Set Intentions
A guide for taking action: Part 2
It’s important to set intentions for this forest work
Teaching and artwork shared by kQwa’st’not~ Charlene George of the tSouke peoples.
“When seeking balance … this must begin with a strategy or setting intentions … stakaaye (wolf) works with family not only in play but strategizes ~ working for balance of community & individual needs.”
How do we get from here to there? This question forms the basis of what you are trying to do. Take time to think about this question deeply. Where are you now? Where do you want to go? How will you get there?
Where to begin?
Start writing down or talking about your goals. Distinguish between your ultimate goal (what you would consider a huge success), and the smaller steps or actions that can get you there.
If you have many ideas, consider how they are connected to one another and to your high-level goal. Consider questions like:
- Is your idea going to generate activity or action? Avoid tasks that simply generate a lot of activity. Focus on meaningful action – things that generate discussion, facilitate relationships, and create strong feelings within the participants and the target of the action.
- Will other people be interested in this idea? Are others already doing something similar that I can collaborate with?
- How much energy will this action take?
- How will you know when you’re there? Remember to take the time to reflect on your successes. Celebrate your successes, then circle back to your intentions and re-evaluate them.
Here are a few resources to get you started
There are many theories on how to make a change in society. Sierra Club BC is working on a new way of making change called “relational organizing” and we encourage you to learn more about this. Here are a few resources that describe this approach:
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Action Taker’s Guide Table of Contents:
