How did you get started? How did the group form? Advice? Resources?
Your work is motivational!
I wish I could help start something similar for other projects like clean energy or water conservation.
What did you learn along the way? Are there things you saw that failed? Are there people who can teach how to effectively organize such things?
Is there a "meta: how to make this kind of change" resource?
e.g.:
1. community organization, leadership, communication
2. interfacing with governments, individuals, businesses, political parties (or when not to, e.g. to remain neutral)
3. charity status, transparency, accountability
4. sustainable progress (verifiable, measurable, permanent, additive, scalable, affordable)
5. governance, support, knock-on effects, momentum
6. funding, sponsorships,
7. drafting content (media guides, research studies, bills (maybe not given 501c status))
Comments
1 comment
Cameron Whiting: Great question!
We are a few weeks away from releasing a course on the Strong Towns academy about this topic of mobilizing for action.
In brief, though, the Strong Towns theory of change is simple: When we expose people to Strong Towns ideas and nudge them to act, we see the community’s dialogue transform, and we see difficult change made easier.
Our strategy is, essentially, to change the mental models and assumptions—and thereby, change the conversation—about growth, development and governance, and to nudge people to change the structures and patterns that shape our cities, towns and neighborhoods. This will not be accomplished by government alone, nor will it be accomplished by planners and engineers alone. It requires a broad movement of people working to improve their communities where they can.
Strong Towns focuses on two objectives: changing the conversation and building a movement.
Your more detailed questions would be great for a discussion together. I'll send you an email
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