14 learn, communicate, and inspire

As French writer, St Exupery, once said: if you want people to build a boat, don't just give them a hammer. Instead, help them long for the endless beauty of the ocean.

Enabling people to take action on this huge problem of climate and nature breakdown is all about that. Inspiring people to feel they can, and they know how, and that they are not alone.

This doesn't mean not mentioning the problem. It means clocking the problem - and then building a fire in people's bellies to want to do something about it. That's what it means. And it means learning and sharing the learning.

So find out, learn stuff, and share it. Go inspire. :) You'll be amazed how much impact you'll have.

"It makes a massive difference. The planters look amazing; it will be of great benefit to the patients awaiting pickup, queuing for pharmacy or just resting having tackled the carpark hill".

GP, Redruth, on the new bench and planters.

The bike racks have encouraged me to cycle more than I drive, now; having a secure place to lock the bike up is reassuring; and I've noticed more people cycling now than previously".

GP, Redruth, on new cycle racks.

There's a lot of psychology in communicating how and why to take action on the climate crisis. Have a quick squizz at the Youtube clip - a rapid romp through some of the science that helps us do this as well as we can...

Always make it about "we"...

Collective problem = collective effort. Staff will be inspired by partners communicating their intent and actions; patients will be inspired by the practice doing the same. Say your practice is taking action on the wall, on your website, in your newsletters and communications. Don't hide your bike racks or recycling bins or energy reduction or wee practice garden under a bushel. Say what you're doing, and ask for people's input!

Show people how to contribute!

We actively encouraged people to add to our Beautiful Day Out Maps as part of our community collaboration on active travel ... it's amazing what people know about their own area if you ask them.

KEITH MAP POSTER_edited_edited_edited.png

Use everything at your disposal...

Website - FB sites - walls - newsletters - meetings - notice boards - everything. See your whole building as an opportunity to involved everyone. Because it is.

Social media - is sociable!

Website - FB sites - walls - newsletters - meetings - notice boards - everything. See your whole building as an opportunity to involved everyone. Because it is.

PENRYN FB Screenshot 2023-08-22 at 13-02-57 Facebook_edited.jpg

Learning is best shared too ...

There are loads of trainings and sessions available now on carbon literacy, climate literacy, and all the Cornwall Green Practice Online Sessions. The best way of optimising our never-enough-time is to share the links, and then decide who might be able to attend, or watch the recording: then use your usual meetings to give a 2 minute synopsis of the most inspiring bit, to colleagues. Then every one can get a share - and you will be the one inspiring. :)

We all need some Green Rocket Fuel...

We send out fortnightly updates, with great links, ideas, practical examples, funding and training opps. Just get on our mailing list and then share it. You can see the last few editions below - feel free to forward your copy to any colleagues who might be interested. Share the love. Communicate to inspire.