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Thursday 27 June 2013

VGS AGM: Regen SW


The second report from the Vision Group's AGM last night looks at what Cheryl Hiles, Executive Director at Regen SW , had to say, her main point being that the notion of 'sustainable development' and all it implies is not exactly winning hearts and minds - because,  whilst civic and business leaders, politicians and their officers are important, ultimately it is 'we' who are the 'decision-makers'. In other words, it is people in communities who will have to decide whether to take any action. Regen South West - delivering sustainable energy

And there were a couple of tools which Cheryl highlighted:
>> 'creative engagement techniques' (see below>>)
>> 'visual minutes' whereby the discussion is actually put into picture form (see below>>)
>> use of social media

There were a couple more suggestions at the meeting:
>> put on a play/piece of theatre highlighting issues, but in a, literally, dramatic way
>> avoid excessive and explicit use of 'green-speak'


Using fun and inspiring techniques such as art, music, storytelling, humour and hands-on practical activities, has proved a fantastic way to involve people in influencing the future of where they live. We've used them in neighbourhood planning events, whether it be helping people make the most of green spaces, kick-start community enterprises, understand climate change, or respond to large-scale planning developments affecting the area.
Along with other forward-thinking organisations in Cornwall, we’ve designed sessions in all shapes and sizes – but we always make sure that they are as little like conventional stakeholder engagement events as possible. Among them you’ll find:
> drop-in community planning days, designed like local fêtes
> film-making workshops with local stakeholders
> learning journeys to other communities
> practical training on everything from gardening to business skills
What they all have in common is an ambition to value theprocess as much as the products of engagement. 




Action research - Advisory Committees - Charrettes - Citizens' juries - Community reference groups - Drama workshops - Learning circles - Design workshops -  Participatory editing - Future search conferences - Photovoice - Planning For Real - Collective learning technique (also known as World café) - Community visioning - Community cultural development 

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