It was such a good feeling to have people from all four networks together at the Strengthening Communities Hui at Karapiro. It has been three years since we were all in the same place. A big benefit of being part of a network is the energy, encouragement and good company we find with one another.
The Zero Waste Network, Para Kore, Environment Hubs Aotearoa and the Community Energy Network focus on different topics but we share a common kaupapa. Creating good outcomes for our people and our places is what motivates us to do the work we do. We are in it for the long haul so it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and to have a chance to reflect on progress that has been made over the years.
There are a lot of new faces coming into our sector too. People are keen to shift into these new circular economy jobs we are making. One thing they are remarking on is how good it feels to be doing meaningful work with like minded people. One thing we are noticing is how capable and skilled these people are. This kind of people power is so valuable when our sector is growing fast and facing new challenges.
Disillusionment is a normal part of the process
The 1400 staff in the Zero Waste Network have diverse backgrounds and career paths. Everybody brings something interesting to the table so I always learn useful things when we get together. Bill Moyes strategic model outlining the different stages of a social movement came up at one of our hui sessions.
It was good to be reminded of the long process involved in creating change and all of the steps required to enable a transition. It’s easy to get bogged down in the tactics and details of the day to day and to miss the big arcs of change that are actually happening. One thing that rang true for me when I looked at Bill’s model was the feeling of disillusionment that kicks in when you reach certain stages in the process.
We feel disillusioned just at the point when awareness of the problem is locking in but before the real solutions are put into practise. When we start to feel bad it is a good time to reflect on what has been achieved and appreciate all the hard work that’s already been done. Then it’s time to change gear. Put on a different hat. Or to pass the ball to someone else.
All of us are advocates for change
The 1400 staff on our sites across the country talk to hundreds of thousands of people each year. Formally through education programmes and informally through on site conversations about the real issues people are having with reducing, reusing, repairing, composting and recycling their stuff. On a day to day level it can sometimes feel pretty relentless. Same story, different person! Same story, same person! Same story, different day!
The great thing about being at the hui was realising that we have already made a big difference. And that together we have the power and the support network we need to take the next steps.