Transition Town Lewes

 

Our Vision

Our vision is for a thriving and resilient community that works in balance with the natural world on which we depend.

Our core purpose is to stimulate and facilitate community action in order to respond effectively and positively to climate change and environmental degradation to safeguard our futures. Specifically, we are working to achieve a zero carbon future. We do this by:

• Raising awareness in the Lewes area to the issues of climate change and environmental degradation
• Inspiring, supporting and working with people, groups and organisations to provide practical and positive solutions to these issues

We do this because a world that uses less energy, consumes fewer resources and protects the natural world will be more resilient, more abundant and more pleasurable than at present.

 

How we work

These are the principles that guide the way TTL works:

• We work together because we know that together we are greater than the sum of our parts. We work in a collaborative way because we get better results for less effort.
• We don’t need permission to act. There is no hierarchy. Individuals in TTL take responsibility for their own decisions, actions and results. Responsibility and leadership for TTL are also shared by everyone.
• We trust that those who step forward have good intentions and will make good decisions. We give autonomy and support to those who wish to be part of TTL.
• We are accountable to ourselves and to each other in keeping with the TTL purpose and principles. We are transparent in everything we do.
• We don’t have a blueprint. We believe in multiple paths, ideas and possibilities. We think questions are as important as answers. It’s fine to make mistakes and learn from them. We are pioneers prepared to take risks to find innovative and creative solutions.
• We are open to working with everyone. We welcome diversity and see it as a strength, valuing what everyone brings of themselves.
• We recognise that we are all teachers and learners. We value both the professional and the practical.
• We acknowledge other initiatives and seek to find ways to collaborate and further the aims of TTL. We give what we can and ask for what we need. Individually and as a group we work on the things we enjoy so that we do them well.

 

Organisational structure

There are also some specific principles that deal with the organisational structure:

• The Steering Group meets regularly to co-ordinate the organisation. It is composed of at least one representative of each group but in addition is open to anyone who wishes to come.
• TTL Groups form as needed to do what needs to be done: make decisions, take action; they dissolve when the need is gone. A group should have a minimum of three people involved and report regularly to the Steering Group.
• Each Group is responsible for raising and acquiring its own money and resources – and for using these wisely.
• Groups exist to deliver the TTL vision and aims in a positive and concrete way.
• It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the free flow of information and knowledge around the network.
• We all consider the effects of our actions on our public reputation.

 

Fundraising for projects

There are also some specific principles on fundraising for projects:

• Members of TTL can earn money from doing TTL work, if there is funding available. Transparency and openness is very important.
• Projects for which funding is sought need to be agreed with the relevant TTL group/s.
• The project must support the TTL aims and be in line with the other principles and be designed to deliver on key objectives of the group/s.
• If the proposer, or a group member, of the project is the intended beneficiary of the funding then the group must open it up to wider competition within TTL or beyond if appropriate.
• The TTL group which raised the funding or the TTL Finance Group or another partner organisation will hold the budget for the project and account for it publicly and regularly.
• The TTL group who developed the project are responsible for monitoring the project, its process and outcomes.
• If anyone in TTL does not agree that the project is in line with TTL aims and principles then then that person can take the project to the TTL Steering Group for discussion.

Finance and Funding procedures

Detailed finance and funding procedures have been developed by the finance group. Please discuss with them before starting any project that involves money.

 

Updating these Principles

And finally, a principle on how we evolve the principles:

• We make changes to these Principles where necessary, but only with a high level of consensus.

 

Last updated: 15th November 2019 by JW & approved by Steering.