1. Introduction

Canada's environmental movement is changing. We are no longer struggling to make people aware of the issues: acid rain, ozone depletion, global warming, deforestation, toxic chemicals, solid waste, and disappearing natural areas. Canadians share a strong desire to improve the quality of our environment.

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

..........WHO ARE YOU?
Why did you pick up this document? We hope that it's because you want to make a difference in your community. Whether you're a local activist, a politician, a bureaucrat, a teacher, or a citizen with conviction, we can help you develop your community's potential for action.

This manual is designed to help communities organize. In turn, each community can become part of a growing network that are supported through provincial and federal programs, foundations, corporations, and non-governmental organizations.

Community groups and volunteers are an important part of the environmental movement. Through their combined efforts, we can reach and involve every citizen in Canada and encourage them to help improve our environment. Local businesses, schools, and governments also play a vital role in supporting individual and community action. When every part of the community is working towards a common goal, the results can be tremendous.

..........HOW TO ORGANIZE A COMMUNITY
This manual will introduce you to a simple, low-cost approach that will show immediate results. It outlines a five-step process to encourage and support widespread community involvement in solving environmental issues:

1. Develop a Community Network -- a contact list of groups and individuals that share a common desire to improve the local environment, including community groups, schools, businesses, service clubs, and the municipal government.

2. Set up a Coordinating Committee -- representatives from all sectors of the community who have agreed to help promote and support community-based projects.

3. Designate a Community Coordinator -- a staff person, consultant, or volunteer who is the main contact person for members of the community network, and for the provincial and national community support programs.

4. Draft an Environmental Community Action Plan -- a brief statement of the environmental priorities for the community, the lead organizations for each issue, and some of the projects that will support the community goals.

5. Conduct a Community Campaign -- a number of interrelated projects that support an overall community goal.

The suggestions in this manual can be adapted to reflect your community's existing activities and planning processes. You will also be able to determine your own priorities for action and find out where you can get support for community-based projects.

The more communities that get involved the better. In the end, we will have a network of communities across Canada that are working to improve their local environment. In turn, they will also be contributing to provincial goals as well as Canada's environmental citizenship principles.

..........KEEP US INFORMED
As you read through the manual, ask yourself if you think our suggestions will work in your community. If you decide to organize your community, or if you are already organized, please let us know how you are proceeding. We may be able to help you turn your ideas into action, and your experiences might help other communities.

Chris Winter
Executive Director
Conservation Council of Ontario
March 1995