Diversity Action Plan from 6th June 2009

Diversity Action Plan from 6th June 2009

Introduction and Discussion

We had a short discussion before the action plan was drawn up. The following points were raised:

It is essential that the Transition movement is inclusive and reflects the community it is in. The first and perhaps the most well know Transition Town is Totnes, Devonshire. This town is quite wealthy and mainly white. This can lead people to the conclusion that the whole movement has the same make up.

While it is good that people focus on their own area it is important that the local groups should support each other. It should not be a case of the wealthier areas thinking if they are okay it does not matter about the others.

Transition documentation has an academic style. We need to make Transition accessible to everyone.

Translations will be required by some communities.

The money saving and community building aspects of Transition will appeal more than other issues to some communities.

There is much to learn from different peoples experiences. Recent immigrants and refugees may have previously lived low carbon lifestyles.

Places to get to know your community are schools, colleges, universities, places of worship, libraries, community relation officers, nature reserves etc.

Steps to Take

Ask each local group to look at the diversity of their community and make a list of all the community groups in the area.

Research Transition network and other groups in similar areas for what they are doing about diversity.

Create suitable materials for introducing transition. For example introduction letters, flyers, presentation materials, translations, child friendly etc.

Contact groups from the lists.

Contact community relations officers.

Arrange inclusive events for and with groups.

Resources required

Contact list for local groups.

Contact details for community relation officer.

Translation service.

Who is doing what?

Jon will contact local groups.

Janet will draft an introductory letter about transition for community groups.

Brian will contact Transition Network and Transition Bristol.

David will contact Transition Brixton and Transition Leicester.

When?

By the 6th July 09 we hope to have taken the first steps.