SCCAN Scottish Communities Climate Action Network

1. SCCANScottish Communities Climate Action Network • IN A NUTSHELL • Hundreds of climate action community organisations in Scotland. • Many barriers identified to further progress and no single voice for sector. • SCCAN formed - community sector working on Climate Change • Starter funding from Scottish Government • Making links with 2020Group, COSLA, DTAS, SCA, CES and others. • Starting to address initial barriers. • CONTACT INFO • www.scottishcommunitiescan.org.uk • HOW WE DID IT • May 2010 - Initial report led by Simon Pepper and Rachel Nunn and with input from 40 community groups. • Nov 2011 - CCF Conference - Facilitation by Alan Caldwell. Identifying next steps move from framework to solutions. • Formation of steering group • Creation of SCCAN, development of constitution, initial fundraising, meetings to discuss strategy, membership drive and 1st AGM. • Fintry Development Trust • Community Wind Turbine • WHAT WE DID • Many community-led Climate Action groups were achieving so much and then reaching limits or barriers. No single community group could solve these problems on their own. • A Framework study and survey was done to identify primary barriers. • From the 2011 Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) Conference a steering group formed and agreed to work together to create SCCAN and to take it forward to its 1st AGM. • We secured funding, met with 2020Group & COSLA and covered some of the administrative basics to ensure the org is viable and can build a membership of communities and deliver change. • Transition Linlithgow • Bulk Discount Solar Scheme WHAT WE LEARNED There are many barriers which are preventing greater climate action success within the community sector. We suspect this is the same for other sectors. Partnership will help. The community sector should be seen on an equal footing with private & public sector. We are just as important and if anything we are the most trusted sector. People listen to and trust local independent advice. As well as working in our own silos, we need to explore cross-sector partnerships and projects. Community Sector needs its own voice. The problems we face are massive and complex. We should be pioneering, willing to experiment and to accept the odd failure too. Greener Kirkcaldy Environmental Advice Centre • NEXT STEPS • Temp. Board to handover to elected board at 1st AGM in 2013 • Secure core funding to maintain organisation beyond initial Scottish Government assistance. • Increase membership. • Continue to deliver solutions to resolve barriers. • Forge stronger links with other sectors. • Raise awareness of community sector efforts and success. • Celebrate successes. Don’t lose sight of having fun! • Sustaining Dunbar • Spare Wheels - Car Club