Going Green: putting policies and procedures into practice
Climate change is real and dangerous. It has been caused by human activity and thus demands radical changes in human decisions, actions, and behaviours. To address the climate crisis and living systems emergency in front of us, we must engage with our individual, collective and systemic responsibilities.
The Institute of Community Directors Australia is on a quest to support a green transition for the not-for-profit sector in Australia. From adoption of renewable energy and electric car fleets to everyday actions that come together to drive down our environmental footprint, we want to support the community sector to achieve rapid systemic change. We're aware that this journey will be challenging, but we are determined (and excited!) to live up to our responsibilities as we see them - to do what we can, while we can, to combat the causes and effects of climate change and to support community organisations and the people they serve adapt to the new-normal.
This transition cannot start without you: our community leaders and not-for-profit organisations.
There are thousands of actions individuals and organisations can take to slow or reverse the effects of climate change. While the volume of options available can seem daunting to approach all at once, there are simple, highly effective steps that can be taken immediately, as your organisation, staff and broader network begin to shift towards sustainable practices.
In this help sheet, we have outlined hundreds of initiatives across ten areas of your organisation. We've provided a step-by-step guide on what to do first, how to get up to standard, and where you should aim for once you're there. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it's a good place to start.
We've also included a section of reflective questions aimed at leaders in the community and not-for-profit sector. Taking a stance on climate action can lead to some challenging conversations, and the questions are aimed at helping you maintain positive momentum when faced with resistance.
As part of your ongoing commitment and action around climate change, we encourage you to deeply listen to and learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ ways of knowing, being and doing. It is vital that we all acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ connection to Country and ongoing protection of the lands and waters of this continent since time immemorial.