What is Transition?
Dear <<First Name>>,
We've decided it's time to revisit the basics of Transition for all those members who are new to it and for those who've been following Transition for years, yet couldn't confidently answer the question: What is Transition?
Our next event on Friday 1 March follows this newsletter with a brief introduction to the basics of one of the key elements of Transition: insights from our psychology. See details below.
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Transition is many things:
- an approach to activating social change
- the application of permaculture design to society
- built on a solid foundation of theory (from ecology and psychology)
- transforming the economic system into one which is sustainable, equitable and founded in well-being
- more like a party than a protest march!
In the words of the Transition movement co-founder, Rob Hopkins:
If we wait for the government, it’ll be too little, too late
If we act as individuals, it’ll be too little
But if we act as communities, it might just be enough, just in time.
Do you see why we have trouble answering that simple question:
What is Transition?
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"A movement of communities coming together to reimagine and rebuild our world."
-- Transition Network
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Why does our world need reimagining and rebuilding? Sadly, it's because our society, environment, and financial systems are unstable and may be on the brink of collapse.
Transition follows a positive, localised approach to solving this massive problem.
In recognising that we can only change ourselves, we start where we are and focus on the area that's most important for our well-being: our local neighbourhood.
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We reimagine our world, because if we are going to succeed in fixing our problems, we need to be able to picture what we want to create. Transition group members work together on creating a new shared vision of the sustainable future we want.
We are rebuilding all those parts of our world that are broken, which ultimately is about creating thriving, fossil-free local economies that support everyone's well-being. (Much more on this another time!)
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Head, Heart and Hands
Doing Transition successfully is about finding a balance between these:
The Head: we act on the basis of the best information and evidence available and apply our collective intelligence to find better ways of living.
The Heart: we work with compassion, valuing and paying attention to the emotional, psychological, relational and social aspects of the work we do.
The Hands: we turn our vision and ideas into a tangible reality, initiating practical projects and starting to build a new, healthy economy in the place we live.
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Insights from our psychology
For decades, humanity has known it needed to change to avert major environmental catastrophe, but change has been slow. Why is change so hard? Insights from our psychology can help us understand behaviour change, the power of stories and the value of a positive vision. Our event on Friday 1 March explores the basics of these ideas that are fundamental to the Transition process.
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Ecological design
How do we redesign our world for sustainability? Ecologically!
Transition emerged from a permaculture course, so that is our main approach to ecological design. Read about Permaculture Principles or borrow books from Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries.
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The two day introduction to permaculture with Donna Livermore at either CERES or Edendale Farm is also recommended by some of our members.
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Groupwork
Transition recognises that healthy groups are an essential ingredient. We also know that most of us are not taught the relevant skills at school or in our workplaces. We work on developing the skills and tools we need to co-create a culture of trust, care and compassion in our groups.
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Since Transition began in Banyule in 2009, members have participated in these workshops:
- Social Permaculture (the application of permaculture design to the social)
- Alternatives to Violence Project
- Non-Violent Communication
- Transition Thrive Training (a kind of health check for Transition groups)
- Collaborative Leadership and Facilitation skills with the Groupwork Institute
- Sociocracy training by Sociocracy for All
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Upcoming events
Transition 101: Insights from our psychology
Friday 1 March 2019, 10am-12.30pm
Penny and Kevin's place (book a spot for the address)
We will explore the basics of some concepts which underpin Transition -- that process of change towards resilient, sustainable, thriving local communities. Join in a rich conversation to add to your understanding of Transition before getting into more of the hands-on stuff.
Places limited to 8, morning tea included.
Book your spot by reply email or phone Penny on 9459 4209.
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Shopping with a Conscience
Saturday 30 March 2019, 10am-1pm
Venues in Rosanna
(workshop at Robyn and Geoff's, tour of local supermarket, return to Robyn and Geoff's for a convivial light meal from purchases)
Enjoy the company of other "transitioners" in this introduction to sustainable and ethical purchasing practices for the everyday consumer.
Your dollar is your vote. Make it count!
Cost: $15
Book your spot by reply email or phone Penny on 9459 4209.
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Happy Transitioning from Penny, Robyn and Jon
-- the Transition Warringal core group 2019
We encourage you to celebrate the harvest season with a reflection on one of the major challenges facing humanity today: Peak Oil. Click the image below to play the short (2 min) video.
NB: the "X marks the spot" in the final scene is now more than a decade past the peak.
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Time is up. The supply of oil left in the ground will not fulfill our increasing needs for much more. It would be time to switch to suitable, alternative sources of energy.
“Lots of people have used the metaphor of civilization driving itself right off a cliff. I imagine this is the first time anybody took it quite this literally.” Peak Oil is a simple animated short film by Bruce Woodside.
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