New people/new groups - open space notes

How to engage new individuals (or “How to make friends and influence people”)

Have speakers at all sorts of local events – become a speaker at local events – go to local events and speak to people
Hold “eventlets” – small scale/low organisational input events in local public places, e.g. local market places
What language do we need to use, what motivates people?
No evangelism please – this will most likely put people off
No “hippy green s**t” language – this will most likely put people off
Get to know your community, local area, local resources/venues, etc.
Asking not telling - ask people about their experience, what they don’t like, what changes they want, what can WE (you and them together) do about it… use that as a starting point
Have business cards printed up for the local group contacts and carry them around, so you can give them out if people ask – be careful not to push them on people!
Flirt, chat, be passionate, bold, share your enthusiasm, but be aware not to overwhelm people
Be aware that some people may not want to talk, may want to take something away to read/digest on their own
Use all your available networks and networking skills
Guerrilla marketing – leave information in public places, like on buses/trams/trains
Guerrilla freecycling – yes, this will become a new phrase in the dictionary – leave unwanted things with a message on them, explaining why you’re giving it away - in public places, or outside your house. Make the message creative, brief and clear – maybe include the Transition towns website.
Some concern was raised about the above methods being a shift away from the “Peak Oil” agenda and could just be seen as a “nicer world” agenda. Some people didn’t see this is a problem - it’s important to approach people on their issues – they may not need to know about Peak Oil to do something that counters the problem.
How to start up a new group
Cross-fertilise – get support from nearby groups/people – ask for help
Show a free film locally, or put on an accessible, easy-to-organise event
Use all your available networks and networking skills, e.g. in Lenton, ask people at the Crocus Café, student houses – ask around – most of the above methods could be used too
Put a notice up at a local health food shop, café, library asking if anyone is interested in organising activities.
Find out from the other established local groups what they did in the beginning.
General attitude
This all needs time = needs patience!
Don’t talk, do! - transition behaviours/activities may sell the idea better than talking
“Be the change you want in the world” Gandhi