From: | "Tim Shaw" <TimS@pscalaska.com> |
Date: | Mon, 10 May 1999 09:19:33 -0700 (PDT) |
Reply: | cpeo-brownfields |
Subject: | RE: Learning and Action |
Communities are moved to action by the realization of what is going on in their own backyards. Sadly, the majority of community members stay focused on just those things that affect them directly at that particular moment. We are all too busy to take time to learn or see the big picture and sadly that is left up to a minority number of community members. Alaska has a very diverse population between natives and non-natives, environmentalists and non-environmentalists. With oil monies supplying our state budget everyone, even the environmentalists, are careful as to how far they push. However, everyone also realizes the importance of the fish and game that is used for subsistance and that preservation of those resources are also extremely important. That leaves us with constantly seeking balance. Balance between development and conservation. Seeking this balance has brought about several "watch dog" groups that maintain a vigilant watch over the development, production, handling, and transportation of oil products in the State. This creates a number of methods of information sources that touches a greater portion of the community. Thus, the community is more in tune with what is happening and are more likely to incorporate this information into their daily focus. Alaskans have a vested interest in what goes on in this State. We all get money from the production of oil. Our government is operated from oil royalties. Our natural fish and wildlife resources are the only sources of food and income to many in our State. We have learned that both must be preserved to maintain the life we are now living. -----Original Message----- From: owner-cpeo-brownfields@igc.org [mailto:owner-cpeo-brownfields@igc.org]On Behalf Of Alex Lantsberg Sent: Friday, May 07, 1999 8:46 AM To: cpeo-brownfields@igc.org Subject: RE: Learning and Action i would tend to disagree that communities are not moved to action by their realization of what is happening in their own backyards. community members, at least down here in bayview hunters point, san francisco, participate in boards, committees, and the such to try to address the questions that were raised. what i think happens is that the governmental institutions that set up the structures in which community residents participate are more interested in a long drawn out "process" than actual community empowerment. oftentimes community organizations move their constituencies into action, but the people get bogged down in the process which can take years. capital, which is the quickest way to bust through the shackles of process, is not put directly into the hands of the folks who need it most. this eventually leads to frustration and burnout. alex lantsberg | |
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