How to become an ecoCommunity

The best opportunities for success will come when an existing community organization or group takes a lead role in the project, and encourage others to join. No prior involvement in climate change or environmental issues is required. If your group or organization is interested in participating in the ecoCommunities project, let us know (click on “contact us”) and an OHCC Community Animator (CA) will contact you for further information.

The CA will help you to assess your eligibility for the project. If the eligibility criteria has been met, you will complete an application form that is then forwarded to the project steering committee. Once approved by the steering committee, you will be asked to sign a simple agreement outlining the expectations of your participation and the services that will be provided to you through the project.

The next step will be to work with the CA to organize a community workshop, led by ecoPerth staff, in which members of your community will learn more about the project, potential projects and prepare and action plan.

The following criteria will be used to assist in the selection of participating communities:

• Identification of a lead organization that is a not-for-profit community-based organization working in a community of under 100,000 people (or, in exceptions, working in a smaller part of a larger community)
• Capacity of the lead organization is sufficient to deliver projects (in terms of experience, volunteers and community connections) with the type of support we can provide
• Broad membership, active volunteers and links with local government (or a desire to build their capacity in these areas)
• Willingness to take on projects that will stimulate action on climate change issues throughout an entire community (or a large identifiable part of a community)

The Lead Organization Should Not:

• be a municipality, university, school or hospital (although they could be instrumental in initiating a community-based steering committee for local projects; lead organizations will be encouraged to link with these organizations)

  Click here to download an application form