The Power of Partnerships
by Gary Stewart
We live in a place with lots of turf, in more ways than one, with 16 municipalities, a busy county government, three institutions of higher education and myriad other businesses, nonprofits, peripheral interests and opinions. Often (and in some instances understandably), these groupings may form lines and divisions that can slow proactive measures or even hinder unified approaches on issues of shared concern.
Gratefully, something like the Tompkins County Climate Protection Initiative brings folks of good will to the same table while subtly asking them to leave their turf at the door. TCCPI represents the spirit of new-era democracy, with bigger-business advocates sitting next to Snug Planet, with large-scale power generators conferring with EcoVillage, or with Tompkins County Solid Waste having the opportunity to compare notes with Museum of the Earth. TCCPI sessions are about partnerships and progress in Tompkins County.
A mere mini-snapshot of the inclusive strategies forwarded by TCCPI members:
As reflected in a steady stream of praise and recognition, TCCPI is making a difference as a champion of sustainable thinking, under a big green tent. It's a model worth emulating, in honor of Mother Turf.
Gary Stewart is the Director of Community Relations at Cornell University and a member of Tompkins County Climate Protection Initiative.
to the Tompkins County Climate Protection Initiative
309 North Aurora Street | Ithaca, NY 14850 | info@tccpi.org