How is Transition Different From Other “Sustainability” Groups?

The Transition model involves engaging directly with the public to raise awareness about the issues and encourage citizens to create a vision of a better future. Transition initiatives act as a catalyst - inspiring others to create their own answers and vision - without necessarily trying to provide all the answers.

The aim is to bring information and resources together in one place about groups and organizations already working toward making communities more sustainable and resilient, leverage resources where possible, and coordinate if needed. It is not the intention of Initiatives to launch any projects that duplicate work already being done by others. Rather they help connect the public with existing resources, and also help find “gaps” where critical needs are not being met - and then help fill those gaps.

Another important aspect of Transition that differentiates it from other efforts is in it’s ultimate goal of creating an Energy Decent Action Plan (EDAP). An EDAP sets out a vision of a powered-down, resilient, relocalized future, and then backcasts, in a series of practical steps, creating a map to get there from here. Every community’s EDAP will be different, both in content and style.

Lastly, the “inner-transition” (aka Heart & Soul) component is a key part of the Transition model. sometimes referred to as the “psychology of change,” although it is more than just that. An important aspect of the process is to provide for psychological and emotional support for community members as they come to terms with changes that can often be overwhelming. Supporting each other through these changes is a vital part of community resilience. Including an inner-transition aspect is key to making the Transition model stand out.

"When our supermarkets have only enough food for two days time, sustainability seems to focus on the efficiency of the freezers. "- Rob Hopkins, 2009 TED Talk