Community is a word that means lots of things. To some it might be a sense of togetherness, others the idea of a group who share common interests and goals.
To me, sustainability means we can live efficiently, without waste for a long time. Like the word itself explains, it is the power to sustain (for as long as possible).
This essay may be brief, but I’ll get to the point. Communities can only function as long as their members are passionate and straightforward. Without passion, all we have is a group of people with ideas they can’t get started on. This passion also takes initiative. Without the passion or initiative to give ideas a boost, nothing begins. Ideas stay ideas. They don’t become reality.
This brings me to the second step. Realism. Straightforwardness. Though Divergent thinking may be the key to finding good ideas, we need to remember there are limits. Whether these constraints are economical or physical, knowing our limits and maybe staying inside the box means we can work effectively. Get things done. Heck, we can get more done!
But hold on, hold on. Divergent thinking but staying in the box?? What’s going on there? The best way to plan and take action effectively and efficiently is to use your divergent thinking skills to find an idea. The perfect idea. Then we use our realism to decide whether this idea is within our constraints. Maybe it isn’t! Head back to that initial thinking and find an alternative which is just as out there and creative! So now we’ve got our idea, and we know we can do it! Last we can use our passion (let’s not forget about it!) and take action!!
How to Get Your Community Going // Summary:
- Use divergent thinking to find an idea
- Use your sense of realism to plan or figure out whether your goals are achievable
- *If you know you can’t achieve your goals, head back to that divergent thinking to find a creative, achievable alternative* “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.” – Samuel Beckett
- Now, use that passion and take ACTION!!
(Sorry for the lack of evidence, I was away for most of sustainability week)
how long have you known? 
Hi Bec,
Thanks for your response – it was very refreshing to read how to invigorate a community!
In terms of answering the question, though, i am giving you 5/12
Coherence 2/2 – you made a strong argument all the way through. It was a different approach to answering this question.
Use of evidence 0/2 – you didnt use the week’s activities to support your answer (i realise you were away for most of the week)
Further information – 0/2 you didnt research any outside source to back up your plan to invigorate communities. Has it been done before anywhere else in the world?
Multiple perspectives – 1/2 – you used your own perspective and also Samuel Beckett’s.
Critical thinking 0/2 – I didn’t see any evidence of critical thinking – can you be sure you
Language use 2/2 your argument was succinct and written to a high standard.
I know you can score waaaaay higher Bec!
John
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