Sustainability is impossible without community. We need strong communities and strong and healthy community groups to achieve our sustainability goals – be it creating and maintaining a community garden, campaigning on climate change issues or running a bike fix-it workshop. Many of us are involved with various community groups. Some seem to run better than others, sometimes groups go through rough times when internal conflict or fatigue is evident. How can we strengthen our community groups and prevent or minimize problems? It is something that should be addressed earlier rather than later.
Recently at the NZ Permaculture Hui held in Christchurch over Easter I met with Natalie Hormann to chat about how we can go about Strengthening our Community Groups. At the Permaculture Hui, Natalie presented a talk on the psychological barriers and challenges that communities face, and how they can address them using Permaculture principles.
Natalie has both worked with community groups and been part of community groups for many years. In her paid time she is the Sustainability Officer for Hutt City Council. She is also a community worker, facilitator, advisor, consultant and speaker – addressing issues around climate change, declining resources and other sustainability issues.
To find out more about
- Natalie’s activites at Hutt City Council – go to http://www.huttcity.govt.nz
- Robyn Clayfield – go to http://www.dynamicgroups.com.au
- Books to inspire and strengthen includ
- Active Hope – by Joanna Macy & Chris Johnstone
- Psychology for a Better World – By Niki Harre
To listen to the programme Protecting our Marine Environment please click on http://new.accessradio.org/Player.aspx?eid=bbe94d6c-962c-4b36-bece-2470f204df83
This programme was originally broadcast on the 16the April 2015 with the help of Otago Access Radio 105.4FM. Eco Living in Action is hosted by Maureen Howard and is supported by the Dunedin City Council. To view other programmes go to http://www.ecolivinginactiondunedin.wordpress.com
Natalie presenting to the Permaculture Hui, April 2015
Some of the reasons why groups don’t change the world
Eco Living in Action 