It may be too late, but the likelihood is that it isn’t. That means your (and others’) endeavors are absolutely crucial. Don’t let hopelessness sabotage your efforts - as Vandana Shiva says, “the uncertainty of our times is no reason to be certain about hopelessness”.

You could easily be forgiven for thinking this, given the existence of what you might perceive as an apathetic consumer culture surrounding you. Dig a bit deeper though, and you’ll find that the most surprising people are keen advocates of key elements of a Transition Initiative, for example local food, local crafts, local history and culture. The key is to go to them, rather than expecting them to come to you. Seek out common ground, and you’ll find your community to be a far more interesting place than you thought it was.

Transition Initiatives work to form common goals and a shared sense of purpose with existing groups. Working within a network of existing groups towards an Energy Descent Action Plan will enhance and focus their work along with yours, rather than replicate or supersede it. Expect other groups to become some of your strongest allies, crucial to the success of your Transition.

A fear exists among some environmentalists that any initiative that actually succeeds in effecting change will get shut down, suppressed, or attacked by faceless bureaucrats or corporations. Transition Initiatives operate “below the radar”, neither seeking victims nor making enemies. As awareness of the various challenges build, many people in positions of power will be enthused and inspired by what you are doing, and will support, rather than hinder, your efforts.

Funding is a poor substitute for enthusiasm and community involvement, both of which will take you through the first phases of Transition. Funding is not always a good thing; funders may demand a measure of control, and may steer the initiative in directions that run counter to community interests. As eco-village designer Max Lindeggar says: “If a project doesn’t make a profit it will make a loss.” You can make sure your process generates an adequate amount of income through the events that you hold. As an example, Transition Town Totnes began in September 2005 with no money at all, and it has been self-funding ever since. The talks, film screenings and other events that are run bring in funds sufficient to subsidize free events such as Open Space Days. You may reach a point where you have specific projects that will require funding, but until that point you’ll manage. Retain the power over whether this happens… don’t let lack of funding stop you.

But I don’t have the energy for doing this...

Posted by The Transition Team · October 06, 2015 5:53 AM

But I don’t have the right qualifications…

Posted by The Transition Team · October 06, 2015 5:51 AM

But it’s too late to do anything useful…

Posted by The Transition Team · October 06, 2015 5:50 AM

Before we dig deep into this topic first determine...

Are you a:

Homeowner 

or

Home-seeker

Personal Cheerleaders

Posted by The Transition Team ·

Helps You "Get Out of Yourself"

Posted by The Transition Team ·

Have Someone with Whom to Have a Meal

Posted by The Transition Team ·

Save Money on the Monthly Cost of Rent or Mortgage

Posted by The Transition Team ·

Have "Extra" Money

Posted by The Transition Team ·

Save Money on the Cost of Utilities

Posted by The Transition Team ·

Often when relocating, leaving a relationship or going to school or otherwise leaving one life behind for a new one, living in shared housing offers a place to live without making a permanent commitment to a specific place before being sure of this new step.

Additional Pages of Interest:

Shared Housing

Sources: Sharing Housing: A Guidebook for Finding and Keeping Good Housemates

Contributors: Annamarie Pluhar

Recommended Books: Sharing Housing: A Guidebook for Finding and Keeping Good Housemates