeclarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566235939358784769noreply@blogger.com0308 Fountain Cir SW, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA34.728502 -86.58649634.7268705 -86.588963499999991 34.7301335 -86.5840285tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430059989364798810.post-28174545512815049202012-02-12T15:50:00.001-06:002012-02-12T15:50:35.690-06:00Transition Catalysts Feb. 6, 2012This was the first meeting of the Transition Catalysts of Huntsville in 2012.
It was again hosted at Michele Sneed's classroom at Randolph School.
The main focus of this meeting was ratifying the mission statement.
We also began work on the working agreement and some initial awareness
raising events. More details after the break.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>In attendance was Michele Sneed, Alan Booker, Ben Clark, and Follin
Clark.<br />
<h2>
Event Ideas</h2>
<ul>
<li>Breadmaking workshop hosted by Alan</li>
<li>First film showing at a local restaurant. Next meeting will be held
at the restaurant to try it out.</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Catalysts Working Agreement</h2>
<div>
One of the major areas of work we want to complete by next meeting is to
produce a set of rules, or 'working agreement' to inform anyone who wants to
join the Transition Catalysts of Huntsville group. We discussed many
aspects of the rules including:</div>
<ul>
<li>Proceedures for the beginning of a meeting: Welcome is given and the
working agreement (rules of conduct) are read.</li>
<li>Decisions will be made based on consensus with training wheels.
This way we will try to come to a consensus where all present members of the
catalyst group agree on an action. If consensus is not initially found, time
will be spent answering the concerns of any member. After some time but during
the same meeting, a vote will be held to resolve the issue. A 70% vote will
carry the decision. We are willing to reassess, research, and attempt to reach
consensus.</li>
<li>Have a good message: speak with your best words and do not gossip.</li>
<li>Speak from a place of peace, not anger. When you are angry about something
happening, deal with the anger in your own place but remain respectful of the
rest of the group.</li>
<li>To be a part of the decision making process, you must be a stakeholder in
the group. This is done by agreeing to the working agreement and returning to
the subsequent meetings.</li>
<li>A mailing list will be utilized for new ideas and to help determine
direction.</li>
<li>Money requirements of the group will be covered on a volunteer basis. If
help paying for catalysts expenses is needed, the group will be notified. No
treasury at this time.</li>
</ul>
The complete rules will be distributed among the mailing list for review and editing.<br /><ul>
</ul>
<h2>
Possible Meeting Places</h2>
<div>
Part of the meeting was also spend brainstorming places we could meet in the
future.</div>
<ul>
<li>Americal Red Cross</li>
<li>Community Centers (good for smaller initiatives later)</li>
<li>Schools</li>
<li>Church buildings</li>
<li>Lowe Mill</li>
<li>Local restaurants that emphasize transition methods</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Other Notes</h2>
<div>
As a group we will put together a small brochure about what we are about. These
brochures will be posted in several places. Some ideas included:
<br />
<ul>
<li>Chamber of commerce</li>
<li>Libraries</li>
<li>Community bulletin boards - coffee shops, Earth Fare</li>
<li>Flying Monkey</li>
<li>Garden Cove</li>
<li>Dance groups</li>
<li>Starbucks ?</li>
<li>Foods for life</li>
<li>Grocery stores (indigenous, ethnic)</li>
<li>UAH, A&M, student activities</li>
</ul>
Part of this process will be moving to a registered domain to keep information
in a central place. We are also looking into a logo and information to put on
fliers and buisiness cards. A lot of exciting things are going on as we move
out of the group formation stages and start working for the community!</div>
<h2>
Next Meetings</h2>
<div>
Our first public event will be held on April 16 at the Tai Pan restaurant at
Governor's Drive and South Memorial Parkway. It will be a film viewing. Which
film will be discussed at our next catalysts meeting March 12. The meeting in
March will also be at Tai Pan so we can see how well it will work for our first
event. Sign up for the newsletter to keep updated with our meetings and events.
</div>benjoeclarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566235939358784769noreply@blogger.com0Randolph School, 1005 Drake Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35802-1099, USA34.7051859 -86.558336134.6921324 -86.5780771 34.718239399999995 -86.538595100000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430059989364798810.post-47774992187260640732012-01-28T09:50:00.001-06:002012-01-28T09:52:52.340-06:00Early 2012 Local EventsThere will be a <a href="http://www.lowemill.net/calendar/event/ZzZ2Y3R2ZXJuZnN0YnZxYzYyOTU1YzBsZXMgZ3JhY2ViaWxsaXRlckBt/1?start=1327773600&end=1327788000">Community Garden Seed Exchange Day</a> at the Lowe Mill in Huntsville Saturday, January 28, 2012. Seed swaps are a great way to broaden your vegetative and social exposure all in the local community. Lowe Mill is the location of a new <a href="http://www.lowemill.net/flying-monkey/community-garden">community garden</a> started in 2011. Come out and support local initiatives like this!<br />
<br />
The next class in the <a href="http://www.spiralridgepermaculture.com/?page_id=477">Backyard Permaculture Series</a> will be Saturday, February 4, 2012.<br />
<br />
Our next Transition Catalysts of Huntsville (mulling initiative) will meet February 6, 2012 again at Randolph to discuss ideas for events this year.<br />
<br />
Also check out the Local Foods talk: <a href="http://www.hsvgreenlink.com/blogs/2012/1/18/one-of-the-foremost-food-system-analysts-in-us-to-present-fi.html">Potential to Build Wealth & Health in Alabama</a> by Ken Meter hosted by several local food groups here in North Alabama (details found in the link). This talk will be February 16, 2012 at the Huntsville City Council Chambers.<br />
<br />
Keep your eye on the <a href="https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=transitionhuntsville%40gmail.com&ctz=America/Chicago">Transition Huntsville Calendar</a> for these and other events.benjoeclarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566235939358784769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430059989364798810.post-92045010592997856162011-12-24T14:47:00.004-06:002011-12-24T14:49:04.904-06:00Randolph School Meeting Approval thru April 2012Michele Sneed has secured approval for us to continue our Transition Catalysts meetings at her classroom at Randolph School. These meetings will be at 6:30pm on<br />
<ul>
<li>February 6</li>
<li>March 12</li>
<li>April 16</li>
</ul>
These meetings correspond closely to the <a href="http://transitionhuntsville.blogspot.com/2011/12/huntsville-backyard-permaculture-series.html">Huntsville Backyard Permaculture Series</a>. For the first meeting, remember to bring some ideas for activities during the 2012 year.Transition Huntsvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514429100159749818noreply@blogger.com01005 Drake Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA34.705846211993091 -86.55900478363037134.704214711993089 -86.561472283630366 34.707477711993093 -86.556537283630377tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430059989364798810.post-85725615495621574012011-12-24T14:42:00.002-06:002011-12-30T08:06:32.535-06:00Huntsville Backyard Permaculture Series in 2012For those interested in using sustainable practices in your backyard, check out the <a href="http://www.spiralridgepermaculture.com/?page_id=477">Huntsville Backyard Permaculture Series</a>. It is hosted by Michele Sneed and taught by Cliff Davis of <a href="http://www.spiralridgepermaculture.com/">Spiral Ridge Permaculture</a>. There were three courses in 2011 covering the basics of soil, water in the landscape, and edible forest gardens. The first three courses in 2012 will include:<br />
<ul>
<li>Gardens: Season Extension, Propagation, and Seasonal Chores (February 4)</li>
<li>Backyard Mushroom Farming (March 10)</li>
<li>Animals in the Landscape (April 7)</li>
</ul>
Hope you can join us for these valuable learning experiences.Transition Huntsvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514429100159749818noreply@blogger.com1414 Voekel Rd, Huntsville, AL 35811, USA34.791923 -86.50562734.790293 -86.5080945 34.793552999999996 -86.50315950000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430059989364798810.post-59549338599049248092011-11-18T15:53:00.001-06:002011-11-18T16:45:01.320-06:00Transition Mulling Nov. 7, 2011This was the third meeting to look at creating a Transition Initiative in Huntsville, Alabama.<br />
Details of the meeting after the break.<br />
<a name='more'></a>Location: Randolph School, classroom of Michele Sneed.<br />
<br />
Those in attendance:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51roRq0ieD9nOkbvqdnoUMClQ3hgvZWGReDOl7lOispPM9jJtJch8NSg2PJTlgtLoQXyIpOHdagfR6l1q4yCzk2qiKgssejinjXS0yCB2DJSaLnSIUeSuOjcN_pt9v29gXekpnW33WeA/s1600/DSC00778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51roRq0ieD9nOkbvqdnoUMClQ3hgvZWGReDOl7lOispPM9jJtJch8NSg2PJTlgtLoQXyIpOHdagfR6l1q4yCzk2qiKgssejinjXS0yCB2DJSaLnSIUeSuOjcN_pt9v29gXekpnW33WeA/s320/DSC00778.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Ethan Chew</li>
<li>Follin Clark</li>
<li>Ben Clark</li>
<li>Shannon McBride</li>
<li>Alan Booker</li>
<li>Michele Sneed</li>
</ul>
The main thrust of this meeting was to decide on a name for the group along with our mission statement. Talking notes from this portion of the meeting included:<br />
<h2>
Name</h2>
Transition Catalysts of Huntsville
<br />
<h2>
Tagline</h2>
Proactive individuals regenerating resilient communities.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGimQZZbL_WNCm6RN8TT914pVTx6p1Ht2frD2xVJfI3XzDgrBcBZ8_TxuO32nV2_Zojyadj8hjsHKiPQuMGMmxyWnVy4z7ebeKb5loFvvEdOAF9Gp6v_ngFp2M9E_7LWNFY2KflCeAi4/s1600/DSC00763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGimQZZbL_WNCm6RN8TT914pVTx6p1Ht2frD2xVJfI3XzDgrBcBZ8_TxuO32nV2_Zojyadj8hjsHKiPQuMGMmxyWnVy4z7ebeKb5loFvvEdOAF9Gp6v_ngFp2M9E_7LWNFY2KflCeAi4/s320/DSC00763.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
Mission Statement</h2>
“Local, handing down, preparing, health, equipping, educate, seed, sow, connection,
sustaining, heritage, weaving, resource base, preserving”.<br />
The goal is to work together for a year cultivating discrete transition initiatives in smaller groups throughout the area. This work will culminate in neighborhood parties near the end of the year, kicking off the more local initiatives. At that point, the Transition Catalysts group will hand off the job to a hub of interested individuals made up of members from each local initiative. This group will act as the Transition Hub for Huntsville, Alabama.
<br />
<h2>
Objective/Purpose</h2>
To catalyze resilient communities in the Huntsville area using the principles of the
Transition Town movement.<br />
From TT Primer – Initiate transition in Madison County area.
<br />
<h2>
Scope/Initial Goals/Core Values/Principles</h2>
<ul>
<li>Healthy Food</li>
<li>Community building and collaboration</li>
<li>Sustainability</li>
<li>Preservation of community knowledge</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Other items discussed</h2>
Shannon brought to our attention the work that had been started by the Green 13 group in compiling a <a href="http://transitionhuntsville.blogspot.com/2011/11/huntsville-green-13-report.html">report</a>. This report shows work the local government would like to change; some of these are goals for the transition initiative.<br />
Several other online resources were mentioned such as Huntsville Green Link and the Theory of Anyway, both put on our <a href="http://transitionhuntsville.blogspot.com/p/links.html">Links</a> page.<br />
Another item brought up but tabled to a later meeting is the setting of Foundational Principles to keep the group focussed.
<br />
<h2>
Group Assignment</h2>
At the close of the meeting, we all agreed to work on a draft of the mission statement. Its current draft is used for the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/transitionhuntsville.blogspot.com/p/about.html">About</a> page.<br />
Also, we agreed to brainstorm events to add/host for next year's calendar. That way we can increase activities in the community and begin the process of networking to start local initiatives. Ideas along the lines of speakers, movies, permaculture events, and reskilling workshops were suggested.benjoeclarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566235939358784769noreply@blogger.com0Randolph School, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA34.705846211993091 -86.55880093574523934.70503021199309 -86.560034935745236 34.706662211993091 -86.557566935745243tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430059989364798810.post-79810518577056099342011-11-10T13:34:00.001-06:002011-11-10T20:53:48.721-06:00Huntsville Green 13 ReportOver the last couple of years, a city government initiative called Green 13 has been working on many fronts to have Huntsville lead the country in sustainability. The <a href="http://www.hsvcity.com/green/final_report.php">final report</a> is posted from last year. It contains 100+ pages from various working groups. This report gives great insight into the areas of sustainability that are important to the local government. Beginning from these points would make a good start for the transition effort in Huntsville. The full report can be downloaded <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-vuGYKTaYO_MjM0YWZmYTItNDBhMS00ZDVlLTg2YTAtNzMxOTdiMjRjNWNi">here</a>.benjoeclarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566235939358784769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430059989364798810.post-69103323434349587112011-09-27T12:39:00.000-05:002011-09-27T12:40:07.145-05:00The Transition HandbookFor the quintessential treatment of the transition movement one would look no farther than the concept originator, <a href="http://transitionculture.org/about/">Rob Hopkins</a>. His book, <a href="http://www.greenbooks.co.uk/Book/211/The-Transition-Handbook.html"> The Transition Handbook: From oil dependency to local resilience</a> provides a great overview and structure for what transition is about. More after the break.<br />
<a name='more'></a><h1>
Overview</h1>
Transition involves increasing the resilience of local community. Since our ability to cope in difficult situations is dependent on others, community resilience is an often overlooked but crucial aspect of our lives. This book takes the reader through three aspects of transition.
<br />
<ol>
<li>The Head - explaining the need to do something</li>
<li>The Heart - motivating a positive response to the need</li>
<li>The Hands - describing current methods of response</li>
</ol>
Overall the book presents potentially disturbing information about climate change and peak oil in a way that prompts action rather than reaction.
<br />
<h1>
Meaningful Sections</h1>
The book is well laid out to present the a story of transition that is easy to get excited about. The first section did a great job explaining the reality of what the world currently faces. From a practical standpoint, the most meaningful chapter is the How to Start a Transition Initiative. This material builds upon all the chapters before to give steps and suggestions for actually doing something about the future. Most of this chapter is also included online at <a href="http://www.transitionnetwork.org/support/12-ingredients">12 ingredients</a> and <a href="http://www.transitionnetwork.org/support/7-buts">7 buts</a> for other reference. Further reading is suggested in the references section at the end of the book.
<h1>
Recommendations</h1>
I highly recommend this book for anyone desiring to know more about transition; particularly if they are interested in participating. The book makes use of many insert boxes to describe tools for transition. These boxes give guidelines to meeting methods, group games, and other pieces of advice for running a transition. However, these boxes and the side-bar quotes of the book make it less suitable as an ebook. While all the text is there, sometimes the flow can be broken by introducing a quote in the middle of a section.<br />
Overall this is a great book and will certainly be a great reference for any transition initiative.benjoeclarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566235939358784769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430059989364798810.post-30740545258470965042011-09-22T11:55:00.000-05:002011-09-22T11:55:22.258-05:00New Meeting Place for Oct/NovAs a more central location, we have received permission to meet in one of the classrooms at Randolph School on Drake Avenue in Huntsville. This will be our location for at least the next two meetings at 7:00pm on October 17 and November 7.<br />
The meeting will be in the kindergarten building in Room 5. Park in the circle at the front of the school and come into the one-story building closest to that circle.benjoeclarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566235939358784769noreply@blogger.com01005 Drake Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA34.7051859 -86.558336134.6986589 -86.568206600000011 34.711712899999995 -86.5484656tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430059989364798810.post-15624631632603278482011-09-21T07:47:00.002-05:002011-09-21T08:18:24.041-05:00The Handbook of Sustainability Literacy<p><a href="http://www.greenbooks.co.uk/Book/108/The-Handbook-of-Sustainability-Literacy.html">The Handbook of Sustainability Literacy: Skills for a Changing World</a> edited by Arran Stibbe is an ambitious book meant to introduce the reader (referred to as the learner in the book) to many aspects of sustainability. Its goal is to provide both an introduction and relevant activities to make the topic real for the learner. The book is actually a compilation of thirty-two articles on a plethora of topics. These topics include Ecocriticism, Advertising Awareness, Transition Skills, Permaculture Design, Systems Thinking, Greening Business, and many others. Check out the contents on the <a href="http://www.greenbooks.co.uk/Book/108/The-Handbook-of-Sustainability-Literacy.html">book's website</a> for the complete list. More review after the break.</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<h1>Overview</h1>
<p>The book seems to be geared toward a group setting. Perhaps a set of learners could methodically go through the articles completing the exercises that are suggested and get a pretty good introduction to various topics related to sustainability. The focus of most exercises is on discussion and self-reflection. Questioning your basic assumptions about the way things are and the way things should be is a goal that most of the articles advocate. While the few pages dedicated to each topic give exposure to the terms and their use, it naturally can only get the learner started in along the path. For the interested reader, the references at the end of each chapter provide further material to delve deeper into the topic.
</p>
<h1>Meaningful Sections</h1>
<p>Personally, some chapters were more engaging just because of my personal interests. The first chapter on Ecocriticism is a great start to the book and its three exercises would be a great solo start to the learning process. These exercises involve spending time questioning while watching TV, spending time in a natural setting, and reading poetry.
</p>
<p>My favorite chapter was on Materials Awareness. It provides a very mind-opening assessment of the pieces that go into the things we own, use, and throw away. While the exercise of meticulously analyzing each component of an everyday consumer product is daunting, just the mental process of thinking through the things we take for granted is meaningful. Many other parts of the book were interesting to me but with such a long list of topics, there would be a little something for everyone with interest in sustainability. Although I don't personally agree with all of the chapters, I appreciate their honest perspective on the subject.
</p>
<h1>Recommendations</h1>
<p>I think the book is best used as a group read for those wanting to get up to speed on a lot of topics in a short time. The format of the book would be very conducive to an e-reader so purchasing the book in that format is a good option. If you can find a group interested in going through it, I think the process would be very enlightening for everyone. The book is pretty good on its own but really needs the discussion aspect of it to complete the learning goal.
</p>
benjoeclarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566235939358784769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430059989364798810.post-82861529257315706932011-09-19T12:38:00.000-05:002011-09-19T12:38:48.815-05:00Local Food and Farm GuideCheck out the <a href="http://www.asanonline.org/huntsville_foodandfarmguide.pdf">Local Food and Farm Guide</a> (pdf) published by the <a href="http://www.asanonline.org/">Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network</a>. This is a great resource for those interested in local food and business. It includes information for farms for local produce, restaurants serving local food, and farmers markets.benjoeclarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566235939358784769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430059989364798810.post-70094898224177467182011-09-16T15:13:00.000-05:002011-09-22T11:46:46.526-05:00Transition Mulling Sept. 12, 2011This was the first mulling meeting for the effort to transition Huntsville to a more resilient place to live.<br />
Details of the meeting after the break.<br />
<a name='more'></a>Location:
Home of Michele Sneed
414 Voekel Road
Hunstville, AL 35811<br />
<br />
Those in attendance:<br />
<ul>
<li>Michele Sneed</li>
<li>Ben Clark</li>
<li>Follin Clark</li>
<li>Joel Hughes</li>
<li>Debra Hughes</li>
<li>Alan Booker</li>
<li>Rebecca Zurn</li>
</ul>
All attendees were a part of the Permaculture class which took place the previous Saturday at The Farmhouse at Springdale Farm.<br />
Our first order of business was for Michele to explain what she had in mind for the meeting.
A large sheet of paper was taped to the back of a door and post-it notes were provided to post ideas.
Being the first meeting, the main thrust was for each member to talk through their interests in the transition process in Huntsville.
Throughout the meeting Follin would take the suggestions and post them on the board for later documentation.
The meeting proceeded with several topics being discussed at various times; these are the topics and some conclusions reached in their discussion:<br />
<h1>
Localizing the Economy</h1>
<h2>
Government Policy Changes</h2>
Zoning changes - in order to facilitate resilient communities, it was suggested that typical single-use zoning would need to be modified.
Without municipal allowances to have commercial properties near and interspersed within residential communities, a long-distance (automobile) travel is necessitated.
To build walkability in a community, necessary shops must be close to the residents that use them.
One of the first steps in accomplishing this is by the use of zoning to allow those opportunities.<br />
Chicken laws - given the current restrictive nature of the Huntsville city ordinance regarding keeping chickens in a residential area (must be 150ft from another residence), keeping chickens within the city limits is not feasible.
A quick fix to this would be to show the city council members both a desire to have the law changed and examples of cities that have successfully relaxed chicken restrictions.
It was suggested that having a petition signing at a local store (such as Earth Fare) might improve the favor of this move in the eyes of the council.
<a href="http://handcraftedcoops.com/urban-chickens-laws-and-ordinances">List of Chicken Ordinances</a><br />
<h2>
Alternative Currency</h2>
Timebank - examples were brought up about places which implement a way to trade in time and services.
The idea was that a person could accrue time in a way they were good at and then be able to use this time currency to pay for some other service.<br />
Couponing - Restaurants.com was mentioned as an example of businesses drawing customers by participating in a discounting program.
It was suggested that local restaurants might offer discounts through certain channels to those wanting to participate in an eat local effort.<br />
Hohenwald Transition was mentioned as a possible resource for local currency efforts.<br />
Business to business discounts - in order to increase effect of local money, businesses could participate in a program to stimulate the trading of local services.
This is done to keep money local rather than having it pass quickly through the area.<br />
Identification of Local Businesses - a local business directory would be an initial way to promote local business.
It was mentioned that this would be well received in the area and a good effort to begin discussions of local business.<br />
Michele agreed to do some research in the area of localizing the economy with book recommendations from Alan.
Joel and Deb are very interested in the local business directory.<br />
<h1>
Education</h1>
Reskilling - a part of transition initiatives is education in areas that have been forgotten in the haste of recent progress.
Such traditionally useful skills such as cooking, gardening, home maintenance, and many others are not seen as needed.
A great thrust of the group would be to facilitate this teaching of new old skills.<br />
Central information on Transition Huntsville - in order to keep everyone up to date on the current status, a central information source is needed.
This blog is the first step in that direction.
Its goal is to keep current and potential members informed of what is going on in the Huntsville area regarding transition.<br />
Disaster Preparedness - after the recent severe weather, this topic resounds with many community members.
As part of building resilience, prepaing the community for events such as the numerous tornadoes that hit the area combines well with the other goals of transition.
While specific plans have not been made, this is a potential starting point for outreach.<br />
Historical Research - although transition as a formal movement is less than a decade old, resilient societies existed long ago.
As cheap energy becomes more scarce, returning to these models of community will be necessary.
This research can provide the movement ideas for what works and what is necessary.<br />
Mentoring - as part of the education process, an emphasis on interaction and guiding will play an important role.<br />
Videos - it is suggested in the transition guidelines to use events such as video showings to increase community awareness.
Annie Leonard was mentioned with her <a href="http://www.storyofstuff.com/">'The Story of Stuff'</a>.<br />
<h1>
Social Networking</h1>
Transition Streets - transition is a return to localized groups.
Basing transition at the street level allows a community to keep continually in contact.
Building a neighbor network is something that should be done now.<br />
Mapping - a powerful tool in communicating, visioning, and planning.
There are options to pursue when mapping becomes a needed part of the transition.<br />
Hospitality - can be accomplished now to build a cohesive community.<br />
Virtual Network - current technology helps us in relating to one another.
Although it does not match the connection of face-to-face networking, it will play an important role in transition.
Easy connection to other transition groups is also possible through this network.<br />
Community Gardens - local food goals can be supplemented by setting up these gardens.
A community which together generates and uses at least part of its own food will build confidence in their own resilience.<br />
Theme Groups - various groups will form around the numerous goals of the transition group.
These sub-groups will eventually meet separately and pursue specific goals for the community as a whole.
Examples include: food, energy, transportation, etc.<br />
Church Involvement and Infrastructure - many social connections and programs are sponsored by churches.
We should look into what they are doing and try to unite efforts.<br />
Volunteer Network Directory for Communities - a good goal for neighborhoods is to have a directory of people with necessary skills.
Such a directory would increase connections in the community.<br />
Fallen Fruit Map - there are many harvestable foods in the area that typically are ignored.
A map of these would be a resource for those in need of food.<br />
<h1>
Later Meetings</h1>
Correspond with next two Permaculture classes at The Farmhouse.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>October 17 - movie screening, disaster preparedness, at Randolph School</li>
<li>November 7 - transition meeting</li>
</ul>
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