by Guy_Gardner » Thu 18 Sep 2008, 13:28:59
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('blukatzen', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Guy_Gardner', 'I')'ve been lurking for a while, but have been cautious to reach out and let anyone find out I'm a "doomer". I see now that cautious cooperation is as important as discretion, and am ready to take that step.
I'm seeking to meet informally with other Calgarians to discuss local considerations and brainstorm, particularly in regards to future planning.
Downtown cafe is sufficient, real name optional.
If interested, drop me a line.
Gardner, you might have more success if you joined up with a permaculture group, home improvement group, or other such meetup.org group.
I know we had a meetup group here in Chicago, and all we did was bitch about things, but that become old really fast. You have to "do" something to make it worthwhile, like gardening, like solar or wind retrofits, etc. The problem is, most folks don't have the time nowadays to just sit around and complain. It's good for one or two sessions, but to get an active group, it's difficult.
Most of us here in Chicago have taken action in other arenas, such as those listed above, including voluntary simplicity, and the livable city movement. (good public walkways, bike paths, good public transportation.) You have to get active on the public policy front as well, talk with your alderman/town council on how they're approaching the aspects of "powerdown" in your area. What's on the books for your town concerning issues such as waste management, lighting, public safety, park district, (land useage by folks to possibly grow food on.) in your area? These issues might be of use to a group that wants to concern itself politically.
You might want to get ahold of some copies of some of the "Peak Oil" movies out there and show them at the library (neutral spot and in most cases free.) and have a discussion group too. That might spark a group that develops into an "action" group. ("End of Suburbia" is one that had been making the rounds.)
But we found out complaining doesn't "do" anything. You have to get "doing". Pick something that interests you, get involved yourself, and then branch out from there, and get the best folks involved . (lots of complainers are good at that,but don't translate well to "doers".)
Good luck with your city Gardner!
Blu
Not looking to teach, be taught, or start an awareness campaign.
Am looking to touch based with PO-aware people to chew over local and regional considerations with, particularly in regards to prep.