Constitution & Bylaws

Transition Micanopy Constitution

Transition Micanopy is a non-profit organization located in Micanopy, Florida. We intend to obtain 501(c)(3) status in the future.

Vision:

The Transition Model asks communities to look peak oil, climate change and economic instability squarely in the eye and unleash the collective genius of their own people to find a way of transforming their communities to cope with these challenges and produce thriving resilient neighborhoods.

Integral to the Transition Model are the Permaculture ethics of:

• Earthcare: recognizing that the Earth is the source of all life, that the Earth is our only home and that we are a part of the Earth’s web of life, not separate from it.

• Peoplecare: supporting and helping each other to live in a way that is not harmful to ourselves or the planet, and to developing healthy societies.

• Fairshare: ensuring that the Earth’s limited resources are utilized in ways that are equitable and wise for both the present and future wellbeing of the entire biosphere.

Mission:

The mission of Transition Micanopy is to inspire, encourage, network, support and train each other as we consider, adapt and implement the Transition Model in order to establish a Transition Initiative for the community of Micanopy, Florida

Objectives:

Raise public awareness of the issues associated with climate change, the peaking of global oil supplies, and the related economic instability.

Encourage the formation of Working Groups to consider all aspects of life that our community needs to sustain itself and thrive in the face of these challenges.

Inspire our community to unleash the collective genius of our citizens to create a response that:

 dramatically reduces our carbon emissions (in response to climate change)

 significantly increases our resilience (in response to peak oil)

 greatly strengthens our local economy (in response to economic instability)

Collaborate and coordinate with governments, agencies, organizations, and other groups at local, regional, national and global levels as appropriate.

Actions:

• Provide programs and events such as talks, film screenings, demonstrations, fairs, education and training.

• Provide communications and publicity such as websites, blogs, media articles and interviews, event calendars, and posters.

• Provide opportunities to share advice, guidance and training.

• Provide opportunities to share social events, entertainment and the arts, food and fun.

• Collaborate and coordinate with other Transition Initiatives and others working with the Transition Model, at regional, national and global levels.

• Work with our community and neighborhoods to create an Energy Descent Action Plan and relocalization projects.

• Engage with other organizations, including government, citizen, nonprofit, and business in pursuit of its aims and objectives.

• Undertake all of the above in the spirit of fun, joy and support at coming together to co-create the future that we are visioning.

Principles:

Fundamental Principles

At the most fundamental level, TM subscribes to the principles of The Earth Charter and the UN Charter on Human Rights.

Guiding principles

We work together because we know that together we are greater than the sum of our parts. We work in a collaborative way because we get better results for less effort.

We do not need permission to act. There is no hierarchy. Leadership for TM is shared by everyone.

In representing TM, individuals agree to abide by and uphold all TM principles and take responsibility for their own decisions, actions and results. We trust that those who step forward have good intentions and will make good decisions. We give autonomy and support to those who wish to be part of TM. We are open to working with everyone. We welcome diversity and see it as a strength.

We avoid categories of “them and us”. We acknowledge initiatives of other organizations (including government, citizen, nonprofit, and business) and seek to find ways to collaborate and further the aims of TM.

Individually and as a group we identify what needs to be done. People volunteer for tasks when they already have the skills or want to develop the skills. We help and support each others’ learning.

We do not have a blueprint. We believe in multiple paths, ideas and possibilities. We think questions are as important as answers. It is fine to make mistakes and learn from them.

We work with a natural momentum, driven by our passion and positive approach.

We are transparent in everything we do. Everyone is responsible for ensuring the free flow of information and knowledge within the TM network and also the wider Transition network. We always consider the effects of our actions on our public reputation.

Organizational Principles

TM Administrative Teams and Project Teams form as needed to do what needs to be done. Teams exist to deliver the aims of TM in a positive and concrete way. The teams make decisions, take action and dissolve when the need is gone. Within the Transition Model, Teams are referred to as Working Groups.

Each Team provides a representative on the TM Steering Group. Decisions of the TM Steering Group are made by consensus of the Team representatives. The TM Steering Group meetings are open to all TM members.

It is suggested that each Team and the Steering Group appoint a Facilitator and a Recorder, generally for not more than a year. Team meetings are open to all TM members. Teams report not less than quarterly to the Steering Group.

Team projects for which funding is sought need to be approved by the Steering Group. The project must support the aims of TM, be in line with the TM principles and be designed to deliver on key objectives.

Each team will hold the budget for their projects and account for them publicly. Each team is responsible for monitoring their projects, their process and outcomes.

If anyone in TM does not agree that a project is in line with TM aims and principles then that person can take the matter to the Steering Group for discussion.

Financial Principles

The Finance team will maintain a bank account and keep records of income and expenses. A quarterly report will be given to the Steering Group.

And finally, a principle on how we evolve the principles:

We make changes to these Principles where necessary, but only with a high level of consensus.

Governing Document

This Constitution is the governing document of Transition Micanopy. It is anticipated that this governing document will be revised when necessary, but only with a high level of consensus. Such revision will need to occur when the make-up of the Steering Group shifts to be more representatives from Project Teams than from Administrative Teams. Within the Transition Model this point is generally acknowledged with a Great Unleashing.

We agree to this Constitution as a general approach and will make it more specific as needed.