 |
|
What is it?
The Transitions movement had its beginnings in a small town in England from which it has expanded to hundreds of Transition Initiatives world-wide. Initiatives work to build community resilience in the face of the challenges of climate change, declining resources, especially Peak Oil, (See: Why Energy Descent) and the collapsing global economy. They seek to create a future characterized by sustainable sources of energy, localized economies and a strong sense of community. CSMC has shared these concerns and goals since its inception. It became a member of TransitionUS in 2009.
How does it work?
Among other activities, Initiatives develop a Community Action Plan to prepare for a future without cheap oil and other non-renewable resources. We are encouraged to think about how we want our communities to function in 20 or 30 years and then work with our friends and neighbors to make that happen. The process starts with creating a collective vision of a positive future.
Learn more
To learn more about the Transition model and Intitiatives, see Transition 101 and follow the links. If you prefer getting your information from a book, read The Transition Handbook and The Transition Companion, both by Rob Hopkins, the founder of the Transitions movement. The Transition Handbook video, also by Hopkins, is a short (6 minute) introduction; Transition Town: What's it all about? is a very nice, also short (8 minute), video. The Transition Primer provides a comprehensive overview.
Critiques
While the Transition movement has grown virally, not everyone is a fan. Some see it as a distraction from pressing environmental and social justice issues that need direct action now. See this Defense of the Transition Movement and this discussion of Occupy Wall Street and Transitions.
Transition related Websites
http://transitionnetwork.org/: This is the international Transitions movement site.
http://www.transitionus.org/: This is the website for the US Transitions movement. It links to the Transitions US Newsletter and Calendar, which offers information about various training events, many of them free, including Webinars and Telesalons.
http://www.transitiontownsca.org/: Find out about activities at other Transition Initiatives in California.
