Following are Heathers notes from the last film screening in Meersbrook of Rob Hopkins at the Positive Energy Conference held on Monday 17th November 2008.

Discussion Themes

We started by sharing what we knew was going on now in Heeley; allotment shares, Green Triangle, Heeley City Farm and SYEC, LILI, Heeley Development Trust(who was there) and Sheffield wide; Seedy Sunday, Grow Sheffield and Abundance project, SCR, SCACC, Rising Tide direct action. Work that Reconnects workshop 8th Nov and Climate change effects the poor conference 22nd Nov.

Ie we're already embarked on transition but not every body knows what's going on-

And flagged up our follow up on Nov 20th 8pm at Bohemian upstairs

Themes stimulated by Rob Hopkins DVD talk

The vision

An enormous challenge

Can cities be sustainable? By definition cities are dependent/exploiting a large hinterland, now global in scale? So dependent on oil-but model of Cuba-50% Havannah's food grown in the city.

Things changing rapidly/economic and climate bill now 80% targets and including aviation and shipping.

Sheffield-are decision makers and politicians beginning to be aware of contradiction in city strategy between commitment to 60% CO2 reductions by 2050 and economic master plan geared to economic growth?

Crisis-time of opportunity. Best for communities to start gearing themselves up for how we want to respond rather than have top down impositions.

Inclusivity

Its a challenge for everybody-how engage- not just a green issue-rethink how we get over "enemy images".

Positive psychology

Whole is daunting but working together-with concept, everybody has something they can contribute, is positive

Community resilience

We need communities to be more self reliant but also because of law and order issue-with shortages more likelihood of attacks-need to look out for each other. Also very rough ride ahead-may not make it to sustainability-but humane option to be part of generous, sharing, inter-dependant community-more likely to act generously to likely environmental refugees.

Inspirations and Questions on comments boards from post-it notes

Inspirations:

• I was given real hope by the example of Totnes etc Maybe we shall come through after all
• Hurrah! One planet living on its way!
• "The times they are a changing"
• Positive psychology-important not to depress people-its an exciting prospect
• IMPORTANT. Drawing in lots of different types of people "not just preaching to the converted"
• A diverstity of responses. Anticipated challenges
• Building community, spiritual ,aspects, non-selfish goals.
• Positive visioning,community sense,recognition of difficulty-pre-counselling
• Return to collectivity, sharing, community ethos

Inspirations for local action;

• 6 about allotments; reclaim derelict allotments, re-skilling to use all available space, allotments for schools, advertise community allotments in GP surgeries, shops etc
• Nut and fruit trees in Meersbrook park and other public spaces
• Insulate terrace houses in Meersbrook
• Car sharing and car pool

Inspiration for progressing local transition:

• Start local now-promote transition related ideas to those who live closest to you. Someone in your street is waiting for a flyer through the door!
• Decentralise, multiply towards ultra-local groups: 2008-Transition Sheffield, 2009, transition Meersbrook, 2010, Transition Meersbrook Park Road!

Questions;

• Finance?
• Disseminate the message? Is Rob Hopkin's DVD available?
• What are the practacalities/possibilities in a city environment?