Living Witness Project
LWP: What have we learned? Most people in Quaker meetings are concerned about social and environmental sustainability, and in particular about climate change. When 11 Quaker groups participated in the Global Action Plan Ecoteams programme, we found that our average non-recycled waste generation was about a fifth of the UK average. Ecoteams are of course self-selecting to some extent, but we understand from GAP that our figures were much lower than those for other groups participating in the programme. Quakers are unusual, but not that unusual While Quakers have shared values around simplicity, personal responsibility and integrity, their understanding of complex environmental issues, especially climate change, is based primarily on the broadcast and print media. They hear many different narratives and tend to pick up on perspectives that resonate for them, perhaps because of their own experience or personality. Their responses are similar to those of other concerned people, and those encountered in published studies in Britain and elsewhere in Europe. - Most do not feel they have a full grasp of the science, of the significance of their own lifestyles and actions, or of the options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They are unsure what to do. - Their emotional responses include guilt, frustration, fear and apathy and can act as further barriers to action. - Some are enthusiastic about particular solutions, e.g. technologies, actions that they believe government should take, economic reforms etc. - A few have picked up on the “climate sceptic” narrative. Groups thrive on diversity, and on an inclusive, listening culture About a third of the 35 Quaker meetings involved in the Living Witness Project have developed ongoing groups exploring the issues and taking action. There is no single best approach. Individuals and groups have diverse gifts, cultures and personalities. Although they often ask for advice and support, they usually need to find their own way. Groups tend to start by focusing on practical actions, especially measures to green their meeting houses. Some move towards wanting to engage in the deeper and more complex dimensions of sustainability. Features of some of the most successful groups are: - shared leadership (two or three well-motivated people to animate the group and keep things going) - an inclusive, listening culture, valuing diversity in approaches and priorities, responsive to the interests of the group rather than trying to persuade people to follow a particular approach. - a mixture of activities – spiritual practice, discussion, learning, practical projects etc. - working on multiple levels – own lives, the meeting, the local community etc. - regular meetings (ideally monthly to sustain continuity) - shared food, often on LOAF principles (local, organic, animal friendly, Fairtrade) It works particularly well to have regular social/shared meal events setting up and hearing reports from smaller, short-term action groups (e.g. of 3 or 4 people). It doesn’t work to try and make everyone do the same thing, or to play on guilt Individuals within a group are likely to follow different paths. Some may want to start by focusing on their own lifestyle. Others may want to get involved in practical projects such as tree-planting or in policy campaigns. It does not work particularly well to try and make everyone do the same thing. Often those who start with one focus gradually broaden their approach (moving towards congruence of lives, words and actions). Often, those taking the lead in local groups are disappointed by the initial response to their ideas and initiatives. Many people avoid getting involved because they expect to be made to feel guilty, or to be told how they should live. It takes a lot of time and consistent support Once we are identified as “Green Friends”, it can take considerable time and consistent, gentle, non-judgmental communication before others feel safe with us. Some will always see us as “loonies”. Groups have benefited considerably from the reassurance, support, stimulation and resources available in a wider network. Living Witness Project Link Group meetings (twice-yearly residential weekends) are opportunities for sharing ideas and experiences and developing a shared understanding of what we are trying to do. It helps to know that we are part of a wider process. Change is possible, and it can be a joyful experience Many members of our groups have chosen to make substantial changes in their lives – e.g. giving up flying or driving, taking on an allotment, changing their diets or washing habits. Some have made significant investments in technology such as micro-generation and very high levels of home insulation. A few have developed very low impact lifestyles, generating less than 5% of the UK average waste per person (after recycling and composting), and producing less than 20% of UK average greenhouse gas emissions. We have found that lifestyle change is possible; that it is much easier with the support of an ongoing group; and that it can be a fascinating and joyful experience bringing our lives into alignment with our values.	Home

Living Witness Project

LWP: What have we learned?

Most people in Quaker meetings are concerned about social and environmental sustainability, and in particular about climate change. When 11 Quaker groups participated in the Global Action Plan Ecoteams programme, we found that our average non-recycled waste generation was about a fifth of the UK average. Ecoteams are of course self-selecting to some extent, but we understand from GAP that our figures were much lower than those for other groups participating in the programme.

Quakers are unusual, but not that unusual

While Quakers have shared values around simplicity, personal responsibility and integrity, their understanding of complex environmental issues, especially climate change, is based primarily on the broadcast and print media. They hear many different narratives and tend to pick up on perspectives that resonate for them, perhaps because of their own experience or personality. Their responses are similar to those of other concerned people, and those encountered in published studies in Britain and elsewhere in Europe.

- Most do not feel they have a full grasp of the science, of the significance of their own lifestyles and actions, or of the options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They are unsure what to do.

- Their emotional responses include guilt, frustration, fear and apathy and can act as further barriers to action.

- Some are enthusiastic about particular solutions, e.g. technologies, actions that they believe government should take, economic reforms etc.

- A few have picked up on the “climate sceptic” narrative.

Groups thrive on diversity, and on an inclusive, listening culture

About a third of the 35 Quaker meetings involved in the Living Witness Project have developed ongoing groups exploring the issues and taking action. There is no single best approach. Individuals and groups have diverse gifts, cultures and personalities. Although they often ask for advice and support, they usually need to find their own way.

Groups tend to start by focusing on practical actions, especially measures to green their meeting houses. Some move towards wanting to engage in the deeper and more complex dimensions of sustainability. Features of some of the most successful groups are:

- shared leadership (two or three well-motivated people to animate the group and keep things going)

- an inclusive, listening culture, valuing diversity in approaches and priorities, responsive to the interests of the group rather than trying to persuade people to follow a particular approach.

- a mixture of activities – spiritual practice, discussion, learning, practical projects etc.

- working on multiple levels – own lives, the meeting, the local community etc.

- regular meetings (ideally monthly to sustain continuity)

- shared food, often on LOAF principles (local, organic, animal friendly, Fairtrade)

It works particularly well to have regular social/shared meal events setting up and hearing reports from smaller, short-term action groups (e.g. of 3 or 4 people).

It doesn’t work to try and make everyone do the same thing, or to play on guilt

Individuals within a group are likely to follow different paths. Some may want to start by focusing on their own lifestyle. Others may want to get involved in practical projects such as tree-planting or in policy campaigns. It does not work particularly well to try and make everyone do the same thing. Often those who start with one focus gradually broaden their approach (moving towards congruence of lives, words and actions).

Often, those taking the lead in local groups are disappointed by the initial response to their ideas and initiatives. Many people avoid getting involved because they expect to be made to feel guilty, or to be told how they should live.

It takes a lot of time and consistent support

Once we are identified as “Green Friends”, it can take considerable time and consistent, gentle, non-judgmental communication before others feel safe with us. Some will always see us as “loonies”.

Groups have benefited considerably from the reassurance, support, stimulation and resources available in a wider network. Living Witness Project Link Group meetings (twice-yearly residential weekends) are opportunities for sharing ideas and experiences and developing a shared understanding of what we are trying to do. It helps to know that we are part of a wider process.

Change is possible, and it can be a joyful experience

Many members of our groups have chosen to make substantial changes in their lives – e.g. giving up flying or driving, taking on an allotment, changing their diets or washing habits. Some have made significant investments in technology such as micro-generation and very high levels of home insulation. A few have developed very low impact lifestyles, generating less than 5% of the UK average waste per person (after recycling and composting), and producing less than 20% of UK average greenhouse gas emissions.

We have found that lifestyle change is possible; that it is much easier with the support of an ongoing group; and that it can be a fascinating and joyful experience bringing our lives into alignment with our values.

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