i try to steer clear of using "citizen" because, it the current political climate in the U.S., it is most often used in a way to exclude certain segments of the community. When I do refer to those engaged in as active participants, I'll use some functional descriptors, like "engaged residents" or "activists." It always involves some sort of defining clarification but frankly, not as much as cleaning-up misunderstanding about "citizen."
Claire,
In Chicago, a number of things have occurred that might be of interest to you. In 2012, a major effort was made to identify local sustainability initiatives that were already occurring across the entire city. Then a city-wide "share fair" was held that brought people together to exchange experiences and insights with each. In 2013, follow-up was made with those attending the "share fair" which then led to the establishment of the "Chicago Sustainability Leaders Network" (CSLN) and it has been active ever since. We had a great gathering just last week. The guiding conceptual framework of CSLN has been (a) to reinforce "lateral" relationships between grassroots initiatives by empowering their collective voice and impact and (b) to strengthen "vertical" relationship between grassroots initiatives and municipal authorities. You can find more at http://www.accelerate77.net. If you're interested, I can share much more.
Terry
Ric, I grew-up Methodist but all of my maternal relatives were General Conference Mennonites in northwest Oklahoma. I live in Chicago and can connect you with some ABCD oriented churches here but they aren't Mennonite. I'll ask around and see if any of that know of Mennonite congregations that are implementing an ABCD approach. Terry Bergdall
