Notes by Maureen Winder
At the meeting:
John
David
Ann
Maureen
Doly
Planning the Forum, 5/6/08 - to be held at the Salvation Army, Union Road
We discussed the need to raise awareness and to get people involved in a more practical way. The Meeting held on 7 May had not worked as well as everyone hoped, because there were not enough people there, there were problems with the minutes and organisation, there was a disconnect between the facilitators, and the overrun was too long - people got tired and frustrated. Some people were uncomfortable about aspects of consensus decision-making.
We discussed the need for better facilitation to set up clear boundaries and provide real direction in meetings. Suggestions were made for external facilitators who might bring a fresh approach to the meetings of the Forum, eg. Ben Messer, Frank Jay, Marie Harder, The Working Together Project, Zoe Nicholson, John Watters.
External facilitators could help us clarify and agree our aims and objectives by focussing on goals, decision-making, action-taking, internal relations and external relations.
In order to get the Forum underway, we agreed that it should involve all the active interest group coordinators and members of the hub initially. John will invite all the coordinators.
Budgets and Financial Management
There was concern that people had paid out alot of their own money on posters and talks, etc. It was important to make sure members were paid back at least a proporion of what was spent, but in future, there would have to be better financial management. A budget should be handled centrally, but with an accounting process for each interest group. Any planned expenditure of over £100 should be agreed by a Finance Group to be established, or in the future, the wider Forum. In order to apply for funding, we will need to show we are managing our funds professionally.
We discussed how to encourage people to join TB&H, with the possibility of new members making a donation via PayPal, or paying an annual fee of £1 each. We should aim to get 1000 people involved as members, this would provide a firm footing for funding, and provide evidence that we have a committed and representative group. We would need to produce guidelines and rules on how money was to be spent, with our accounts open to everyone to view for transparency.
Forward Planning
We talked about how to attract more interest, and to encourage the wider community to engage with activities that would seem more coordinated with a clear aim.
1. Beginning work on the EDRAP - using a scenario approach
2. An Open Space event should follow on from each public talk, to help people engage and get involved practically.
3. Regular educational workshops
4. Regular introductory sessions to get new people involved
5. Seek 1000 members
6. Film showings
7. Permaculture sessions
8. Form a group to work on the allotment
9. Invite Rob Hopkins to do a talk
Other business
David will explore the possibility of obtaining the Transition Handbook at a discount rate through City Books so they can be sold on at events, such as the talks.
Doly had been asked to see if anyone could contribute an interview for a film being produced by the Ecologist - working title 'Who are the Real Eco-Criminals?
An elderly persons group which meets in the Salvation Army in Hove would like to bring knowledge about food/cooking in the past, how people managed without oil/plastics/central heating, etc.
John passed round posters to publicise the next talk on 19 June.
Notes from hub meeting – Mon 19 May
Notes from hub meeting – Mon 28 Apr
Notes by Ann Baldridge
At the meeting: Jo Nean, John Bristow, John Kapp (new to the hub), Doly Garcia, Simon Brett, Maureen Winder, David Greenop, Ann Baldridge
The group decided the following agenda for the meeting:
1. Feedback from Transition Strategy meeting - John B
2. Feedback from Southeast Transition Gathering - Jo and Simon
3. Ideas from Transition Lewes - Jo
4. Plans for next general meeting and the one after
5. Next steps after The Big Meeting on the 19th of April
Other topics to be discussed, time permitting:
- planning the process for starting the EDAP
- continuing the awareness raising programme, especially reaching out to community groups
Some ideas that came out before the 'meeting proper' started:
- it would be a good idea to have a list of potential meeting venues on the website
- right now, thinking about the EDAP is more about process than content - we should look at how others are doing things and start thinking about who can input
1. Strategy meeting feedback
John summarised the purpose of this meeting. Transition has grown incredibly fast over a small period of time, so this meeting was called by a few Transition initiatives to try to get to grips with what the 'Network' is, how it functions, what its purpose is and what its structure should be. A triangular structure was suggested, composed of the following components:
- Transition movement
- Transition initiating group (i.e. Ben Brangwyn and Rob Hopkins encouraging others to join the movement)
- A world-wide Transition network
The meeting explored the key functions of the network, how it should be organised locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, and it pictured the network now and how it should be. The meeting recognised the need for more networking and connectivity within the network. A paper with the outcomes of this meeting will be made available.
2. Feedback from the Southeast Transition Gathering
The meeting was attended by people from the following Transition initiatives:
Brighton, Eastbourne, Alton, Canterbury, Forrest Row, Guildford, Ditchling, Maidstone (who call themselves Sustainable Maidstone), Woking (who are mulling), Haywards Health (also mulling - Ditchling mulling on joining them), Mayfield, Tunbridge Wells, and Lewes
There was feedback from the national conference and Lewes talked about their experiences. There was also an interactive mapping excerise at the front that people enjoyed and thought could be used at our wider meetings.
3. Ideas from Lewes
Jo reported back from her reading of Lewes' extensive wesbite to share some points that TBH could learn from. Here are the key points:
Meetings, groups, events
- At the beginning TTL had a core group of 6 who met weekly, focused on awareness raising, helped form aims and principles that guide the formation of groups (which once formed are self-organised), then disbanded after the Unleashing.
- Instead of 'network' meetings, they have a monthy, 1.5 hour 'Forum' meeting for group contact people and other people active within Transition Lewes (but anyone is welcome to attend). The Forum allows people to air issues, but it is not a decision-making group (except on principles applying to groups).
- They have a principle: whoever proposes an idea must take it forward
- 21 people from TTL attended a 2hour Permaculture course - this is something we should organise for TBH
- no one speaks twice until everyone's had the chance to speak once
- sometimes there is no agenda until the start of a meeting, when the group plans it together
Email and web
- They have Google Groups with specific purposes for online communication and one called TTL Active for anyone active in TTL for general news and info sharing (this is kind of similar to our Forum).
- the website has loads of useful info, including guidelines for putting on events
- groups are encouraged to work with eachother on events and make sure no two events clash
- their website has a phone number and email address for each group contact person
Money and structure
- they have a Risk-Trust group which formed to think about legal / structural issues
- they had a big discussion to trash out money issues (we should have one too)
- they have a part-time worker and office funded by money from Awards for All; the office sells the Transition manual for 10pounds, or 7 for people active in TTL; they also have an on-line donations page
All of this made us think that we should experiment with the Forum idea - a meeting for group coordinators and other people active in TBH. Once we get a feel for whether this works, we can decide how regularly (or if at all) this group should meet. This group could begin drafting a set of aims and principles different from those outlined in the Constitution, then feed them back to the larger group. This will be announced at the meeting on the 7th of May.
4. 7th of May general meeting - the TBH Big Rethink
There was a discussion about how to organise this meeting in a way that is dynamic and engaging. It was decided to begin with an interactive exercise like that at the Southeast gathering. We could ask people to arrange themselves in a line to show how many meetings they've been to (0 at one end, lots at the other, everything else somewhere inbetween), and then something like 'how scared are you about what's in the news re climate change and peak oil?'. Then there will be an introduction explaining what we've done so far and where we're at now (setting the context for the 're-think'), by Jo and possibly Stephen (Jo to contact Stephen). Then John B will facilitate a World Cafe: there will be four tables to explore:
- what is good about Transition B&H
- what is bad " "
- what is interesting " "
- what is the way forward
Each table will be facilitated by a Hub (or active?) member - Doly, Maureen and David each agreed to facilitate a table. A fourth person is still needed! Please come forward if you're interested.
The idea of the Forum will be introduced at this meeting and a date for its first meeting will be set.
Then, the question arose...do we need general meetings if we have a Forum, and the sense was no! this could answer our problems of trying to make interesting, purposeful general meetings. We hold Forum meetings, intro meetings for newcomers, and this should eliminate the need for general meetings, which can feel pointless.
There was also the sense was that we should set a target for the Unleashing and the end of the hub once we've had some time to see how the Forum works out.
5. AOB
David reported that he's spoken to a woman interested in forming a group for older people. She isn't online, so David will forward her contact details around so someone can make contact - please include Jessica in this mailing.
David to write out Lewes' aims and principles to have on the wall for the meeting on the 7th of May.
NEXT HUB MEETING: Monday, 19 May, the Cowley Club
Open discussion day: the future of TBH – Sat 19 April
Transition Brighton & Hove: Crisis Gathering: The Werks Hove 10am – 4pm,19 April 2008. Notes by Natasha Thoday
Attendees:-
Ann Baldridge; Simon Brett; John Bristow; David Greenop; Kat Neeser; Jo Nean; Natasha Thoday; Stephen Watson; Maureen Winder; Chris Callard ; Louis Loizou; Doly Garcia
We sat in a circle on chairs with a flip chart with this list on it:-
What do we understand by Transition?
What is going well?
What could we be doing better?
How an we unleash our collective genius?
What excites us about transition?
Why are we involved with Transition B&H rather than other groups within the city?
What should we be focussing our energies on at the moment?
What is the best way to engage new people who volunteer help?
Step Zero: Did we form interest groups too early? Was it deliberate?
Each person briefly introduced themselves. Then the group decided to go round answering the first question above, which was rephrased:
Q: What do we understand by Transition? Core Message? What do we tell people what TT is?
Several people offered their pet technical phrases...
Bunch of ordinary people getting together to address problems.
The ‘shit is going to hit the fan’.
Avoid technical and clique language.
PO & CC will affect others in the UK.
Use story & analogy and examples from elsewhere e.g. in Mali a generator was built with local materials.
Talk about people’s pockets (i.e. their cash).
Assume some knowledge and build on that.
Come in at their level, and ask them about their knowledge.
PO & CC symptom of much deeper problem, their is currently a lack of resilience, and that only minor disturbances can upset the equilibrium.
Sustainable local community that must be in balance with nature.
We currently live in a highly vulnerable society.
Refer to media reports, e.g.. food riots, and retailers artificially manipulating local markets.
Technical definitions of TT & PO that are intrinsic to TT framework e.g. TT handbook.
Community emphasis and [that TT enables people to] relate better.
Aim to attract people like us.
Give a transition definition first.
We currently live a “sarcophagus [coffin] existence” alienated from the land.
Look at success stories.
What TT means personally and to our neighbourhood.
TT will make Brighton more sustainable.
A future not using fossil fuels due to PO mindful of big and small scales.
Definitions of TT depend on the knowledge level and sophistication of audiences.
Transition is such a good idea it almost doesn’t need PO and CC.
Tea Break, then the next question discussed was: what are TT B&H’s priorities?
Interest groups do targeted awareness raising.
Be mindful of designing in a group’s demise (e.g. in step 1).
How to focus in on steps 2 – 5 and how to ensure those groups design in their demise.
Do research towards EDAP via awareness raising, energising and engaging new people in the idea of the EDAP.
Do people on groups really understand TT concepts?
Is TT technology understandable, (e.g. what are the steps)?
How to engage reskilling enthusiasm about TT technology & techniques
Workshops about TT technology & techniques (interactive is good e.g. as delivered by Charley recently).
How to manage conflicts between paid and voluntary.
What is the impact of choice of vocabulary e.g. is it a gathering or a meeting?
Make gatherings / meetings interactive and entertaining.
Have to hold general meetings but must be shared.
Aim gatherings / meetings at newbies or oldies? Mentoring newbies.
At least 5 types of gatherings / meetings were identified: a) Hub; b) General meetings; c) Interest, d) Neighbourhood, and e) Project groups.
But why these types of gatherings / meetings?
Must have feedback to determine effectiveness of aims and outcomes of gatherings / meetings.
Concrete ideas needed about what we are doing.
Do we need a separate education and awareness group?
Should the hub should be separate from education and awareness group or should everybody be doing education and awareness?
Film screening events – get involvement from audience in the city, the city already has lots going on.
Need to target neighbourhood & community groups that already exist in city.
Putting on a film by Special Interest Group’s (SIG) is an easy thing to do.
Need to have responsibility for awareness raising.
Use general meeting for education – DVD.
How do we resolve issues and problems about individuals in the group?
First port of call: discuss with the individual concerned, not the whole group.
Everybody must learn about conflict resolution techniques..
Make a list of thing that need to be done.
To motivate interest groups have meetings of SIG coordinators and emails between SIG coordinators. Instigation by Hub of awareness training including vital DVD’s etc...
Do joint promotions and films with Brighton Climate Change group.
Need training on community work e.g. Working Together Project.
Use open space in general meetings, need facilitation training.
Clarification of purpose of general meetings.
Have more themed general meetings.
Have sharing sessions and /or project, hub, introductory, educational, etc... gatherings / meetings instead of general meetings.
Point of contacting other established TT’s to see what they do.
Themed gatherings / meetings start to look like Special Interest Group meetings.
Recognise the functions required and organise around.
Purpose of general meeting to keep people informed of what is going on. Should be okay for drop in new people to be given a 15 minutes intro talk before full session starts.
Separate the mechanics / admin functions from the fun stuff, i.e. well focussed.
Change name of general meeting to “All Network Meeting”.
Introductory awareness type of general meeting?
Communication meeting between parts of local network.
Strategy meeting. Events. Change name of HUB!
Separate meetings. General meeting – collective vision, open space celebrated on issues one question for the meeting.
Introductory sessions for new people e.g Charley’s work shop. Role groups.
Jo’s diagram. Consensus needed to go to general meeting.
Next general meeting. A rethink: “If you care about TT B&H come to this meeting”
Child care for children needed.
Action: how to make next general meeting / gathering inspiring, meeting of coordinators of SIG’s, introductory sessions, & Charley’s workshop. Group field trip to another TT eg open space in Lewes...
Practical proposals: Regular meeting at same venue, same day and venue each time, to make it simple for people to remember.
Notes from hub meeting – Tue 18 March
Notes by David Greenop
Venue: Cowley Club 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Present: Kat, Doly, Stephen, Ann, Simon, John & David
Apologies: Jo, Chris & Maureen
1. Website Policies: Stephen proposed that we needed to make clear the
criteria for linking companies & organisations to the TB&H website. This
would consist of a set of policies which are openly available on the
website. Stephen will send out an email to Hub members for suggested
policies and coordinate the replies.
2. Paul Mobbs Rude Awakening Peak Energy tour: Stephen proposed that we
invite Paul to speak in B&H as part of his tour; there are a number of date
options. The meeting agreed that this was an event the energy group could
organise and Doly agreed to take it to this group. It was asked whether it
may be possible to find some funding for the event from the B&H grant for
the event.
3. Connecting with other groups: The meeting discussed how making
closer ties with a wide range of other local groups, in particular those not
involved with green or sustainability issues, could be a key component in
our awareness raising. Ideas for identifying groups included using the
Voluntary Sector Forum, putting a request on the website, using Ted’s
community organisations list (on website), and asking the special interest
groups for organisation names. Ideally initially contact with organisations
should be through personal contacts rather by email or cold calling on
telephone. We would offer to come and make a presentation or discuss the
role of TB&H on a one to one basis. This exercise will need to be
coordinated. Stephen proposed a talk to the Brighton Society which has a
historical & social perspective on B&H. David will identify and examine
lists of organisations which could be contacted.
4. Liaising with Local Government: Maureen informed the meeting by
email that a new Cabinet structure for the local council is being put in
place and the existing Sustainability Commission will disappear and be
replaced by a Partnership. It is important that TB&H is included in this new
Partnership as a body representing the interests of a wide range of
voluntary organisations and neighbourhoods across B&H. The meeting was asked
to agree that a formal letter or representation is made to this effect to
the Council. The meeting agreed that TB&H should have a role in the
partnership and requested that the Local Government Liaising group prepare a
proposal for the Hub to agree. There was some doubt as to whether a letter
was the best way forward and that a personal approach may be best.
5. Awareness of the Transition Process: Stephen expressed concern that
many people involved in TB&H were not sufficiently aware of the Transition
process and it was important that more effort was made, perhaps at General
Meetings, on familiarising people. Doly was concerned that not enough people
really understood what Transition was about. Simon suggested that this was
important for developing the local Transition Network community. Suggestions
for bridging this gap include: having the Hub reps on the interest groups
spend some time explaining the process, special sessions at General meetings
where people can experience some of the Transition tools & techniques (see
Rob Hopkins new book) and ask for outside help in developing people’s
skills. The meeting also recognised the importance of making our events and
meetings more exciting and inspiring. Stephen will try and include something
new in the next General Meeting which he is facilitating.
6. Next Meetings: The next Hub meeting is on Wed 2nd April (David will
email out to check peoples availability). The next but one General Network
Meeting is on Wed 7Th May at the Werks (changed from 8th May as the Werks is
not available on Thursday evenings) facilitators will be requested at the
next General Meeting on Wed 9th April.
Notes from hub meeting – Wed 5 March
Notes by David Greenop
Venue: Sanctuary Café 7.30pm to 10.00pm
Present: Joe, John, Doly, Stephen, Maureen, Simon & David
Apologies: Kat, Chris & Ann
1. The meeting noted that Kat was unaware of the meeting date, venue & time; ideally an email should have been sent to all Hub members informing them of the meeting and the meeting put on the website calendar.
2. Constitution: The constitution was approved by the last General Network Meeting on Thursday 28th February 2008; Transition B&H is now an unincorporated association. The Hub noted that there was still concern over the membership issue; whether or not to have a membership list. It was decided that this should investigated further and if necessary a Special General Meeting called within 3 months to amend the constitution; this meeting could run before or after a General Network Meeting.
3. Funding: Maureen will now prepare the application for a community grant from B&H Council. The maximum grant of £2,500 will be applied for and the breakdown of activities will be as agreed at the last Hub meeting. David will prepare a spreadsheet for the application and send to Maureen. The meeting discussed library resources and examined ideas of a portable library, using the Cowley Club library and / or using a charity shop.
4. The meeting discussed the issue of the Special Interest groups applying for grants. There was concern that at the last Energy Group meeting there was a proposal for an Energy Group Constitution, bank account and separate grant applications. The meeting agreed that to avoid duplication and confusion, SIG’s should use the existing constitution and bank account. SIG’s may apply for grants for their own projects and that the Hub would provide support if required. Any grants awarded would be held in the Transition B&H bank account and the treasurer will create a separate accounting line for the monies. David will draft an email to send to Chris for him to circulate to all SIG & neighbourhood coordinators.
5. Publicity, flyers & posters: A corrected version of the programme of events is now on the website; tickets are purchased at the Brighton Ticket Shop not the Dome Booking Office as originally shown. A poster for the next public speaker event has been prepared and is ready for distribution, this cost £75 for 150 copies; the artwork was done by Linda for free. Jo has updated list of places for posters and John will email a version of the poster to other organisations for distribution.
6. Feedback from the last 26th January Workshop: The following comments were made about the workshop:
- The group exercise were very good
- The sessions & activities were very helpful
- The sequence of activities was good
- The workshop was very participatory
- There was a comfortable atmosphere
- Charley’s graphics were excellent
7. Organisation of 15th March Workshop: The following agenda was agreed:
10.15 – 11.30 Nathan - Gaia Democracy & Consensus
11.30 – 11.45 Break
11.45 – 12.45 Jo – Inner World
12.45 – 13.30 Lunch
13.30 – 14.30 Doly quiz exercise
14.30 – 15.30 Jo PEDAP
15.30 – 16.00 Charley & AOB
The meeting agreed that Nathan may bring people from his eco village activity to the morning session.
8. Awareness Raising: Stephen described his conversations at Infinity Foods where he was surprised that there was little awareness of Transition B&H and its activities; we need to do much more to raise awareness.
Stephen suggested we should approach B&H library for a display in the library foyer
The meeting discussed how the experience of these workshops can be communicated to a wider audience and be used as part of awareness raising for certain groups.
Jo confirmed that Transition B&H may shortly have its own allotment.
John said there is the possibility of a farmers and townies event, where local farmers meet local residents meet together in an Open Space.
National Transition Conference in April: Currently nobody from the Hub is able to attend; John will see whether anybody from the local network is interested in going.
9. Next General Meeting: This will be held on Wed 9th April and will be facilitated by Beth & Stephen. Maureen will see whether the Salvation Hall is available. Ideas for this meeting include:
- Having news reports (plus & minus) from Interest groups rather than the lengthy going round everybody, this would include the Hub.
- Ask one of Interest group to do a presentation or activity as part of the meeting
- Do an activity on consensus (Nathan) or heart & Soul of Change (Jo).
10. Next Hub Meeting: this will be on Tuesday 18th March, venue & time to be agreed
Notes from hub meeting – Tue 19 February
Notes by Stephen Watson
Present
Jo, Doly, Stephen, Ann, David, Simon
Apologies
John, Maureen
Feedback from 30th meeting
Jo and Simon to have a look and extract useful components.
Try and get a facilitator who is not from the hub
Flyers
Too much text on front and should be ‘stand-alone’ i.e. it won’t follow onto the inside.
Reduce the list of towns
Indicate in leaflet that it’s a global movement
New member contact person
hub@trans.... to be pointed away from Chris to Jo until 30/03
Hub accessability
Hello to Simon
Goodbye to Chris ... for now
Mention at the next general meeting that people can join hub and ask Chris to add such information to the hub page on the web site.
Ask Chris to email Maureen, David and John to ask for mug shots for hub page.
Booking general meetings
TBC - toward the end of March.
Next hub meeting: 7:30pm on 5th March at Cowley
Kit to take round meetings
“Transition In A Box” - ready for 2nd March. David has carrying case that may be appropriate
Maureen has mentioned a portable library for samples of (promotional?) books for people to leaf through.
Possibly have a “TB&H Section” in an existing library.
Multimedia Pack - Stephen is planning this. Doly has stuff that could be used.
Timeline and general aims
Stephen suggested a self-reflection exercise to see if hub and TB&H are “on track”. Also, to check the level of knowledge of PO & CC of perhaps co-ordinators of TIGs.
Simon felt that perhaps because we have “jumped over” Step 2 and formed TIGs already, people are involved in them that don’t have an understanding of PO & CC fundamentals.
We wondered what, for example the Council Liason group is doing as it’s rather independent. How do we create a process to determine if groups are operating in line with the aims of TB&H?
A decision was made to scale down the “Transition Gathering” in June and see if each person involved can get one extra person each.
David will print newsletters, Doly to create.
Transition requires radical change, but some people who are attracted don’t seem ready to comprehend of appreciate the scale of the approach.
How do we enthuse, inspire and engage people in TB&H?
Training on the 15th
What is Nathaniel facilitating on the 15th of March? 1. Inner World 2. Group process 3. Transition Process
Do we need a split day? Step 1 & Step 2
For Heart & Soul hub people could mentor other people.
Next hub meeting to discuss this.
We should ask for more feedback at general meetings.
Simon suggested asking at general meetings: What has been good and bad for you about TB&H and what could change to make you more involved?
Green Champions and Community Champions
GC is a Community Base initiative. Jo is the Roundhill’s GC
GC does not seem appropriate to TB&H
CC may be worth considering as an influence on Community Sector Forum. Jo is going on this course.
Green Streets?
Not sure - power monitoring? Speak to John.
TIG progress update
Probably covered in general meeting and on the 15th
Press and media
Simon is doing a column in Healthy & Organic Living.
Doly to follow up on Ecologist columnist thing. Needs to speak to Ben of Transition Network before going further on this.
Sarah Lewis press workshop - Jo to contact
Jo has done something for the Roundhill Reporter
Blogs?
Few volunteers for blogging on the Rocks web site - we have 3 so far. Mention in General Meeting.
EDAP Project team
David, Doly (maybe Michael Petek)
Several Transition Areas have asked the network to provide some guidelines and templates for EDAP comparison.
Decision making and Group Agreements/Ground Rules
Look at on the 15th
Criteria for linking to other groups
Refuse every request for links until policy has been discussed. `We need to maintain our integrity - what groups/businesses/applicants are really appreciating PO & CC.
Funding
Maureen wants to put a funding bid to the Council:
£1000 for 2008 for public talks
£500 for four talks in edges of towns
£500 towards publicity
£500 for general resources (DVDs, books etc)
The focus of the bid is awareness raising.
Constitution
Ben Brangwyn is happy with it.
Notes from hub meeting - Thu 7 Feb
Notes by John Bristow
1. Aspirations for 08: John
Overwhelming as it is. JB to summarise and send to Chris for website – done.
2. Flyers and Leaflets: Kat
Need new flyer for Events – asap. Speaker programme starts 17 April
Chris Bullar willing to help (PR specialist)
3. Hub member contact list Chris, Steve and All
A list of who we are on the website Pictures on the site on hub people - give a face – all send photos
4. Next General Meeting: Jo and Simon
Thurs 28 Feb – JB to book Werkshop (tba 19th), and give DVDs and groundrules to Jo/Simon (19th)
Kit to take round meetings – Steve
Venues: The Werkshop or Salvation Army – alternate as possible
5. Training and Awareness Raising Programme
5.1 Publicity for Events programme: Chris
Let Chris know
5.2 Co-ordination of Introductory Talks and Materials for them (libarary): Maureen
And Education and Awareness Programme: Chris C
Includes enabling/training others to do talks (remember Richard Cassidi has offered training in public speaking
Slides and materials for different talks can be collated as versions of “core message”
5.3 DVD viewing and discussion: Chris, Kat, Simon
Creating a rolling plan of film showings with discussions to increase awareness across B&H.
Also talks - links with Greenspeak (Martin)
5.4 Speaker Programme:, John, Maureen, Beth, Mari
1st 2 evenings: 17th April and 19th June. Charges and Title agreed
Jeremy Leggett and Jim Watson (SEG) – then Peter Jones in June + Ceres?
Business speakers to have more than just a profit motive
Poster by Lynda – to be designed. Ticketing by Dome Box Office. Media. Other organisations to post publicity?
5.5 June 8 Green Fair: Mischa, Jo and Others
How it represents TB&H and is attractive to a broad range of people (inclusive)
5.6 Transition Training Sessions with Jo and Charley – where next within and outside our network?
Jo needs some feedback and support from Hub
Review of NEF workshop outputs – Follow up with NEF in 2 months
Design own workshop on energy and resource use?
5.7 Popular Education Programme: Jo
6. Learning about and Reviewing Transition Process
How can we keep people interested and involved? How to get more people involved?
Which initiatives or groups have not really got going and why?
How to implement Transition Technology - are we clear how wer'e doing it? Do we have some clear targets? Are we incorporating the experience of other TTs, learning from their mistakes and successes?
Action: Workshop for Hub on Sat 15th March 10-4. Nathaniel White agreed to facilitate and give input on kinds of organization relevant to us, particularly the difference between order and control - chaordic organisational design, governance by purpose and principles, sociocracy and aspects of Gaian democracy -- these all rely on agreements, shared values, and ways of cooperating that produce order but not control.
We could also use this to go over what Jo and Charley presented last time and look at key bits of the introd to Heart and Soul of Change.
We should invite other group leaders in the network and people with an interest in this.
7. Transition Interest Groups: Chris
Progress update.
Need for a meeting of Transition Interest Group coordinators?
8. Neighbourhood Groups: David
West Hove, Triangle and Round Hill
Follow up talks with Residents Associations – e.g. DVD
City-wide Transition Training to attract people and form home groups, including Heart & Soul, and then practical stuff on resources and energy use (our own workshop?)
9. EDAP Project Team: Dolly?
10. Website update: Chris
Agreed to pay what we need to for website
Criteria for linking to or advertising other sites / businesses / groups
Web site link criteria
11. Funding: Maureen
Maureen agreed to co-ordinate bids for, and use of, funding
12. Finance: Ann
Transition Training Costs: Doly, Maureen and Stephen owe JB £10
Bank account signatories agreed
13. Constitution Completion. Other Policy Requirements: David
Last stage of agreeing constitution
Sponsorship policy?
14. Press and Media: Doly, Simon, Jo
Update from Doly, Simon and Jo
15. Local Government Liaison Maureen
16. Community Initiatives to Partner with
Green Champions
BHFP on Lottery Bid
17. National and Regional links John
Liaising with Mike Grenville (Forest Row) and Adrienne Campbell (Lewes) on regional support for smaller Transition Towns
Transition Lewes and Shoreham by sea
18. Hub Ground Rules and Ways of Working
Can we have agenda items under these headings co-ordinated by the person responsible for that area?
19. Other
Notes from hub meeting – Thu 3 January
Notes by Chris Callard
Started meeting with everyone saying a couple of things about what they hoped Transition Brighton and Hove could achieve over the next six months. Aspirations included:
It was agreed that asking the same question of people who attend the next general meeting.
Next hub meeting – 22 November
The next hub meeting is at 7pm on Thu 22 November, in the back room of the Cowley Club.
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Notes from hub meeting – Thu 15 November
Notes taken by Kat Neeser
• Discussion of Gerry's query regarding reporting and checking method of project and function groups. Gerry to e-mail Chris Callard and John Bristow his query to be discussed by e-mail. Will be addressed at the next network meeting.
• The next network meeting will be in the week commencing Monday, November 26. Probably Thursday. One of the facilitators to have had facilitation training.
• Discussed the subject and format for next meeting. Suggestions:
¬ opportunity for function and neighbourhood groups to meet up and a callout for people who want to be in a function or neighbourhood group to research similar things going on in that area in Brighton and Hove and create a map of where we fit in.
¬ Bring in just the coordinators or another representative of each of the function and neighbourhood groups. There was concern that not enough people from each group would turn up if we wanted all groups to meet their members.
¬ Function and neighbourhood groups to get a clearer idea of their tasks and how they fit in with the rest of the network.
¬ Need to be prepared for new people turning up if we do decide to have an open meeting.
¬ Suggestion of calling it something other than a network meeting.
¬ Concern about imposing a coordinator on a function or neighbourhood group. Could be alleviated by asking for a representative.
¬ I think a final decision was to invite everyone who is interested in being involved in the function or neighbourhood group, with Doly facilitating.
¬ Details to be put on website as soon as possible by ?
• Leaflet design: latest draft and feedback comments discussed in the group. Kat to feedback to Chloe. Final design to be e-mailed to Chris by Monday, November 19 for printing in time for Buy Nothing Day.
• Logo: Chloe is doing the third version. We are 99% agreed. Logo should go on Flyer. N.b. this didn't happen… Can go on next print run.
• Constitution: David Greenhop explained the current draft and those present suggested alterations.
• Website: discussed the need to have a list of hub members that is up-to-date. John to e-mail Chris regarding list of people in the forum.
-Charlie suggested having a clear contact on website, not just the Webmaster. Group discussed using Jo's Google group e-mail which could be forwarded to rotated people's accounts. It was agreed to put this e-mail on the flyer instead of Kat's telephone number.
-Also discussed having a telephone number on the website. Jo says she has a spare phone and a spare phone number which people could take turns looking after.
-David suggested VOIP. (The minute taker didn't know what this was! Can David elaborate?)
-Charlie suggested 2 separate e-mail contacts and a "this month e-mail x."
• Training for Hub and coordinators from national transition network: John suggested that just two people, maybe one of them being Alex who can film it, go to Totnes for training due to costs.
• Brighton and Hove Business Forum and Sustainability Forum had invited us to give talks. There is no urgency but it would be good to start thinking about preparing for less perhaps in small groups e.g. business groups. We need to put together a presentation perhaps having a project group for this.
• Sarah Lewis: Doly reported on a chat she has had with Sarah who is the editor of Rocks Magazine and runs the Argus environmental pages.
-4 people are needed to write a blog on the Rocks website.
-the survey can go on the Rocks website (Gerry's project)
-Kat has discussed an idea for an article in the Argus with Sarah in which older people are interviewed about life with less dependence on fossil fuels. Some ideas were suggested to Kat about interviews that have already been done with the older people in this area. Kat to follow up ideas and find Totnes Elders interviews.
• New venue: Charlie suggested The Works in Hove as a potential new, free venue for meetings. E-mail him if you need more information and contact details: charlie*at*themoon.co.uk.
Parking lot to be talked about later:
• Role and expectations of Hub
• role and expectations of project groups
• education and awareness
• terms to be used (i.e. what is a project group, a function group, and interest group etc. Guess this needs to link in with the network map)
• network meetings
• viability check out
Notes from hub meeting – Tue 30 October
Present: Jo Nean, David G, Stephen Watson, Doly Garcia, John Bristow, Maureen Winder, Ann Baldridge. Notes by Ann Baldridge.
1. Network map: the group reviewed how best to present the Network map, drawing on the draft prepared by Kat Neeser.
• Neighbourhood groups: There was discussion over how the neighbourhood groups should be represented on the maps – e.g. whether groups should be based on their wards. It was agreed that this would eventually be down to the neighbourhood groups and that they will evolve on their own. In the first instance, though, areas will be broken down by ward and the groups will evolve as they will...
• Function groups: a function group is a group of people that form around a certain topic that they want to contribute to in the expression of Transition B&H and the creation of the city’s energy decent plan. There was discussion about the term ‘function group’ and whether this was the best wording for groups that form around particular interests such as food, energy, transport, etc. It was suggested that ‘interest group’ may be a more appropriate choice. The Hub members present suggest that TBH adopt this term over function group, though we are open to any other suggestions. There was also a suggestion that we try to avoid overlap of interest groups as we want to encourage people to get involved and not have to choose between too many different groups to give their time to.
• There was a sense that the draft Neighbourhood map was trying to achieve too much, and may end up confusing people instead of clarifying how all the different parts of TBH come together. Doly suggested that the network map could look something like this:
The term ‘project groups’ was used to define groups that form to carry out projects for various purposes outside of interest or neighbourhood groups, for example under the Education and Awareness Raising programme.
David suggested that, for clarity, each type of group in the diagram above should include a brief definition.
All groups can be listed under each heading (e.g. interest groups like food, energy, etc come under ‘interest groups’; likewise with project and neighbourhood groups).
Action: Stephen to draft a new version of the Network Map based on the above.
2. Agenda for next Network Meeting
The next Network meeting is on 6th November at the Brighthelm Centre. The purpose of this meeting is to formalise the interest groups and begin building the network. David suggested that we begin working towards a big networking day, perhaps to be held in mid to late January. All present agreed that would be a good way to get more people involved. It will also be a good way to meet new people, find out more about what others around the city are doing, and to begin working together. It was decided to announce this at the Network Meeting. We will ask interest groups to begin thinking about others in B&H already doing work on their area of interest. This way we can pool our collective knowledge and generate a comprehensive list of people to invite to the network day.
Action: Stephen and Ann to facilitate the meeting on the 6th.
3. Misc items
Film screenings - Jo noted that we may have to buy licenses in order to show some of climate change and peak oil films. She added that we don’t want to have to charge people to attend film showings. There was a suggestion that we ask for donations at showings – that way people can give a donation if they want to.
Council support - Stephen noted that the Green Party was going to put a motion to support TBH to the Council. We have not yet heard back about this. Stephen to follow up.
Funding – It was queried whether we could request some funding from the Council to support our activities. Maureeen to email Mita Patel from the Sustainability Team to ask for her thoughts on the matter.
TBH and local policies – it was noted that TBH will encompass people from a variety of backgrounds and schools of thought. TBH can support campaigns, initiatives, etc, in the spirit of the aims and purpose of the Transition movement, but it should remain neutral rather than taking a stand on particular issues (e.g. being pro- or anti nuclear power). We have been approached to lend support to various campaigns such as the Big Ask and a campaign against a local incinerator. Eventually we will respond as TBH, but in the meantime it is probably best to respond as individuals.
Logo – the logo is still undecided. Stephen to follow up with Lynda who has agreed to have a go at designing a logo based on comments from the first round of designs.
Notes from hub meeting – 25 October 2007
Notes taken by Chris Callard
Attending: Chris Callard, Kat Neeser, Jo Nean, Stephen Watson, David Greenop, Doly Garcia, John Bristow, Ann Baldridge
Constitution
The need for a constitution was agreed at an earlier meeting as it is required in order to set up a bank account (among other things). David expained the difference between various types of groups (charities, trusts, etc), it was agreed that we need to keep the set up of the group as simple as possible. An unincorporated association was thought to probably be the best option, but Ann is going to contact TT Lewes and Kat contact TT Totnes to see what they did before anything is decided. (Ann also going to ask bank what the bare minimum we have to do to get a bank account.) David to continue forum discussion about groups aims, needed for a constitution.
Feedback from network meeting on 18 October
• A map of the network was drawn up, it was decided this would be brought to the next hub meeting before being put on the website.
• Many questions were raised about how to use the website/forum – these should now have been answered in the 'how to use' section in the right hand column on the main page of the website.
• The feedback from the action groups was that they cannot do much without a core message and a logo. A core message was drafted and is to be discussed on the forum here. Logo discussed below.
Potential problems with the structure/organisation of Transition B&H
Jo raised the question of whether there needs to be any kind of checking of what action groups are doing under the name of Transition B&H, in case the group's objectives or values are being confused. It was agreed that the finalising of the core message would help with this (see above). Also it was agreed that any actions that are ready to be made public should be presented at a network meeting to iron out any of the above problems.
Logo
Chloe and Linda have come up with a number of logo designs, two of which were thought to be great. A few tweaks were suggested and are to be sent to Chloe and Linda, to be further discussed on the forum here.
Neighbourhood groups
The question was raised of how to divide the city up into areas that would be obvious to anyone. It was agreed to use the map of council wards for this for now, and change at a later date if needs be. Chris to put up usergroups and categories for the neighbourhood groups on the forum.
As the next network meeting was not discussed it was decided to postpone the network meeting until Tue 6 November, and have another hub meeting on Tue 30 October.
Next hub meeting
TIME AND VENUE CHANGE: Next Transition Brighton and Hove hub meeting is now at 6.30 on Thursday 11th October at the Robin Hood pub in Norfolk Place (map). The earlier time and new venue is so that those who want to can take part in the Environmental Pub Quiz in the pub which starts at 7.45.
Hub members please let the forum thread know here if you can't make it.
Notes from Hub meeting Thu 27 Sep 2007
Notes taken by Maureen Winder
1. Feedback from the Transition Meeting held on 19 September
Around 25 people attended, and some progress had been made. Various
actions had been proposed and agreed, and would be listed on the
Transitions Forum. It was important that each meeting should represent
a step forward rather than repeatedly going back over issues that had
been discussed before. A series of meetings would be booked well ahead,
so that people could plan their involvement on a regular basis.
2. Format of the next meeting
The next meeting would be at the Brighthelm Centre. The aim would be to
formulate the next achievable steps. 'Big' actions were needed. There
were discussions over how to maximise involvement, rather than
over-managing the process and perhaps restricting participation. It was
agreed that making links with schools was important. The role of
neighbourhood groups would become increasingly important, creating wider
networks linked to action groups.
3. Website development
The development of the website was discussed and suggestions made for
new areas which would interest and involve more people, eg. a 'Tip of
the Month' on how to reduce consumption; links to information, reports
and articles about peak oil/climate change; a 'How To...' page; the
development of a posters page, which could be replicated as physical
boards as well as web pages; mapping neighbourhood groups to show where
activity was growing.
It was suggested that Transition Towns should be on Facebook and
MySpace.
4. Sustainability Conference
12 October. Members of the Schools Liaison Group should attend.
5. Information Gathering
It was agreed that building resources was a priority, and a bid for
funding could be submitted to support this activity. A function group -
Resources Group - should be formed to take responsibility for this and
to support the research taking place within each action or neighbourhood
group.
6. Training
It was agreed that the members of the Hub should take part in training,
this could be done jointly with other Transition groups/hubs. There was
some concern over the cost, and what the charges for training involved.
7. Grants
It was agreed we should look at different sources of funding, but first
we would need a constitution, as that is required in every funding
application. This was a priority for the Hub.
Notes on Hub Meeting – 14th September 07
Notes on Hub Meeting – 14th September 07 (Note taker Chris Callard)
Attendance: 9
Discussed agenda
1. Membership of Hub
It was agreed that whilst the membership of the hub should be fluid, with people able to join and leave as they chose, there should be a core group of people who were committed to the hub so that there was no a constant repetition of what was going on. As such it was proposed that for a hub meeting the core members should send apologies when not able to attend, just to confirm their continued commitment.
Again it was reiterated that with a core group making up the hub, all meetings should be completely transparent and documented on the website.
2. Accounts
Ann detailed the accounts to date:
Money owed: £70 (to various people for the hiring of meeting rooms)
£9.99 (to Sam for website domain registration)
Money received: £45.95 (from meeting collections)
So group is £24.05 in debit
It was noted that we can't open a bank account until the group has a constitution – this was seen as a priority. Doly suggested we could look at other transition groups constitution and base ours on those.
Aisha said we should plan how we are going to fund future meetings as this is our largest expense at the moment. Doly to change note on website that says meetings are 'free entry' to say 'free entry, donations welcome'. Jo and Maureen to look into alternative venues for larger group meetings.
3. Transition Town training
Jo raised the point that the training in Totnes seemed very expensive at £95, and it was agreed that we should find out more about what this money goes towards. The general feeling was that we didn't want to start any fund raising with finding a large amount of money for training. John thought it possible that the cost of training might be reduced in the future now that the Transition network has received £30,000 in funding.
4. Forum and mailing list
Chris proposed using the Supanames webhost for our forum and website as we know for certain that this can run the software needed for setting up a more sophisticated forum to replace the Google group (where a free webhost might not be able). It was agreed that the cost of £16 a year (for a minimum of two years) was worth it for the reliability.
It was also proposed that we register the email addresses left at the first meeting on the new forum (after emailing for permission), and put people into Usergroups relating to the function groups, so that we have a universal mailing list and lists for each function group. Chris to do this when webhost set up.
The forum should have discussion categories for each function group, but also general discussion categories for: Vision/Process of Transition Brighton; Education and Awareness; the Hub
Suggested that at we recruit one person from each function group to act as moderator for their function group category.
5. Website
Proposed sections of the website were: static pages of Information (e.g. about Transition movement, Peak Oil, Climate Change); a blog (online calendar) of Announcements (e.g. of Actions, Meetings); What and How to join in with Transition actions; the story of Transition Brightion and Hove (what we are and what we're proposing to do)
Doly offered to write a piece on the story of Transition B&H.
This list still in early stages and to be developed. Still to be decided: how many people/who will be responsible for updating the blog.
Maureen raised the point that we need a plan of how to inform people about Transition B&H who don't use/have access to the internet.
6. Deciding the agenda for next week's (19th Sep) group meeting
It was agreed that group meetings needed a more concrete agenda, advertised on the website beforehand, to keep/raise the interest of people attending.
After some discussion it was agreed that the meeting should be centred around the subject of Education and Awareness, and how we raise this as part of Step 2 of the Transition process.
Proposed to begin the meeting with a short introduction from John about what has happened since the first August 15th meeting, and then move on to a discussion (in smaller groups) centred around the content of our Education and Awareness. (This following from Joyce's point that currently the direction of Transition B&H is murky, even to the most committed people, and we need to clarify and simplify this in order to engage with the public.) The key questions that need to be answered are: What are the core messages of Transition B&H? How are we going to change the way we live in order to survive in the future?
Hub members to decide upon, by email, a short description of the agenda that Doly will post on the website.
Jo proposed that we adopt a stronger form of facilitation at the group meetings in order to include more people's opinions, as this had been seen to work well at other meetings such as Climate Camp. Jo to find out more about the details of this type of facilitation. Chris and Jo volunteered to facilitate at the Sep 19th meeting.
John to email details of next meeting when agenda summarised. It was agreed that meetings need to be advertised more widely, not just by email/online but in the wider community.
7. Other matters
Joyce reiterated (and everyone agreed) the need for the group to move towards actions and not just to have endless meetings.
Jo suggested the idea, as part of awareness raising, of having a public meeting inviting all existing groups connected to the transition idea to come and give a short talk detailing what they are already doing in this direction.
Not discussed
Neighbourhood Groups – links to local communties
Information gathering – how do we do this?
Co-ordinating Hub Members & Roles
1. Ann Baldridge: Co-ordinator B & H Food Partnership. Knowledge of Food issues. Role Treasurer
2. Chris Callard: Graphic designer with knowledge of website design & maintenance. Role Website Manager
3. Daniel Hill: Runs project in recycling unwanted building materials. Experience as land manager, of land types and uses, and in the construction industry
4. David Allen: Education: Director and Producer AV (on climate change), media practitioner and writer. Community engagement.
5. David Greenop: Strategic technology and business background in IT. 10 yrs experience of voluntary and community sector. Interest in sustainable IT Role Setting up Constitution
6. Doly Garcia: Founder of Brighton Peak Oil Group
7. Jo Nean: Involved in grass-roots campaigning for radical social change and environmental issues. Runs workshops on money-free living and anti-consumerism. Volunteers at local social centre and food co-op.
8. John Bristow: Consultant in leadership and organising for innovation and societal change, focusing now on transition to more sustainable living. Role Mailings (to be shared and reviewed)
9. Matthew Bird: Sustainability and Energy Officer, Lewes District Council. Specialises in renewables and sustainable energy and construction. Energy Function group.
10. Maureen Winder: Experience in inclusion and equality issues. Co-Chair of Triangle Community Group in Brighton, with one of its aims being sustainable community. Role Information Organiser
11. Stephen Watson: Member of B&H Green party for over 20 yrs. Peak Oil speaker. Completed Permaculture Design course in Brighton. Software engineer for 20 yrs.
Other Roles will be need to be filled and if we are to have a constitution as planned we will have to have a Chair and Secretary