November 2012 – Transition Network Newsletter
By Mike Grenville 31st October 2012
The Transition Network newsletter – November 2012
NETWORK NEWS AND NEWS OF THE NETWORK
An October Round-up of What’s Happening out in the World of Transition
Reports this month comes from Japan, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Northern Ireland, Italy, Madeira, Spain, Germany, UK and USA.
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/news/2012-11-01/october-round-whats-happening-transition
Transition Streets: reaching beyond the converted
Up against a brick wall trying to get local people interested in energy? Award-winning community engagement project Transition Streets has created a tried-and-tested way to break down the barriers and bring people together to take action on energy. And now it has been developed into the new Streets-wise programme which has just become available for community groups to adopt in their own area in the UK and beyond.
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/news/2012-10-18/transition-streets-reaching-beyond-converted
The Totnes Economic Blueprint Reports
The aim was to see if the potential value of a new kind of local economy could be estimated, mainly in terms of money (revenue and jobs), but also exploring the social and environmental benefits that come with a Transition approach to enterprise. The question you’ll no doubt be asking is ‘Can you do this where you live?
http://www.reconomyproject.org/?p=4113
Transition Free Press – All systems go! Issue 1 is underway
We are delighted to announce that the Transition Free Press is going ahead ! This is our opportunity to ‘become the media’ and the TFP will represent a milestone for the developing transition movement in the UK.
http://transitionfreepress.org/2012/10/31/all-systems-go-issue-1-is-underway/
OTHER NEWS
Community Energy in the UK
An important new study from University of East Anglia is the first independent UK-wide survey of community energy projects. One of the most interesting things to emerge from the paper is the role Transition Network plays in the field, in spite of being a very small organisation, and it offers some insights into why that might be.
http://transitionculture.org/2012/10/17/6382/
Seeking Renewable Energy Co-ops in Europe
Friends of the Earth is gathering case-studies on UK/EU/International energy cooperatives to show that energy cooperatives can work in the North and South, providing an alternative economic and energy model that can play a big part in the global transformation we need.
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/news/2012-10-29/seeking-positive-examples-renewable-energy-co-operatives-europe
Goodbye Costas!
Might Costa’s withdrawal from Totnes signal the beginning of the end for our collective love affair with brands?
http://transitionculture.org/2012/10/26/might-costas-withdrawal-from-totnes-signal-the-beginning-of-the-end-for-our-collective-love-affair-with-brands/
The Emergence of a Transition Region?
The regional authority for the Nord- Pas de Calais region was once a major mining area and now how some very high unemployment. Motivated by peak oil, climate change, and by the need to refocus the economy of the area, it brought together 400 invited guests to share the Conseil’s initial thinking on it’s shift in focus. Rob Hopkins reflects on a fascinating day in Lille.
http://transitionculture.org/2012/10/08/the-emergence-of-regional-transition-a-fascinating-day-in-lille/
SOCIAL REPORTERS
Now into its second year, last month our social reporting project began with a week of reports from Transition Initiatives in London. We also explored the ever-controversial subject of flying, and went behind the scenes of the Transition Network with an in-depth exploration of its role in supporting our ever growing movement. Finally we reported on the work our initiatives are doing with young people.
TRANSITION IN LONDON
Transition Town Tooting: Five Ways to Wellbeing
Set up in early 2008 in a welcoming and surprising neighbourhood in south west London, many of the people active early on are still involved.
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/stories/guest-blogger/2012-10/transition-town-tooting-five-ways-wellbeing
Ealing Transition Reskilling Day
After a short summer break, Ealing Transition re-convened in September for its second re-skilling day.
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/stories/guest-blogger/2012-10/ealing-transition-reskilling-day
Our promised land: Church Lane Community Garden
Here at Transition Leytonstone, we are immersed to the point of obsession in the planning and development of our very first community garden.
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/stories/guest-blogger/2012-10/our-promised-land-church-lane-community-garden
Seeking the Centre
Having spent less than a fortnight in Kingston in the last two months, I feel slightly fraudulent about blogging on the state of Transition here. But perhaps this paradox, of community-building in partial absentia, is part of the rich tapestry that needs to be reflected.
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/stories/guest-blogger/2012-10/seeking-centre
TRANSITION RESEARCH NETWORK
Dawn on the ivory tower
Having stumbled bleary-eyed from Euston Station at 6.30am on Wednesday, and on my second coffee of the day (I average 2 a week), I found myself sitting in Market Square, Kingston upon Thames, full of anticipation for my first Transition Research Network conference.
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/stories/mandy-meikle/2012-10/dawn-ivory-tower
FLYING
Our fear of not flying… please don’t take my wings away from me
Flying is the single most CO2-emitting and oil-guzzling act of our civilisation, by a long way. Surely as Transitioners it should be top of the list of personal behaviour changes we make and encourage others to follow. But it isn’t so simple.
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/stories/sara-ayech/2012-10/our-fear-not-flying-please-dont-take-my-wings-away-me
Why we still need to oppose airport expansion
Aviation is the fastest growing cause of climate change. Last time the government bothered to check, it made up 13% of the UK’s climate impact.
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/stories/guest-blogger/2012-10/why-we-still-need-oppose-airport-expansion-0
To fly or not to fly isn’t the question.
A while back I did adopt the “I don’t fly!” badge, an essential part of the credibility kit for the noble climate change warrior, but lately I’ve come to realise that especially in my case, it does as much good for the cause as does wearing sandals in winter.
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/stories/ann-owen/2012-10/fly-or-not-fly-isnt-question
TRANSITION CAMP: A Transition Camp Journey
Mark reports on his experience of the Transition Camp.
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/stories/mark-watson/2012-10/transition-camp-journey
THE ROLE OF THE TRANSITION NETWORK
Transition Network – What’s it for? Where’s it going?
These questions seem as good as any to begin a thoughtful week looking at the Transition Network. Like all good questions they lead to more and hopefully deeper questions that ultimately lead to greater self knowledge. This is the basis for growth in personal development as well as organisational development.
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/stories/jay-tompt/2012-10/transition-network-what-s-it-where-s-it-going
What has the Transition Network ever done for us?
Like Heineken you might hope that the Transition Network refreshes the parts others cannot reach.
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/stories/caroline-jackson/2012-10/what-has-transition-network-ever-done-us
The Firm
My name is Charlotte and I am in Transition. Maybe I should rephrase that and say I’m in the Transition movement, or the Transition network (small n).
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/stories/charlotte-du-cann/2012-10/firm
Transition Network Communications – The Web Project
It is arguable whether Transition could exist at all if it weren’t for the internet.
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/stories/mark-watson/2012-10/transition-network-communications-web-project
WORKING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE
Growing up in Transition
At the Young Persons Symposium before this years Transition Conference Rob Hopkins told us all about how frustrated he gets with people who when addressing young people come out with “And you’re the generation who are going to have to sort this mess out”
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/stories/kerry-lane/2012-10/growing-transition
Give it up for … The Kids From The Challenge
I love The Challenge! They have given us energetic 16 year olds for two whole days and they have given us money. What more could a community project ask for?
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/stories/jo-homan/2012-10/give-it-kids-challenge
‘I want to grow a banana tree!’
Connecting with nature, growing food and low impact living are essential skills for children to learn as they grow into the adults who will inherit our planet.
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/stories/sara-ayech/2012-10/i-want-grow-banana-tree
TRANSITION FOOD STORIES
Bungay Community Bees 2012
http://www.sustainablebungay.com/2012/10/bcb-bees-update-sept-2012/
Winemaking – ‘For Medicinal Purposes’
http://www.sustainablebungay.com/2012/10/plants-for-life10-for-medicinal-purposes-winemaking-session-review/
A School of Apples
http://transitionnorwich.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/a-school-of-apples.html
Low Carbon Cookbook – the foragers
http://transitionnorwich.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/low-carbon-coobook-foragers.html
WORD RESOURCES
The Moneyless Manifesto
In his new book, Mark Boyle takes us on an exploration that goes deeper into the thinking that pushed him to make the decision to go moneyless, and the philosophy he developed along the way. It explores why making the transition beyond monetary economics is becoming the zeitgeist of the Occupy generation, and how you can participate in the world’s only booming economy – the gift economy. You can even read the book online free:
http://www.moneylessmanifesto.org
Resilience.org
The Post Carbon Institute has relaunched its Energy Bulletin website as Resilience.org as both an information clearinghouse and a network of action-oriented groups.
http://www.resilience.org
UPCOMING TRAININGS
Transition LAUNCH in London
1st-2nd December. Islington Ecology Centre, London
This is our original training with lots of practical ideas on how to set up, run and grow a Transition Initiative. It is also useful for people who have recently become involved in Transition and want to develop the essential skills and insights to help their initiative become a success.
Trainers: Stefan Nicholls and Marina O’Connell
Costs & Booking: £105 for both days (Bursaries are available!).
For any questions or bursary enquiries, please contact: training@transitionnetwork.org
Book here: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2641654259
Transition THRIVE course – the training for people in established Transition groups
9-10th February 2013 Totnes
Trainers: Naresh Giangrande (Transition Totnes and Transition Network training’s co-founder) and Jenny MacKewn (Senior lecturer at Bath University and member of Transition Bath)
Costs: £105 for both days (Bursaries are available!).
Book here: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4720967541
Contact: If you’d like to book a place, have any questions or bursary enquiries or can’t make February but would like to do the next Thrive training contact training@transitionnetwork.org
Want to know more about “Transition THRIVE” and if it is you? More info here:
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/training/courses/thrive
Inner Transition
A practical exploration of the Heart & Soul dimension of Transition
26-27 January 2013 – Islington Ecology Centre, London
This two day workshop is for anyone interested in the inner aspect of the Transition process who wants to deepen their understanding of this area, connect and share experience with others, and be inspired to take the next steps for themselves or their group. The territory of “Inner Transition” is broad, powerful, fascinating and sometimes challenging to define, to explain or to organise. This workshop will address commonly asked questions such as:
- What is “Inner Transition” and why is it an important part of an initiative?
- What do we “do” in the “being” part of the Transition movement? What projects or events have really worked?
- How can Inner Transition be an effective, resourced and integrated part of our Transition project?
- How can we walk our talk – staying resilient and supported as our world changes?
We will use practices from a range of traditions to deepen into our personal response to the times we are living in, knowing that allowing this to move through us is a way to feel energised and connected. The workshop will include teaching, a lot of sharing and discussion among participants and experiential activities, as well as inviting our connection to a wider field of wisdom and possibility.
Cost: £40 minimum – some bursaries available
Full details on the course
http://www.transitionnetwork.org/events/2013-01-26/new-training-inner-transition-two-day-practical-exploration-heart-soul-dimension
COMING UP
The Big Dig – March 2013
Looking for community food gardens interested in being part of the Big Dig. Any size garden can join as long as it is run by and for the community.
https://www.transitionnetwork.org/news/2012-10-29/big-dig-launches
Adrienne Campbell
On Thursday last week one of the pioneers of the Transition Movement died. A key founder of Transition Lewes, Adrienne’s inspiring influence has been felt deep into the roots of the Movement. On Sunday afternoon November 11th there will be a celebration in memory of her in Lewes to which you are welcome. Details are on this website where you can also share your reflections and memories of her:
http://www.whatmattersnow.org/visit/adrienne-campbell/
And Finally
You think public transport today is bad? Check out this from 1672
Open Forum
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http://www.transitionnetwork.org/tags/transition-network-newsletter
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https://www.transitionnetwork.org/news/2012-10-31/november-2012-transition-network-newsletter
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This newsletter is published on the first Friday of each month.
Newsletter Editor: Mike Grenville,
from Transition Forest Row for the Transition Network
Contact: mgrenville@gmail.com
+44 (0)7974 924289