First_IDN_NA_DegrowthActionDiscussion

 We jumped right into discussing basic needs and how local communities can start acting to help make sure that basic needs are met. Food, water, security, health, safety, education, guaranteed liveable income, access to nature, communication, waste/compost, and mobility were raised and a more extended discussion about water took place. It might be very difficult to provide clean water without some infrastructure. Locally, we could build wetlands and do rainwater harvesting, but it might not be adequate and we would have to filter rain water to make it potable.

A discussion was initiated on what we would like to do with these monthly N America circle meetings, as opposed to things that might happen in other forums or discussion in sub-regions of N America. The proposal is to provide updates on what is happening in sub-regions, e.g. the Degrowth School, Casa Pueblo in Puerto Rico (power self management in the absense of federal help), Transition Town Movement, Permaculture Movement, etc. Ashley offered to coordinate along these lines for the next meeting. The idea of an online map of areas where people could get involved was raised. The possibility of a website was raised. A hope was also raised that we spend some time on other needs beyond localizing basic needs, e.g. addressing issues that the Trump administration is doing.  The issue of cars and transportation was raised, and how we can connect with like-minded organizations on various issues, and hooking into (and discussing with each other) what’s already happening (housing is another example), offering a degrowth perspective. These might often not be framed around degrowth - but rather discussing already underway on various issues (e.g. water capture systems in water-stressed areas).  Caution: not get caught up in “nice little things to do” but rather address systemic problems.
How to be action-focused.  Being action oriented was noted.  Different elements of change-oriented action were noted, including research to action initiatives (rebels, thinkers, advocates, organizers all have a role).  Guest speakers to talk about different aspects of these elements could help frame discussions - some more educational, some more how-to in terms of taking action, etc.  This could also frame check-ins on what regional groups, or research groups like L4E, are doing in regard to the topic.
 

It was suggested that we coordinate via an email or a shared document on a topic for the next meeting.  It was suggested we might pick a basic need in our community and talk about many aspects of it, such as the history of the issue, what groups are working on it, etc.  An update on the Montreal degrowth conference proposal was provided - it is on hold for now.

See also https://degrowthdiscussion.blogspot.com/p/degrowthactionpresentation.html