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Hello there,

Big question for you:

Do you want the process of making groups 'official' Transition initiatives to be moved from Totnes to Scotland, and if so then how?

The process of 'going official' in Scotland is currently run from Totnes, which is not the case in most other countries, where once there has been a move towards developing a national 'hub', the 'hub' has taken on this role. This has not happened here, as TSS has framed itself as a support organisation (not as 'Transition Scotland'), and not one which could claim the authority to make that kind of decision. That authority would come from Transition Scotland a group which has not yet formally convened, but which could fairly be said to be made up of all the official and actively connected groups in Scotland - that's you!

I think it would be great if we took on this role in Scotland, but there are a few questions that need answering before we do - some of which are:

a) Is this something that Scottish groups are keen to see happen? If so...

b) How would we keep this process practical, democratic and accountable?

Would we convene by email? Would every group participate, or would we have a smaller group which revolves its membership? Or what?

c) What process will we use for deciding how groups go 'official' here?

We can change the criteria to suit how we want this done – how do we decide about changing it? Do we want prospective new groups to fill in a form, have an interview, self-select (with some guidance) or is there another way? Do we still call it becoming 'official'?

d) Do we want to be able to take 'official' status away from groups – and how would that happen?

e) Do we want to have a 'friend of Transition' category, for those who'd like to be affiliated but not, for a range of reasons, to actually sign up?

There are currently quite a few groups in this position. It could be that moving the decision making process north and making it easier, would mean that groups find it more inviting to join, but there are a wide range of reasons why groups don't want to, which may not be answered by this.

f) And finally – how shall we have this conversation?

Do we try to meet up (TSS could cover travel costs, but couldn't do the work you'd miss, or give the kids their tea)? Do we email? Do we create a google group - or a forum on the new website? Do we do an on-line conference?

So, if you have any thoughts on this – especially on how to get started with the conversation – please get back to me before the 20th of July!

I've attached the Memorandum of Understanding from Transition network, which I see as a basis for negotiation of the terms on which we would like to take this role on (if we do!).

Many thanks and all the best, Eva

p.s. I've shared everyone's email addresses in this email because I know you all and trust you, but I would please ask that you don't spam other people by contacting them for any other reason than to continue this conversation. Please also let me know if you don't want to be involved in this conversation (or in this way). Cheers!