FIGs (Focus/Issue Groups) - ACTION

Looking for a way to take ACTION?

Whether you want to work on getting sustainability issues to be at the forefront of the 2010 Mayoral race, establishing smart growth and public transportation policies, empowering local organic farmers, improving city-wide recycling options, or putting pressure on the city to implement Louisville's Climate Action Plan, FIGS are how groups of like-minded Green Conveners can get together to take action! These are just a few of the many areas of action Green Conveners can take through FIGs (Focus/Issue Groups).

Here's how action through the Green Convene works:

• Organizing: Join or start a FIG to focus on your issue. FIG leaders can organize their FIGs for in-person meetings, pot lucks, online communications, or anything they want.
• Planning: FIGs should work on identifying goals and determining implementation steps. For example, the Green Convene Transportation FIG has a goal of establishing a sustainable transportation plan for Jefferson County Schools. The next step is to create an action plan for implementation. Once FIGs have a plan for policy action, or if they need help developing one, they should contact the Green Convene.
• Uniting and Strengthening: If the action plan is aligned with the mission and vision of the Green Convene, the Green Convene Board of Directors will help finalize and implement the plan.
• Implementing: The Green Convene will activate its entire membership to implement the plan. Instead of just a few folks working to promote one action, an entire sustainability coalition can be activated on your issue.

How do you start a FIG?

• You may already have one. Do you already engage with a group around a particular issue? Contact the Green Convene to let us know about your goals and implementation plan.
• Come to our monthly membership meetings. Find and engage with other Green Conveners who have similar interests.
• Network via the Green Convene online forum. Later this spring look for an improved Green Convene online forum to help FIGS communicate and plan in an online community setting.

Do you have a good idea for how to quickly move Louisville to more sustainable policy and practice? Come let us know at our monthly membership meetings!