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COMMUNITY ACTION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT A Guide to Helping Your Community Go Green

A publication of The Conservation Council of Ontario

COMMUNITY ACTION FOR THE ENVIRONMENTA Guide to Helping Your Community Go Green

FIRST EDITION

May 1995

COPYRIGHT

The Conservation Council of OntarioSuite 506, 489 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M6G 1A5Phone: (416)969-9637 Fax: (416) 960-8053 Email:[email protected]

PRINCIPAL AUTHOR: Chris Winter, Executive Director, The Conservation Council ofOntario

ISBN #: 0-919856-12-8

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Community Action for the Environment was prepared by the Conservation Council ofOntario with funding support from Environment Canada’s Environmental CitizenshipInitiative. The Community Action Plan process was developed by the ConservationCouncil with the support of the Pollution Prevention Initiative and the EnvironmentalCitizenship Initiative of Environment Canada, and the Environmental Youth Corpsprogram of the Ontario Government.

Special thanks are due to the many people in Cambridge, Dunnville, Elora, Geraldton,Long Point region, Metro Toronto, Port Hope, and Thunder Bay who have helped testthe program in their communities. The results are tremendous, and they show thatcommunity action is not the result of one organization or program, but the result ofmany groups and individuals working together at the local, regional, provincial, andfederal level.

CANADA’S ENVIRONMENTAL

CITIZENSHIP PRINCIPLES

1. To protect and enhance the quality of the earth’s air, water,and land.

2. To reduce waste.

3. To use resources efficiently and manage them prudently.

4. To maintain and enhance the health and diversity of allliving things.

5. To commemorate and protect our natural, cultural, andhistorical heritages.

6. To integrate environmental and economic practices.

7. To learn about environmental science, the functioning of theeconomy and the environmental citizenship ethic.

8. To expand and improve environmental education and learning.

9. To work together — at the community, provincial, andnational levels to achieve environmental goals.

10. To seek understanding and progress on global environmentalissues.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS A CAP?Defining Community Action

GETTING STARTEDA Checklist For Your Community

PREPARATIONBuilding Support Within Your Community

1. Identify your community 42. Find out who is interested 4

3. Identify or establish a coordinating committee 4

4. Appoint a community coordinator 5

5. Identify or establish a community group network 66. Identify your funding needs and resources 6

GOING PUBLICDrafting a Community Action Plan

1. Adapt the process to the community 8

2. Solicit input from the community 8

3. Draft the Community Action Plan 9

4. Review and approve the plan 10

IMPLEMENTATIONCommunity Campaigns and Individual Projects

1. Supporting individual projects 112. Deciding on a project: advice to community groups 11

Project suggestions 12

3. Initiating special campaigns 13

REVIEWImproving Your Action Plan

1. Monitor and evaluate the plan’s success 15

2. Review and revise the plan as required 15

RESOURCESOntario Region

RECOMMENDED READING

COMMUNITY ACTION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT 11111

INTRODUCTIONCOMMUNITY ACTION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

2. Set up a Coordinating Committee — repre-sentatives from all sectors of the community whohave agreed to help promote and support commu-nity-based projects.

3. Designate a Community Coordinator — a staffperson, consultant, or volunteer who is the maincontact person for members of the community net-work, and for the provincial and national commu-nity support programs.

4. Draft an Environmental Community ActionPlan — a brief statement of the environmental pri-orities for the community, the lead organizationsfor each issue, and some of the projects that willsupport the community goals.

5. Conduct a Community Campaign — a numberof interrelated projects that support an overall com-munity goal.

The suggestions in this manual can be adaptedto reflect your community’s existing activities andplanning processes. You will also be able to deter-mine your own priorities for action and find outwhere you can get support for community-basedprojects.

The more communities that get involved thebetter. In the end, we will have a network of com-munities across Canada that are working to im-prove their local environment. In turn, they willalso be contributing to provincial goals as well asto Canada’s environmental citizenship principles,as defined by Environment Canada.

KEEP US INFORMEDAs you read through the manual, ask yourself ifyou think our suggestions will work in your com-munity. If you decide to organize your community,or if you are already organized, please let us knowhow you are proceeding. We may be able to helpyou turn your ideas into action, and your experi-ences might help other communities.

Chris WinterExecutive Director

Conservation Council of OntarioMarch 1995

Canada’s environmental movement is changing. Weare no longer struggling to make people aware ofthe issues: acid rain, ozone depletion, global warm-ing, deforestation, toxic chemicals, solid waste, anddisappearing natural areas. Canadians share astrong desire to improve the quality of our envi-ronment.

Our challenge now is to find ways to facilitatethe transition to an environmentally sound society.Organizing ourselves is the first step.

WHO ARE YOU?Why did you pick up this document? We hope thatit’s because you want to make a difference in yourcommunity. Whether you’re a local activist, a poli-tician, a bureaucrat, a teacher, or a citizen with con-viction, we can help you develop your community’spotential for action.

This manual is designed to help communitiesorganize. In turn, each community can become partof a growing network that is supported through pro-vincial and federal programs, foundations, corpo-rations, and non-governmental organizations.

Community groups and volunteers are an im-portant part of the environmental movement.Through combined efforts we can reach and involveevery citizen in Canada and encourage them to helpimprove our environment. When every part of thecommunity is working towards a common goal, theresults can be tremendous.

HOW TO ORGANIZE A COMMUNITYThis manual will introduce you to a simple, low-cost approach that will show immediate results. Itoutlines a five-step process to encourage and sup-port widespread community involvement in solv-ing environmental issues.

1. Develop a Community Network — a contact listof groups and individuals that share a common de-sire to improve the local environment, includingcommunity groups, cultural groups, schools, busi-nesses, service clubs, and all levels of government.

22222 COMMUNITY ACTION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

WHAT IS A CAP?DEFINING COMMUNITY ACTION

● It is effective. The Community Action Plan pro-vides a concise summary of the major priorities fora community-wide campaign. Whether the readeris a volunteer, community group member, store-owner, teacher, or politician, the plan will show themhow they can get involved, who to contact, andwhere to find support for their own initiatives.

WHAT IF WE ALREADY

HAVE A COMMUNITY PLAN?No problem. Developing a Community Action Planis not a new idea, nor is it a rigid process that mustbe followed to the letter. Community planning forthe environment already exists in many forms.There are many existing types of action plans, in-cluding Healthy Community Plans (combininghealth, social and economic issues, and the envi-ronment), Remedial Action Plans (for water qual-ity), Green Community Plans, solid waste man-agement plans, and the municipal Official Plan.Each is designed to involve the public in the commu-nity planning process.

A Community Action Plan (CAP) is a call to action.As a document, it outlines and publicizes a com-munity’s commitment to improving the environ-ment. It lists the projects, both current and de-sired, that have widespread support and will helpaddress the major concerns of the community, andit provides a framework within which those projectscan be undertaken.

As a process, a CAP is more than a document.It is a forum for creating a community network,with the goal of encouraging effective action.

The purpose of an environmental communityaction plan is to encourage individuals to act forthe environment, either by making changes in theirown lives, or by participating in community-basedprojects. It also provides opportunities for commu-nity groups to plug into existing initiatives. To thisend, each community action plan has the followingobjectives:

1. To improve the local environment through pub-lic action and community projects;

2. To promote public involvement in environmen-tal projects and community groups;

3. To develop partnerships in support of commu-nity projects, including, but not limited to, all lev-els of government, the business community, fund-ing agencies, schools and universities, and non-gov-ernmental organizations.

Some of the distinguishing characteristics of aCommunity Action Plan are:

● It is cooperative. The CAP brings together com-munity leaders from all sectors to determine wherethey can work together to achieve community-widegoals. If an issue is too controversial, then it shouldbe referred to a different planning (or lobbying)process. For example, a CAP may not help you tosite a landfill, but it will help you promote recy-cling, composting, and waste reduction initiativesthroughout the community.

● It is efficient. The CAP process is designed tospend a minimum amount of time on committeework and planning. Depending on the size andexisting degree of organization in the community,the Community Action Plan can start producing re-sults in six months.


Use this checklist to determine how well-organized your community is. Do you have:

GETTING STARTEDA CHECKLIST FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

Before reading this manual, it’s a good idea to takea moment to think about your own community, yourown strengths, and what “community organization”means to you. Every community is different. Thesedifferences will contribute to how you want to or-ganize for community action. Here are some im-portant questions that need to be answered beforeyou begin.1. How do you define your community? Is it yourtown, your neighbourhood, a rural county, or thecottages on a lake?2. Are there any environmental projects that you

already have in mind: cleaning up a lake or astream, composting and recycling, conserving en-ergy in homes, or planting trees? If so, who shouldbe involved to make the project a community-widesuccess?3. Is your community well-organized for environ-mental action? What are some of the groups andgovernment bodies that you look to for leadershipon environmental issues?4. The most important question of all is: “Are yougetting results?”

HOW DID YOU SCORE?Relax, very few communities in Canada can answer each question with a resounding “yes”. That’s whyorganizing communities for environmental action is so important.

Many communities will have one or more of the pieces, such as an active environmental group, or apassionate community leader. There may even be an environmental advisory committee. Start withwhat you know and branch out.

❏ Yes ❏ No❏ Could be improved❏ Don’t know





A Community NetworkIs there a contact list of groups and individuals that share a common desire toimprove the local environment, including community and social groups,schools, businesses, service clubs, and the municipal government?

A Coordinating CommitteeIs there a committee of representatives from all sectors of the community whohave agreed to help promote and support community-based projects?

The coordinating committee can be an existing multi-stakeholder commit-tee, such as a Local Round Table, an Environmental Advisory Committee, orthe steering committee for a Remedial Action Plan or Healthy Communitiesproject.

A Community CoordinatorIs there a contact person who can support the coordinating committee and thecommunity network and provide a link to the provincial and federal supportprograms? Usually a paid position, the coordinator could be a municipal staffperson, a contract position with a community group, or a consultant. Smallercommunities may prefer to work with a volunteer.

An Environmental Community Action PlanIs there a brief document that states the environmental priorities for thecommunity, the lead organization(s) for each issue, and some of the projectsthat support the community goals? It may be a separate publication, or mate-rial published through a community newspaper.

Community Campaigns and ProjectsHas the coordinating committee, or any of the participating organizations, usedthe network to develop a community-wide campaign in support of an overallcommon environmental goal?

Does the coordinating committee encourage and support a wide range ofcommunity-based projects?


Identify your community.Find out who is interested.Identify or establish a coordinating committee.Appoint a community coordinator.Identify or establish a community group network.Identify your community needs and resources.

Is your community ready for community-based action? Here are somesuggested steps to help you prepare your community for environmental action.

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Step 1.IDENTIFY YOUR COMMUNITY

What do you consider your “community”? It couldbe your neighbourhood, town, county, watershed,or even a school or a business. This manual is writ-ten primarily for use at the municipal level, but itdoesn’t take much effort to adapt the process toother types of communities. If organizing amunicipality seems too big a task, look atyour neighbourhood. Are there issuesthat can be addressed through a con-certed community effort? Can youget the support of your neigh-bours, your local stores and yourcouncillor?

Step 2.FIND OUT WHOIS INTERESTED

Anyone can initiate a Com-munity Action Plan. Itusually starts with one per-son who hears about the processand asks “Can it work here?” It could be the mayor,a local activist, a student, or a store owner. If you’rereading this manual, it’s probably you. The veryfirst step is to take this paper to a few people inyour community and ask if they are interested inworking on a Community Action Plan.

Next, make a list of some of the people who

could help start a Community Action Plan. Try toinclude representatives from all areas of the com-munity, including diverse local groups, schools, gov-ernment, business, and any other major organiza-tions.

Take it one step at a time and build the groundswell of interest and support for the project. Start

with the people you know. For example,if you are a community leader — a

politician, or a representative ofa community group or the

Chamber of Commerce — youcan start by talking to theother members of yourgroup and representa-tives of other majorgroups. If you have beenapproached by membersof your community, offerto help them contactother organizations.Keep it informal. Whenyou are ready, ask for aletter of support fromeach organization.

Step 3.IDENTIFY OR ESTABLISH ACOORDINATING COMMITTEE

The role of a coordinating committee is to overseethe preparation, implementation, and monitoringof the Community Action Plan. The committee

PREPARATIONBUILDING SUPPORT WITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY


defining difficult or specific issues in the commu-nity.

The qualifications for committee members willvary with the size and type of community. Smallmunicipalities will likely be able to identify indi-viduals who are already involved in several com-munity groups and understand the community’spriorities. Larger municipalities will want to in-clude individuals able to incorporate the concernsof single-interest groups into the overall multi-is-sue plan.

In general, the members of the coordinatingcommittee should:

should include representatives of all sectors of thecommunity, including government, citizens, culturalgroups, and business leaders. The committee shouldensure that all community groups, although not nec-essarily represented on the committee, have an op-portunity to contribute to the drafting of the plan.The committee should also encourage other groupsto submit ongoing or potential projects for inclu-sion in the CAP.

Does your community already have a multi-sectoral advisory committee? Many do. A commonexample at the municipal level is an Environmen-tal Advisory Committee that is responsible for moni-toring environmental issues and advising the mu-nicipal council. Others municipalities have set upLocal Round Tables, adding in the responsibility toprepare a sustainable development strategy for thecommunity. Still others have advisory committeeson specific environmental issues, such as water qual-ity (Remedial Action Plans) or waste management(Waste Management Master Plans).

Whether you are building on an existing com-mittee or starting from scratch, make sure the coor-dinating committee has the mandate to:

consult with the public on environmentalpriorities

draft a community action plan

coordinate and support community-widecampaigns

assist community groups to develop theirprojects

promote widespread public involvementthrough environmental projects and individualaction

advise the municipal council, business commu-nity, and others on environmental issues.

The committee and the Community Action Planshould focus on environmental issues, but both alsoneed to address related issues of concern to the com-munity, including health, social issues, culture, arts,and economic concerns. In fact, many activities inthe environmental field (cycling, recycling, publicawareness, tree-planting, etc.) have positive effectsin promoting health, new business opportunities,and community involvement. The coordinatingcommittee should encourage involvement by theseother sectors in finding solutions that go beyondsimple band-aids for environmental problems.

Selecting committee membersMembers of the coordinating committee should beselected for their ability to work with and under-stand the priorities of each of the communitygroups. In addition, individuals with particularexpertise will prove helpful when committees are

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have a good understanding of communityissues and concerns, and of provincial (orglobal) environmental priorities

be positive and constructive in approach, andbe able to identify and create opportunities forcommunity involvement

be able to assist in drafting the communityaction plan by contacting organizations andassisting in preparing a concise summary ofproposed activities

be able to assist in implementing the actionplan, through promotional activities, workwith local organizations, or other skills

be prepared to meet on a regular basis tomonitor and revise the plan as required

be able to provide community leadership.

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Step 4.APPOINT A COMMUNITY COORDINATOR

You will soon need a main contact person for theproject. In smaller communities, you may be ableto get away with a volunteer, perhaps paying anhonorarium for services rendered. Larger commu-nities will almost definitely need a paid position,either part- or full-time.

The responsibilities of the coordinator can in-clude any or all of the following:

supporting the coordinating committee

researching and developing the communitynetwork

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COMMITTEE SIZEThe coordinating committee should be largeenough to adequately represent the commu-nity, but small enough to be manageable(somewhere between six and fifteen mem-bers). The optimum size of the committeewill vary with the size and make-up of eachcommunity.


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The different types of coordinator positions thathave been tried in our pilot communities include amunicipal staff person, a professional consultant,a community group (supported by a foundationgrant), and volunteers from the coordinating com-mittee.

We also suggest thatthe coordinator be the maincontact person for anyfunding or support pro-grams.

Step 5.IDENTIFY OR ESTABLISHA COMMUNITY GROUPNETWORK

The coordinator should developa comprehensive list of community groups and com-munity leaders. Be sure to include all types of com-munity groups and private sector partners: envi-ronmental, ratepayers, religious, social, cultural,

coordinating public consultation and publicityfor the CAP

drafting the community action plan

developing a list of resources and supportprograms within the community, and withinthe public and private sectors

assisting in the development of projects andcommunity-wide campaigns

keeping accurate files and records on allaspects of the CAP

maintaining communications within thecoordinating committee, with the public, andwith the media

measuring the progress of the CAP againstthe stated objectives.

youth and seniors, schools, and service clubs, alongwith local industries and small businesses. Somepotential partners may not be located within thecommunity but will have a valid role (e.g. regionalConservation Authorities or district governmentagencies). These groups and individuals should becontacted early in process and asked to submit theirrecommendations for activities to be included in theaction plan. The list should be developed in consul-tation with the coordinating committee. (See box be-low.)

Ideally, an action plan will draw on resourcesin every part of the community. The best plans areones that develop partnerships between a widerange of groups, using the skills of each to improvethe prospects for success.

Larger municipalities may wish to set up twolevels of community networks, or identify a leadorganization that will assume the responsibility forinvolving each of the smaller groups within its net-work. For example, in Metro Toronto, approxi-mately 100 groups are identified at the regionallevel, and over 1,000 groups and individuals areincluded in a community contact list.

Step 6.IDENTIFY YOURFUNDING NEEDSAND RESOURCES

You don’t necessarilyneed major funding toorganize your commu-nity. For most commu-nities, the cost can bekept to a minimum byallocating existingstaff, public consulta-

tion budgets, and community grant programs to theprocess. Communities with tighter budgets maywant to rely more heavily on volunteers and do-nated services.

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conservation and environ-mental groupscultural groupsservice clubsreligious organizationsschoolsschool environment clubsindividual classesindividual students

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ratepayers groupslocal foundationslocal MPs or MPPslocal industriesindividual citizensmunicipal politiciansmunicipal departmentslocal government agenciesthe Chamber of Commerceor Board of Trade

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business associationsmajor employerslabour unions or councilssmall businesses (e.g. cornerstore, local factory, videostore)professional associations

Each of the following individuals or groups can play an active role in helping to draftand implement an environmental Community Action Plan.

A COMMUNITY NETWORK — WHO TO INCLUDE


In general, to develop and carry out a Commu-nity Action Plan, some type of support is neededfor the following activities:

designation of a coordinator for the project

establishment or identification of a communitycoordinating committee

community consultation efforts

preparation of a draft action plan

provision for public input into, comment on,and review of the draft action plan

revision and approval of a final action plan

publication/printing of the final document

provision of ongoing support to the coordinat-ing committee.

Funding for communities engaged in organiz-ing themselves for action is available from the fed-eral and provincial governments, District HealthCouncils, foundations, and companies. Grantsrange from small (a few thousand dollars) to large($300,000 over three years), and each programfunds different aspects of community action. Seethe Resources section of this paper for more infor-mation.

Community action is a good investment. It willhelp the municipality achieve a healthy environ-ment, community spirit, and reduced costs for en-vironmental management.

Look first for sponsors within your community.Such sponsorship will help build a strong commit-ment to the project as well as make it more attrac-tive to outside funders. Try to find one, two, or sev-eral lead agencies who will agree to oversee theproject and underwrite the cost of preparing, pub-lishing, and promoting the plan. In many cases amunicipal government will agree to fulfil this role,although the main sponsor agency could be a na-tive band council, conservation authority, serviceclub, community foundation, major employer, or aneighbourhood ratepayers group (for a neighbour-hood action plan).

If a municipal government is going to sponsora Community Action Plan, it may want to pass aresolution supporting the project and allocating staffand financial resources to the project. The requestshould come from community representatives, withthe backing of as many organizations and individu-als as possible. Talk to your local councillors be-forehand and make sure they will support the reso-lution.

When identifying resources for your Commu-nity Action Plan, be creative. The possibilities areendless. Below are some examples of different ap-proaches to funding various elements of a CAP.

Community coordinator: The coordinator can bean existing staff person, a new position, a paid con-sultant, or a volunteer. Larger municipalities maybe able to identify other resource people in supportof the project, such as a writer and publicity staff.

Public workshops: Public meetings can be coveredby the municipality, supported through corporateor foundation sponsorship and public donations, orsponsored by a local group.

Printing and distribution: The final action plan canbe published and widely distributed as an officialreport, or it can be given limited distribution to thecommunity groups. Distribute the plan to the in-terested public free of charge, or at cost. Anotherinnovative option is to print the action plan as aninsert to the community newspaper. It provides thenewspaper an opportunity to actively participatein the plan, reduces printing costs, and ensures widedistribution.

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This section is an introduction to a written Community Action Plan.It outlines the steps your coordinating committee can follow to pre-pare an action plan. They are:

Adapt the process to the communitySolicit input from the communityDraft the community action planReview and approve the plan.

GOING PUBLICDRAFTING A COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN

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Step 1.ADAPT THE PROCESS TO THECOMMUNITY

Every community is different. The task of makingan action plan fit the needs of the community restsmainly with the Coordinating Committee. That iswhy ensuring that the committee is dedicated, welldefined, and grounded in the community is so im-portant. The initial public consultation event willserve to identify community concerns and priori-ties. Before the committee undertakes this event,they will need to ensure that they are all comfort-able with the CAP process. This aspect of CAP de-velopment should not be rushed. It is pivotal tothe success of the program. As a first step, the Co-ordinating Committee should:

review the background material (such as thisdiscussion paper), existing municipal strategicplans, existing public consultation processes,and other environmental reports for the mu-nicipality;

agree on the purpose and structure of theaction plan;

review the initial list of community groupsand identify a list of groups for each memberof the committee to contact personally;

establish a work plan and timetable.

A solid, well-defined beginning will ensure asolid, well-defined Community Action Plan.

Step 2.SOLICIT INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY

In preparing an action plan for your area, it is es-sential to determine how you can reach each andevery member of your community. Involving asmany diverse community groups as possible willallow the plan to reach a large percentage of thepopulation.

There are many ways to canvass communitygroups and the public for ideas that can becomepart of your action plan. Here are some sugges-tions:

Issue a press release to announce the project,introduce the members of the coordinatingcommittee, and request public involvement

Advertise through local newspapers

Contact local businesses to solicit theirinvolvement. The local Chamber of Com-merce can play a lead role in coordinating theinvolvement of the business community in theaction plan

Contact groups directly. Distribute a ques-tionnaire to community groups to solicit theirsuggestions for community-based projects.(See box.)

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Host a public meeting. A public meeting willprovide the community with an opportunity tolearn about Community Action Plans and todiscuss their priorities.

Step 3.DRAFT THE COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN

Once initial community consultation hasbeen completed and community groupsand businesses have been contacted di-rectly, the Coordinating Committeewill need to meet on a more regularbasis to prepare the action plan.There are five basic steps in thisprocess:

a) Identify a community visionDid one or two issues emerge as pri-orities for your plan? Draw from theresults of public consultation, otherexisting reports on environmental is-sues, statements from the participat-ing groups on their existing priorities, and any otherrelevant documents.

b) Assess each projectReview the projects and priorities submitted by thecommunity groups. Assess each project’s merits andselect those that fall within the mandate of the CAP.Include proposed projects as well as existing ones.Include both short-term and long-term projects andactivities in the plan. Short-term projects and

activities ensure immediate results whereas thelong-term projects can lead to high profile and sig-nificant results.

c) Develop partnerships in support of each projectFor each project, identify the partners and their

respective roles. The committee and the com-munity coordinator should be prepared to

contact individual groups with suggestionson how their project can be strengthenedor supported through a partnership withanother group. Although this processcan be time consuming, it is essentialto the integrity of the plan. Recog-nize that as the plan is implemented,partnerships may change.

d) Identify possible commu-nity-wide campaignsFor those issues that have alarge degree of support, thecommittee may wish to con-sider proposing a commu-nity-wide campaign within

which the committee and/or other lead organi-zations would coordinate a series of communityprojects.

e) Prepare a draft planThe project coordinator should compile all of theinformation (e.g. community priorities, coordinat-ing committee members, short-term and long-termprojects, potential community-wide campaigns) to

Keep it simple. We suggest three questions:

i) What are the priority issues for our community?Have groups list the major issues they feel need to be addressed in the community. Theywill probably be local issues, but may also include global, national, and regional concerns.

ii) What can your group do to help?Have groups give a short summary (one or two paragraphs) of any existing or plannedprojects, activities, or resources that will help to address the priority issues. Ask for

a description of the projectthe people and organizations involvedits status (e.g. planned, or third year of operation)anticipated benefits.

Ask for as much information as possible on each project.

iii) What support do you need?For each activity/project, ask groups to provide a summary of the resources, support, staff,training, materials, equipment, etc., that would improve their ability to carry out projects.This will give the coordinating committee a sense of what groups need and where partner-ships with other groups, businesses, or funders can be arranged.

A COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE

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create a draft of the action plan. The committeecan then review the overall plan and suggest otheractivities that could be initiated by communitygroups. For example, your community may haveseveral tree-planting projects on the go, and a“Pitch-In” campaign to pick up litter, but there maybe no long-term care for a local greenspace. Youcan recommend that a group “adopt” the area, keepit clean, and look after newly-planted trees.

Include any recommendations the committeewishes to make for public or private sector supportprograms. For example, you may feel the commu-

sources. A more detailed action plan will help iden-tify specifics for funding proposals and applicableprograms.

Use this sample Table of Contents to identifyessential elements of your Community Action Plan.

Step 4.REVIEW AND APPROVE THE PLAN

Once the committee is satisfied with the draft plan,it will need to undergo public review. Distributethe draft to your community group network, the

nity needs more ex-pert advice and train-ing on tree-planting.With identification ofthis need, provincialforestry and environ-mental organizations,and the provincial andfederal governmentswill be encouraged todevelop improved sup-port programs.

When the vision ofthe community hasbeen developed into astrategy, with indi-vidual projects andgoals, the committeeshould revisit theprocess of identifyingfunding needs and re-

COMMUNITY ACTION PLANSuggested Table of Contents

Cover Letter: a letter to the communityfrom the Mayor or community leader

Introduction: a description of the purposeof the action plan an how it was developed

Community Profile: a brief overview ofthe distinguishing characteristic of themunicipality and the priority issues

The Community Action Plan:a description of the issues and communitygoalslead organizations from each sectorcurrent activities and projectssuggestions for new projects or acommunity-wide campaign

Resources:where to go for financial supportwhere to get advice and educationalmaterialwhere to get donated products or services

Network: a contact list of key groups, gov-ernment departments, and others who aresupporting the Community Action Plan

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participating busi-nesses, and the localgovernment in ad-vance of the meeting.

The review willidentify any weak-nesses, and help to so-lidify public supportfor the plan. Thecomments receivedcan be reviewed bythe committee beforethe final version isprepared. The coordi-nating committee andeach of the sponsor-ing organizationsshould approve thefinal version before itis distributed offi-cially.


IMPLEMENTATIONCOMMUNITY CAMPAIGNS & INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS

Supporting individual projectsDeciding on a projectInitiating special campaigns.

By this stage, you will have an overall Community Action Plan, leadorganizations for each issue, and a network of community groupsinterested in participating in the plan and its projects. Transformingthe plan into action is the next step. Below are some suggestions onhow to go about implementation by:

Step 1.SUPPORTING INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS

There is no shortage of ideas and energy within acommunity. However, there may be many difficul-ties to overcome before a good idea is turned into asuccessful project. With a little help from the Coor-dinating Committee and other members of the com-munity network, local groups can develop projectsthat will implement elements of the overall actionplan. Creating partnerships allows diverse groupsto contribute different skills and resources to a com-mon project.

Here’s where the Coordinating Committee canhelp:

review and strengthen individual project ideas

find partnerships within the community(other groups that are doing related activities,possible support opportunities)

research funding, in-kind donations, andtechnical support within the community

maintain an up-to-date list of support pro-grams (financial and otherwise) that areavailable from the provincial and federalgovernments and agencies, non-governmentalorganizations, corporations, and foundations

write letters of support for key projects thathave been reviewed and approved by theCoordinating Committee

help promote projects through a media strategy

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initiate a volunteer program to support CAPprojects.

Step 2.DECIDING ON A PROJECT:ADVICE TO COMMUNITY GROUPS

Even the smallest of groups is important to a Com-munity Action Plan. The goal is to reach as manypeople as possible, and every school class, neigh-bourhood group, local business, and cultural andsocial group can play a role.

If your group is interested in taking on a largerproject, take a moment to review your collectivestrengths. Try to design a project that will buildon your existing skills and resources.

Assess Your Strengthsi) What are the interests of your members?

ii) What is your total membership?

iii) How many people can you expect to attract toan event? How many people can you reach througheducational activities?

iv) What are your areas of expertise (as individu-als and as a group)? What special skills do yourmembers have? What experience does your grouphave?

v) What resources do you have? Do you have anoperating budget that will cover basic project costs?

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Are there people who have donated goods andservices in the past and who are likely to con-tinue doing so?

vi) How can your group best support a Commu-nity Action Plan?

By taking a lead role in establishing anaction plan for your community?

By participating in public workshops?

By being a lead organization on one issue?

By developing a special project?

By contributing to a project or community-wide campaign?

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There are many types of projects community groups and schools can organize.Here are some ideas that can be adapted to almost any issue or community action goal:

Hands-on Projectsadoption of an area (stream, woodlot,marsh, street, or urban park) with a lookat all aspects of its management andenhancement

tree-planting

stream clean-up and rehabilitation

renaturalization (creating wetlands,urban parks, arboretums etc.)

litter clean-up

recycling or composting

toxic waste collection (with appropriategovernment approval and participation)

community gardens

neighbourhood, or community challenges(for transit, saving energy, reducinggarbage, etc.).

Government Interaction Initiativescommunicate your priorities to yourelected officials

learn about and participate in govern-ment planning

facilitate public involvement in publicconsultation exercises (Official Planreviews, environmental assessments, etc.)

develop a check-list, or sponsor an “envi-ronmental priorities” questionnaireduring municipal elections.

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SAMPLE PROJECT IDEAS

Assess Your ProjectDo you have a project that you think is appropriatefor the CAP? Use these questions to help refine it.1) Is it achievable? Have you set realistic goalsfor your project?2) Does it support a community goal? Are thereother organizations with similar or supportingprojects?3) What are the barriers? Can you think of any-thing that would present a significant problem?4) Who are your friends? Who will assist yourproject, either financially, through in-kind dona-tions, or with moral support?

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Research Projectsan inventory of the local natural environ-ment

sampling and testing (soil, water, airquality)

community mapping to indicate environ-mentally sensitive areas, or toxic hotspots

research papers on specific issues

community surveys or a “needs assess-ment” (what do people want to see, whatdo they need to know?).

Education and Awareness Projectsdoor-to-door/farm to farm/individualcontact campaigns

landowner contact programs

home audits (for toxics, solid waste,energy and water conservation, etc.)

local business education campaigns

development of general and target spe-cific educational material

public displays

presentations to schools

self-education programs for your group onspecific issues

information network (establish a networkof community experts)

an information hot-line

special media events (launches, commu-nity days, project results)

information fairs or parties


Step 3.INITIATING SPECIAL CAMPAIGNS

Here’s where things really begin to happen! A com-munity campaign brings all the interested groupsin the community network together to tackle onecommon goal. Each organization designs and car-ries out its own project consistent with its inter-ests, expertise, and resources. The CoordinatingCommittee can announce a special campaign forany one of the issues identified in the CommunityAction Plan. Over the next year, the committeecan coordinate a series of projects to achieve thecampaign target.

There are three main objectives for a commu-nity campaign:1) achieve measurable results in environmentalenhancement and/or resource conservation2) promote environmentally-responsible behav-iour and attitudes3) promote public involvement in communityprojects.

The campaign will vary depending on the sizeof the community and the complexity of the issue.For example, smaller communities can reach everycitizen more easily than larger municipalities. Inaddition, some issues lend themselves more easilyto community based projects and activities.

Try to select a campaign and a goal that are bothchallenging and have a high chance for success.Here are some possibilities:

100% of homes with composters

a 10% reduction in home energy consumption

a 20% increase in commuter cycling

a 10% increase in natural areas

the complete restoration of a degraded stream

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a 10% reduction in household hazardouswaste

a green economy initiative (such as eco-tourism, or small business ventures)

Any of these campaigns will require carefulplanning and the complete support of all sectors ofthe community. These are some of the steps involvedin undertaking a community campaign:

1. Identify the campaign targetThe Coordinating Committee should agree on thefocus and objectives for a community campaign anddraft an initial outline of the projects and activitiesthat could be developed under the campaign.

2. Bring together the playersCoordinate the organizations, government depart-ments, businesses, and others that can take a leadrole in developing, supporting, and implementingthe campaign.

3. Hold regular planning meetingsAt the first meeting, participants should outline theresources they can bring to the campaign and ideasfor projects. Try to find a lead organization for eachcomponent of the campaign, and a short list of othergroups that can be involved as partners. For ex-ample, the local utility could develop a home en-ergy conservation kit that, in turn, will be used bycommunity groups in a homeowner contact programor at shopping mall displays, or will be given awayat a community conference on “How to Save on yourEnergy Bill!”

4. Assist each organization in preparing theirprojectMembers of the Coordinating Committee, and otherparticipants in the campaign, should help commu-nity groups find the financial, technical, and mate-rial support they need to get their project off theground. Try to establish new partnerships withinthe community: partner community groups withlocal businesses, corporations, funders, or provin-cial and federal support. Use the community net-work to develop a list of groups and volunteers whowill help with the campaign.

5. Develop the overall campaignHere’s a check-list of things to look for in a goodcampaign:

a clear purpose

strong prospects for success

strong partnerships

large-scale community awareness andinvolvement

a broad range of activities

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DATE

second week of Februarysecond week of AprilApril 22/week of April 22last week of Aprilfirst full week of Mayfirst week of Mayweek of June 6early Junelate Junefirst week of Octoberfirst week of October

EVENT

Heritage WeekNational Wildlife WeekEarth Day/Earth WeekArbor WeekNational Forest WeekPitch-In CanadaEnvironment WeekToxic Free WeekClean Air CommuteWaste Reduction WeekCommunity Parks Week

A good campaign achieves its targets throughseveral different approaches, including, but not lim-ited to:

an effective media strategy

local displays

local government programs

community events (workshops, displaysand special activities)

one-on-one contact (door-to-door, farm-to-farm, workshops, staffed displays, etc.)

community group presentations andmembership education.

We cannot overstate the importance of involv-ing as many community groups as possible inthe campaign. Most people belong to at least onegroup, whether through work, home, or community.The community group network provides an un-equalled opportunity to reach the entire commu-nity through personal contact.

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Provincial and National Campaigns

Many provincial and national groups organize public awareness campaigns. Organizing projectsas part of one of these larger campaigns might fit your community’s resources and priorities.

HOST GROUP\CONTACT

Ministry of Citizenship and CultureCanadian Wildlife FederationEarthday Ontario/Earthday CanadaArbor Day Council of CanadaCanadian Forestry AssociationPitch-In CanadaEnvironment CanadaConservation Council of OntarioPollution ProbeRecycling Council of OntarioOntario Parks Association


REVIEWIMPROVING YOUR ACTION PLAN

The Coordinating Committee's remaining tasks are: to evaluate thesuccess of the Community Action Plan, find new partners, recommendadditional activities that would further promote environmental steward-ship, and revise the action plan as required. The two requirementsare:

Monitor and evaluate the plan's successRevise the plan as required every few years.

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sion can be a streamlined version of the CAP proc-ess, asking each group to update their activities.

The streamlined revision can be accomplishedin two to three months.

There are several reasons to revisityour CAP on a regular basis:

As your community moves ahead with itsCAP activities, its priorities will change. Inaddressing one issue, another may becomeapparent.

Government policies or programs maychange, or new information may becomeavailable, requiring your community toaddress other issues, or use different ap-proaches.

New programs may be developed in theprivate sector which will impact your commu-nity’s priorities.

In expending effort in specific projects, it iseasy to lose sight of overall goals and strate-gies. As you move toward your goals, youmay discover more effective approaches,which will need to be reflected in the CAP.

For many issues which will be identified,achieving measurable differences in habits andperceptions will require long-term commit-ment.

Plan to hold additional public workshops everyfour or five years in order to conduct a thoroughassessment of the plan and identify any new pri-orities.

Step 1.MONITOR AND EVALUATETHE PLAN’S SUCCESS

The Coordinating Committeeshould review the communi-ty’s progress, as necessary,in order to identify newareas in need of specialattention. Refer back tothe characteristics,goals, and objectives of a CAP listed in the “Whatis a Community Action Plan” section.

If you held a community campaign, hold a work-shop at the end to review the results. If you raninto problems, or you discovered limits to what canbe achieved through voluntary action, use the work-shop as an opportunity to develop recommendationsfor government, corporate, non-governmental, andindividual actions that would make it easier for peo-ple to contribute to a healthier environment.

Highlight your successes. The CoordinatingCommittee or municipality can give out annualawards to groups, businesses, and individuals whohave played a key role in implementing a projectunder the Action Plan, and to those projects thatare particularly successful.

Step 2.REVIEW AND REVISE THE PLANAS REQUIRED

Every two years or so, the Action Plan should berevised in order to keep it current. The first revi-

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RESOURCESONTARIO REGION

No single manual can answer all your questions,or provide you with the technical and financial sup-port you may need to organize your community.This section lists the major programs and fundsthat support community-based planning and ac-tion. Try not to get overwhelmed by the sheernumber of support opportunities. Your best bet isto select the mix of programs that suit your needsand your community profile.

Once you have determined the priority issuesfor your community, there are other, more detailedlists of support services that you will want to tap

into. Contact the Conservation Council of Ontarioor your local government office for information onfunding for projects related to environmental issues.

For support services in other provinces, contactyour local Environment Canada office, provincialgovernment, or environmental network.

NOTE: Funding programs, particularly govern-ment programs, change frequently. Always checkwith the ministry or organization in question forupdated information about programs, publications,and funding opportunities.

PROVINCIAL

Green CommunitiesAddress: Community Conservation Branch

Ministry of Environment and Energy14th Floor, 56 Wellesley Street WestToronto, OntarioM7A 2B7Phone: (416) 327-1475Fax: (416) 327-1509

The Ministry of Environment and Energy runs anintensive community greening program that pro-vides significant funding for community campaignson energy conservation, waste reduction, and wa-ter conservation. Only a few communities are se-lected each year, so it helps to show that your com-munity is well-organized and motivated. The pro-gram runs for about three years in each commu-nity, with a view to becoming self-sustaining.

The office will provide preliminary consultationfor communities expressing interest in the program.Those communities that show a likelihood of suc-cess can receive funding for an initial set up pe-riod, at the end of which they must then apply forcontinued support.

There is a strong link between Community Ac-tion Plans and the Green Community Initiative. Or-ganizing for community action helps to lay thegroundwork for a Green Community proposal aswell as to promote community involvement in aGreen Community campaign. Call the Toronto of-fice for more information about the Green Commu-nities Initiative.

FEDERAL

Federal environmental funding initiatives changefrequently. Current lists of funding opportunities,including non-governmental opportunities, areavailable. Call Environment Canada’s Environ-mental Citizenship Line to request up-to-date fund-ing information. 1-800-661-7785

Environment Canada, Lake Superior RegionContact: Coordinator, Bi-National ProgramAddress: Environment Canada

Programs Office1194 Dawson Rd.Thunder Bay, OntarioP7B 5E3Phone: (807) 768-1826Fax: (807) 768-1889

The Lake Superior office of Environment Canadahas supported the development of Community Ac-tion Plans in the Lake Superior Region. The impe-tus for the Lake Superior Community Action Planscame from the Bi-National Program to Restore andProtect the Lake Superior Basin. Part of the Ca-nadian contribution to the program has been tointroduce Community Action Plans to the region.The regional office can play a limited role in advis-ing any of the 30 communities in the Lake Supe-rior region.


NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

The Conservation Council of Ontario (CCO)Contact: Chris Winter, Executive DirectorAddress: The Conservation Council of Ontario

Suite 506, 489 College St.Toronto, Ont.M6G 1A5Phone: (416) 969-9637Fax: (416) 960-8053

If your community is in Ontario, and you are or-ganizing for community action, the ConservationCouncil should definitely be on your contact list.

Through its Community Action Program, theCCO provides advice and review services for com-munity action plans and campaigns, manuals andsupport material, and guest speakers for commu-nity workshops. The Council is also able to helpcommunities implement their action plans with in-formation on technical and financial support pro-grams, and educational material for projects. TheCouncil’s 32 member organizations and 60 indi-vidual members are an additional source of infor-mation on a wide range of issues.

The Council piloted the “Community Cam-paign” concept in 1993 with a campaign to reducehousehold hazardous waste in Metro Toronto. Thecampaign included over 40 organizations, andcountless local groups, volunteers, and retailersacross Metro to promote less-toxic alternatives tohazardous household products.

The CCO is building a provincial network ofcommunity coordinators — one from each partici-pating community across Ontario. Each coordina-tor will be the CCO’s principal contact person forthe community.

The Conservation Council is also a foundingmember of the Ontario Healthy Communities Coa-lition (see below).

The Ontario Environment Network (OEN)Address: The Ontario Environment Network

69 Wyndham St. NorthGuelph, OntarioN1H 4E7Phone: (519) 837-2565Fax: (519) 836-4191

The Ontario Environment Network provides sup-port services to local environmental groups. It pub-lishes an Environmental Resource Book, a handyreference book of the resources and activities of over400 environmental and community groups acrossOntario.

The OEN manages caucuses on energy and en-vironment, forests, labour and environment, land-use, and waste. These caucuses promote informa-tion sharing between groups and help to co-ordi-nate participation in consultations with governmentdepartments and agencies.

The Ontario Round Table on Environmentand EconomyContact: Executive CoordinatorAddress: The Ontario Round Table on

Environment and Economy1 Dundas St. West,Suite 2502, P.O. Box 4Toronto, OntarioM5G 1Z3Phone: (416) 327-2032Fax: (416) 327-2197email: [email protected]

The Ontario Round Table on Environment andEconomy is a multi-sectoral advisory committee setup by the provincial government. It was firstfounded in 1988 and received a renewed four-yearmandate in September 1992 that includes provid-ing support for Local Round Tables and other multi-sectoral initiatives. If you haven’t got a coordinat-ing committee in your community, a Local RoundTable is a good choice. ORTEE’s Sustainable Com-munities Working Group has produced a range ofmaterial to assist communities in sustainability is-sues, including a Sustainable Communities Re-source Package.

Environmental Youth Corps (EYC)Youth Employment Hotline1-800-387-0777

The EYC program is run through five provincialministries. It will provide funds to hire people un-der 25 for short- and long-term positions. For anapplication form, advice on the appropriate minis-try for your proposal, and information on deadlines,contact the Youth Employment Hotline (throughOTAB), and ask for information regarding the En-vironmental Youth Corps.

Environmental Education and AwarenessProgram (EAAP)Address: Ontario Ministry of Environment

and EnergyResearch and Technology Section,FPIMB135 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 100Toronto, OntarioM4V 1P5Phone: (416) 323-4675Fax: (416) 323-4432

The EEAP program funds environmental educationand awareness projects within the Ontario MOE’smandate. Funding is available for publications(pamphlets, newsletters, kits, etc.), conferences/seminars/workshops etc., environmental fairs orexhibits, and theatrical or musical presentations.Contact the ministry for up to date information.


The Network also holds two conferences a year,concentrating on issue workshops and skills devel-opment. Membership in the OEN is $30 per year,and it includes reduced rates on publications and afree Environmental Resource Book.

The Ontario Healthy CommunitiesSecretariatContact: Rhonda HustlerAddress: Ontario Healthy Communities

Secretariat415 Yonge St., Suite 1201Toronto, OntarioM5B 2E7Phone: 1-800-766-3418Fax: (416) 408-4843email: [email protected]

The Healthy Communities Coalition is new to On-tario, but it builds on the success of the HealthyCommunities movement in Quebec and British Co-lumbia. There are currently nine provincial asso-ciations represented on the Coalition, along withrepresentatives from thirty-nine communitiesacross Ontario.

The healthy communities model defines com-munity health in terms of interrelated social, eco-nomic, public health, and environmental issues. Itallows for a flexible, broad-based, and integratedapproach to community planning.

The most important contribution of the healthycommunities approach is its ability to link environ-mental, health, social service, and economic devel-opment organizations (both locally and provin-cially). If your community wishes to take a multi-sectoral, cross-disciplinary approach to communityhealth and development, the coalition can help youget started by providing resources and facilitation.

The OHCS is compiling an index of materialsrelated to the community process. Call their 1-800number to request a copy.

FOUNDATIONS

The Canadian Centre for PhilanthropyAddress: Canadian Centre for Philanthropy

1329 Bay St., 2nd FloorToronto, OntarioM5R 2C4Phone:(416) 515-0764

There are many foundations that support commu-nity-based projects, including community planningand environmental projects. For a complete list offoundations, refer to the Canadian Centre For Phi-lanthropy’s Directory to Foundations. It is an ex-pensive but invaluable resource. Check with yourlocal library to see if it has a copy.

COMMUNITY

Local businesses, industries, associations and serv-ice organizations that may already be members ofyour community group can often provide in-kindservices or small cash donations. You might alsoinvestigate small-scale local fundraising initiatives.You will find considerable power and countless re-sources in your own community no matter what thesize.

CORPORATIONS

The Institute of Donations and PublicAffairs Research (IDPAR)Address: IDPAR

c/o Conference Bureau of Canada,255 Smyth Rd.,Ottawa, Ontario,K1H 8M7Phone (613) 526-3280Fax (Conference Bureau):(613) 526-4857,Fax (IDPAR) (613) 526-1747

IDPAR produces a document entitled CorporateCommunity Investment in Canada which docu-ments corporate donations to various charitablecauses. This document may be useful to groupsraising funds as it identifies where a particular in-dustry group is directing its funding. The cost ofthis document is $35.00 for non-profit groups. Itcan be ordered through the Conference Bureau.

IDPAR also produces a report to corporationswhich identifies active campaigns. You can let cor-porations know about your particular campaign bysubmitting information to Campaigns Outlook (usethe IDPAR Fax number). Although the deadline isin the fall, updates are completed quarterly. Youcan submit information at any time.

Affiliate MembersWe need a strong network of individuals and groups across the province who share our goalof a healthy environment and a conserver society. Please support the Conservation Councilof Ontario, either as an individual, local group, school, company or municipality. All support-ers of $25 or more ($100 for major corporations and municipalities) receive our quarterlynewsletter, Ontario Conservation News.

Your membership and/or donations are appreciated.NameAddressPostal Code Phone NumberContribution ❑ $25 ❑ $50 ❑ $100 ❑ Other $

❑ Cheque enclosed or . . . ❑ Please bill my VISACard NumberExpiry Date Signature

❑ Please send me a charitable receipt (registered Canadian charity, #0221218-52)

❑ Please send me more information on the activities of the Conservation Council of Ontario.

The Conservation Council of Ontario,489 College St., Suite 506, Toronto, Ontario, M6G 1A5, (416) 969-9637.

The Conservation Council of Ontario

Founded in 1951, the Conservation Council of Ontario is a non-profit, broad based, umbrellaassociation of 32 major provincial organizations and 65 individual elected members. TheCouncil works to support an effective environmental movement at the individual, commu-nity, and provincial level. Eight standing committees respond to and develop policy state-ments for many issues including agriculture, energy, forestry, land use, population, wastemanagement, water, and wildlife and natural areas. The Council is active in three mainareas; a provincial strategy, community action, and special projects.

Member OrganizationsAgcareBruce Trail AssociationCanadian Institute of Forestry

(Southern Ontario Section)Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors

(Ontario Chapter)Canadian Land Reclamation Association

(Ontario Chapter)Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists

(Ontario Chapter)Canoe Ontario, Environmental Concerns CommitteeCouncil of Outdoor Educators of OntarioFederation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations Inc.Federation of Ontario NaturalistsHike OntarioMetropolitan Toronto ZooNational Campers and Hikers Association of OntarioNorthern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association

Ontario Association of Landscape ArchitectsOntario Camping AssociationOntario Federation of AgricultureOntario Federation of LabourOntario Forestry AssociationOntario Institute of AgrologistsOntario Medical AssociationOntario Professional Planners InstituteOntario Society for Environmental ManagementOntario Society for Environmental EducationOntario Soil and Crop Improvement AssociationThe Sierra Club Eastern CanadaSoil and Water Conservation Society

(Ontario Chapter)Water Environment Association of OntarioWildlands LeagueWorkers’ Occupational Safety and Health Centre

Keep Us Informed

Join the Conservation Council of Ontario’s community network. We’d like to knowwho you are and what you’re doing. In turn we’ll keep you updated on CommunityAction initiatives at the Council. Fill in this info sheet and pop it in the mail.

Who are you?Your Community

Is your community a❑ Neighbourhood ❑ City ❑ Seasonal community❑ Region ❑ County ❑ Rural community

Community Contact

Are you organized?Does your community have any of the following elements of community action inplace?❑ Community Network ❑ Community Action Plan for the Environment❑ Coordinating Committee ❑ Community Coordinator/Lead Group

If you are planning for community action, what stage are you at?❑ Not planning ❑ Just starting ❑ Planning phase❑ Action plan complete ❑ Implementing action plan❑ Other

Are you affiliated with any other community planning models?❑ Green Communities Initiative ❑ Local Round Table❑ Healthy Communities Coalition ❑ Municipal Environmental Advisory Committee❑ Social Development Council ❑ Remedial Action Plan❑ Other

What are your community’s priorities?❑ Natural Areas ❑ Environmental Contaminants ❑ Solid Waste❑ Transportation ❑ Resource Conservation ❑ Health❑ Social Development ❑ Economic Development❑ Other

What initiatives have been undertaken in your community to address these issues?

What are some of your community successes?

What other projects would you like to see in your community?

What does your community need to improve local community action?❑ an Action Plan ❑ Increased Public Awareness ❑ Public Input❑ Research ❑ Support of Local Government ❑ Staff❑ Funding ❑ More diverse stakeholders ❑ Program Material❑ Organizing Support❑ Other

How did you use this manual?

Would you like to receive more information on the Conservation Council andour support for community action?

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