Creating a community process:

bringing all the players to the table

Zero Waste

planning

policies

programs

resources

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Task One: Develop leadership.

Often the ability to bring about change depends on the continued dedication and enthusiasm of a small group of committed individuals. In all likelihood, this includes you, because you are reading this guide. Start by recruiting a group of people to serve as the local core for your project. This group will be your steering committee, the people who will help to organize and support the project as it grows and develops. They may be paid staff or volunteers, but will be most effective if all members have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the project.

In addition to the core group, plan to enlist the support of opinion leaders in the community - elected officials, members of civic and business associations, the education community, members of the media - who are well known and respected in the community. Make contact, provide concise and clear background information, request an appointment with them or with their staff, invite them to attend and participate in kick-off events, and keep them informed on the progress of your project as it develops. Make sure to brief the members regarding policies and programs proposed for adoption. You will need their support before, during, and after your plan is adopted.

Task Two: Build participation.

Begin by identifying members of the community with interest, responsibility, and experience in many areas:

Recycling and waste reduction

Environmental protection

Sustainability

Community planning

Business development

Environmental justice

Public education

Advertising and marketing

Fund development and financiaL planning

Other public interest areas

Contact members of these groups to discuss your project and provide background information about the process and its purpose. Organize an initial meeting, workshop, or conference to bring together members of your targeted participant groups. Invite speakers from communities and organizations in neighboring areas that have established similar policies and programs. Combine informational presentations with opportunities for discussion and brainstorming. Your goal is to end the day with the draft of an action plan for your community, by identifying both needs and resources.

As part of your discussion process, you may wish to consider the benefits of forming a Regional Agency with responsibility for program implementation and administration. While the creation of a formal body to oversee the process may take more time in the short run, it may also help to provide consistency in the programs and services offered throughout the area, and will help significantly in providing consolidated funding and materials for planned facilities. Small, rural communities may wish to look far beyond their own borders in forming regional partnerships to help achieve economies of scale and sustainable systems.

Task Three: Provide follow-up and feedback.

One product of a successful kick-off event will be a to-do list of future actions, including:

What needs to be done?

By when will it be done?

Who will do it?

How will we know when it is done?

For example, if you have not yet identified your existing programs, or studied the composition of your disposed waste; decide who will be responsible for these tasks. Who will research the implementation and operation of selected programs? Are staff members available to accomplish this, or will volunteer participation be needed?

Once information is gathered, how will it come back to the interested parties for review, discussion and decision-making? Once programs are chosen, how will they be funded, implemented and operated?