The Piscataqua Sustainability Initiative
The Piscataqua Sustainability Initiative, named after our 68-town* Piscataqua River Watershed, is a grassroots effort that has grown exponentially out of the early work of the folks who participated in the Portsmouth Listens study circles, starting in January 2003, on the city’s Ten Year Master Plan. It continued its growth through efforts of the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Committee on Sustainable Practices.
The Committee recognized the powerful educational opportunity to bring The Natural Step for Communities Study Circles to the people of Portsmouth and the surrounding Piscataqua Region.
The first Natural Step for Communities study circle of 11 committed members, held in 2006, has rippled out into many study circles and an ever-widening group of trained facilitators. They will be leading other study circles, generating the same excitement and energy to make a difference in our communities.
The Piscataqua Sustainability Initiative
Encouraging use of The Natural Step principles in the Piscataqua Region of New Hampshire and Maine
Vision
Individuals, Organizations, and Municipalities in the Piscataqua Region will use The Natural Step principles in decision making to create a sustainable future.
Mission
The Piscataqua Sustainability Initiative is building a community of citizens who understand and use The Natural Step principles to create a sustainable future.
Activities
- Study Circles in towns and cities in our region, meeting in homes and community gathering places
- The Natural Step for Communities
- Additional sustainability topics
- Seasonal regional gatherings (Fall, Winter, Spring – summers left open)
- Reflection on the activities of the past quarter
- celebrate successes and learn from mistakes
- learn about local resources
- organize new study circles
- organize action teams
- Communication
- Website
- Email list
- Information sent to newspapers and radio
Simple Infrastructure: A steering committee made up of 7 to 11 volunteers to guide the above processes