How is Transition Town OKC different from other sustainability and environmental groups already working in Oklahoma?
Transition Town OKC (TTOKC) is a project that shares many of the same goals as other groups and works collaboratively with a variety of organizations. Transition Town OKC differs in that it focuses specifically on preparing communities for the changes associated with peak oil and transitioning away from fossil-fuel dependency.
We use the Transition Town model to engage directly with the public to raise awareness about the issues and encourage citizens to create a vision of a better future with less oil. We act as a catalyst - inspiring others to create their own answers and vision - without necessarily trying to provide all the answers.
We aim to bring information and resources together in one place about groups and organizations already working toward making OKC more sustainable and resilient, leverage resources where possible, and coordinate if needed. TTOKC does not plan to launch any projects that duplicate work already being done by other sustainability and environmental groups.
Rather we will help connect the public with existing resources, and also help find "gaps" where critical sustainability and resiliency needs are not being met - and then help fill those gaps.
How is the Transition Town approach different from traditional environmentalism?
| Traditional Environmentalism | Transition Approach |
| Individual Behavior Single Issue Tools: Lobbying, Campaigning, Protesting Sustainable Development Fear, guilt, and shock as motivation The man in the street is the problem Blanket campaigning Prescriptive - advocates answers and responses Carbon footprinting Belief that economic growth is possible |
Group Behavior Holistic Tools: Public participation, eco-psychology, culture Resilience/relocalization Hope, optimism and proactivity as motivation The man in the street is the solution Targeted interventions Acts as a catalyst - no fixed answers Carbon footprinting PLUS resilience Designing for local economic resilience |
You can participate in many different ways:
- You can come to an orientation to find out more about us and opportunities for you to get involved.
- You can prepare yourself and your familty for the energy transition.
- You can contact us with suggestions or questions at info (at) goinglocalokc (dot) com.
- You can donate to support the Transition Town initiative via the Sustainable OKC donation site. BE SURE to specify "For Transition Town OKC" in the "Add special instructions for the merchant" space.
Transition OKC is a program of Sustainable OKC, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Content copyright 2009-2012 Transition OKC. All rights reserved.
