OneGreenGov, Many Green Options. (On a Map!)
In the OneGreenGov global platform team, we’ve been considering how to support local teams before, during, and after their events.
Read the blog announcing this event to learn why we’re doing this.
There is no one prescribed format to the events and anyone can organize around a topic they care about. However, we do want to help and support organizing so it makes it easier for people to get started and participate.
One of the things we’ve been considering is bringing together some topics people could organize around — similar to how unconferences unfold, we want to draw out the ideas and enthusiasm.
We like the idea of framing topics as opportunities for action, like these:
Actions can apply at different scales, from personal to global. Depending on the type and size of team or event, organizers and attendees may focus on one or other side of the spectrum.
An event could take the shape of:
· 10 people in a neighbourhood to figure out how they can plant trees locally.
· 50 people in an organization develop a carbon accounting method for reducing impacts from lighting, heat, paper use and travel.
· 150 people in a region to arrange a clothing swap and pledge to only buy second hand clothes for a year.
· 1000 people around the world to contribute to opening data sets that support climate science and action.
If you’ve got a group who are interested, perhaps you could have a little brainstorm, follow the passion, and see where it takes you!
We hope that everyone will share their plans and share their experience of what works, or ask for help (we know a lot of helpers!)
Respecting Diversity
When we imagine local teams from around the world choosing something to do, each experience will be different depending on location and culture, and we want to learn from each other.
An example is the carbon bank the platform team has started to build. It is a practical action that can help individuals consider where they can reduce carbon, and to make a commitment to do so. At the moment the calculations in the spreadsheet and the carbon impact suggestions (diet and travel types) are UK-centric, and only relevant for certain parts of the world.
Where it does have relevance, teams in different locations could try it out, learn from it and build on it. Where it doesn’t fit, we’d love people to adapt and improve it.
How Might We Share?
Google makes this pretty easy, generally. So, we’ve opted to use google docs, sheets, forms and maps.
Add Your Team/Event/Initiative
Our primary concern right now is to help teams get going.
You can now fill in a form to tell the world that you’re planning to bring people together as part of this initiative. You don’t have to know exactly what it will be, but put your best guess and intention out there — then let others know.
It takes a bit of courage, but hey, we’re up for it when it comes to stabilizing the climate, right?
Our team will amplify your work and try to connect others who might pitch in. As we state in our platform team working agreement:
“Opinions are heard. Leadership is welcomed. Contributions are valued.”
No contribution is too small.
How else might we support you?
You can get started at any time and add it to the map. But getting started can be half the battle. What else might help?
You can see our open backlog here, where we are considering what to offer.
If you have needs, ideas or want to contribute to the global community, join us in Slack.
Or, leave us a comment below.
On behalf of the OneGreenGov platform team,
H
