EnviroMom GreenGroups are, ideally, small localized groups of like-minded people who meet to brainstorm and share ideas for living a greener lifestyle. Think of it as a book club, but instead of discussing books (or the latest gossip) you discuss green living. Moms are great talkers since generally we're so excited to get out of the house and talk with other grown-ups. When groups of green-minded moms get together, you get inspired and motivated to make changes, particularly since you know you have a support group cheering you on.
Since we started writing about our SW Portland GreenGroup in March 2007 we've had lots of requests from readers across the country to help them start their own. Below are some loose guidelines based on our own experience, as well as a directory to help people connect with one another.
Starting a GreenGroup
- Every GreenGroup needs a champion: someone who will establish the group and provide ongoing communication regarding meeting dates and any follow-ups. If YOU want to start a GreenGroup and know that you can only meet during weekday evenings, then build a group around your schedule. It helps if you can meet at a regular time at regular intervals (say the fourth Friday morning of every month).
- Figure out where to meet: consider a local coffee-shop, bar, community center or library. You know how hard it is to have a satisfying conversation with kids present, so determine whether you want to include children. Can you find a meeting facility that provides childcare, like a community center? Or are you comfortable having ten kids of varying ages at your meetings, and building in activities that kids can participate in?
- 6-10 people is ideal for conversation. Ask friends or parents from your school, workplace or neighborhood if they are interested. Green living is such a hot topic -- you may be surprised at who in your circle is interested in joining the GreenGroup. Post a flyer or an ad on Craigslist. We'll help you promote your GreenGroup here on EnviroMom, but it's good to start with a few people. Oh, and it doesn't have to be just moms either.
- What to talk about? Our original GreenGroup is pretty loosey-goosey. Everyone seems to bring a topic to discuss; maybe it's a challenge they are working on at home, or they are seeking product suggestions or local resources. Inevitably we go off on tangents, but we always seem to bring home a few nuggets that we can apply to our own lives. Mostly we just enjoy each other's company. Prefer something more structured? More structure might require more research. Maybe you devote a meeting to discussing green cleaning products and how to make your own. You might go to a u-pick farm and then set up a canning party. One meeting might focus on different methods of composting. Bring in a speaker on a topic you're all interested in. Check out our list of ten eco-friendly lifestyle changes you can make to get you started down the green-living path.
- Communicate online and offline. You'll meet face-to-face in your meeting place at regular intervals. But if you're like us, there are little ideas and events you want to bounce off your GreenGroup fairly frequently. Set up a free Yahoo Group or Google Group. Groups can be made public or private, based on your preferences. You can use the database function of these groups to create a library for sharing books, movies, tools and recipes.
- Questions? Challenges? Successes to share? Email EnviroMom. We love to hear what the GreenGroups are up to and can help brainstorm challenges with the bigger EnviroMom community.
GreenGroup Directory
Massachusetts
Bennett's Brook area: this group is full, but start your own! email us!
Oregon
SW Portland: this group is full, but email us if you want to start your own! enviromompdx [at] gmail [dot] com.
SW Portland / Raleigh Hills: this group meets the third Thursday of the month at 7pm at Valley Community Church in the Fireside Room. Contact Ana at Ana [dot] Forster [at] comcast [dot] net.
Eastside Portland: meets one Friday morning each month at Urban Grind in NE. Contact Hope at tab2210 [at] comcast [dot] net.
West Linn/Lake Oswego: this group meets the first Thursday of the month. If you're interested in joining, contact Carolyn at verdecmg [at} yahoo [dot] com.
Hillsboro: meets monthly at a private residence. Email enviromompdx [at] gmail [dot] com for more info.
North Portland: meets alternating Wednesday mornings from 10am to noon at the St. Johns Community Center (room 4). Contact Chelsea at chelpop [at] gmail [dot] com.
There has been some interest in forming a GreenGroup in Milwaukie. Email enviromompdx [at] gmail [dot] com if you're interested.
Washington
Vancouver: usually meets weekdays in the late afternoons or evenings in coffeeshops in Vancouver. This group is looking for a new champion. Is it you? In the meantime, contact Merry at merry [dot] convery [at] gmail [dot] com.
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