On October 15th, we had the pleasure of hearing from Vicki Meath about the work of the local Just Economics group. Her report generated a lot of interest in the people in attendance. This was the third in our series focusing on economics. Vicki talked a lot about the effort to raise the minimum wage in NC, and to encourage local employers to pay a livable wage. The latter work has thus far certified more than 400 employers as paying

The Transition Asheville gathering on September 17 featured an interview of David Korten conducted by Thom Hartmann. Korten’s brilliance shines through in his understanding that to save Earth, ourselves, and democracy, we must change the story that governs how we understand the world and our choices. He shares a compelling new story to guide our transition from a corporate-power to a people-power future (as published in his book, Change the Story, Change the Future). He speaks a forbidden but self-evident

Transition Asheville’s August social featured a presentation by leadership from the Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center near Knoxville. The NRELC is a 600-acre land trust that is off the grid in the mountains of Grainger County and features a library, strawbale lodge, 35 homes on leased (not owned) land, and places for visitors to stay. Solar panels, composting toilets, a lovely labyrinth, vision fasts for youth and adults, a peace camp for high school students, organic garden, mountain music festivals,

At its meeting last evening (Dec. 5, 2017), Buncombe County commissioners passed the resolution to commit to 100% renewable energy for County properties by 2030, and in the county in 25 years! Thanks to all who wrote, who called, who came and spoke, and who have supported this effort since we joined together. And THANKS must go to the high school and college students who collected 1800 signatures among them and spoke so compellingly about their commitment to get to

First Congregational UCC, 20 Oak St., Asheville Oct. 29, 3-6pm Join us for a screening of the award-winning documentary ‘Tomorrow,’ which takes a proactive and hopeful approach to the many pressing environmental issues we currently face. The film has been called “required viewing for anyone wondering what they could do to pitch in and save the planet.” Following the screening we will divide into 5 topical ‘idea incubators’, focusing on the main topical areas it covers: Agriculture, Energy, Economy, Democracy,

Kim Stanley Robinson strikes again with this 2017 sci-fi look at New York 2140, after the climate disasters (50 foot sea level rise and massive hurricanes) strike. That’s to be expected from Time magazine’s 2008 “Hero of the Environment”. What’s perhaps new from him is the clear explanation of banking and finance, and how they corrupt the market and politics to the detriment of the world’s people. That much alone made it a worthwhile read for me. Add likable characters,

Sharing Cities (Transition US Presentation July 2017)

How to get media attention for your community project, action, or event

The City of Asheville, North Carolina Climate Bill of Rights Ordinance Establishing a Community Climate Bill of Rights for the People of the City of Asheville, North Carolina, which Prohibits Activities and Projects that would Violate the Bill of Rights, and which Provides for a Sustainable Energy Policy and Enforcement of the Bill of Rights Against Private and Public Corporations Engaged in Prohibited Activities and Projects Whereas, this community finds that continued reliance on fossil fuels violates the right of

August 14 Transition Asheville Social, 6:30 – 8pm St. Mary’s Episcopal Church’s parish hall, off of north Charlotte st. Parks, greenways, right-of ways, even the areas around public buildings need landscaping and maintenance. We already budget for this, so why not grow something useful in these spaces? How about something tasty and nutritious, made available to all? In Asheville and beyond we have seen a GROWING interest in fresh, local food, and for many good reasons. Can the concept of