The word "kit" is possibly a bit of a stretch here, since it usually implies a certain level of completion which is definitely not the case here. In this key section of ECFD 2001 we are a couple of notches below this, in part because of the fact that we are not targeting one specific finished product for one defined set of circumstances, as much as appealing to your own creative abilities and energy. But the bottom line is still very much there: a collection of good leads and raw materials which you, your family, and your neighbors can use to help you fashion your own independent Earth Car Free Day.

In this way you do not have to sit around and wait for some high authority to get the message and act on it in the interest of the common good -- rather you send your own message. And the core theory behind this is that if we can get enough independent citizens and groups showing the way, a new consensus and reality base begins to take shape so that in a next stage some even larger changes can begin to get underway. The idea is to bring together enough ideas and on the street demonstrations, that we eventually end up surrounding all those who feel that we are forever stuck with our present arrangements, no matter how egregious, how short-sighted, how planet-threatening and how unjust they may be. So, instead of complaining, and waiting, and waiting, we get together, organize, and show the way. Leading by example.

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Leading by example

Each kit is organized in several "layers". The intent of the first level is to provide a clear set of introductory materials on the selected CFD concept or strategy. The second aims to provide direct leads to outstanding groups, programs and sites capable of offering solid "how to do" guidance based on hands-on experience. But it also is important to showcase how specific groups in specific places are dealing with the challenges in the context of ECFD 2001.

To this end, we are inviting place teams and groups to share with us all the details of their experience: both in the planning stage and run-up to April 19th, but also if possible -- and we regard this as one of the critical underpinning of the whole ECFD adventure -- reporting on what happens next in their community as a result of this attempt at group socio-technical innovation. After all, the objectve of a CarFree Day is not so much what happens on that one day -- but what happens next!

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Kit building: How it works

We intend this to grow in stages into a living repertory of ideas and materials, that will take form and mature in the months ahead as we approach the great Day. In each kit we begin by sketching in the concepts and leads to which we happen to have ready access -- and then use the Web to put the resulting draft before the hundreds of people and groups who are directly knowledgeable about the topic, inviting them to pitch in and help us complete each guide for the benefit of all those in the world who can put them to good use.

These kits and materials will be maintained and nurtured on this website on a long term basis. This rich and hard-earned shared patrimony cannot simply be put behind us and ignored, once the single day of April 19th has passed into history and the first armadas of private cars begin to roar back onto the streets of all those places who celebrated and shared this first Earth Car Free Day 2001. The transition to more sustainable transportation, more sustainable lives, and more sustainable cities is a process that requires years of partnerships and continuous application. All of which needs to be backed up by groups and sources such as those identified and set out here.

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"Work Pads"

As new specific project or activity areas for the Day are brought on line, they will at first be sketched out here in rough "Work Pad" form. As you will see when you turn to them, these open with in many cases no more than a short statement of intent, perhaps filled out by a first few Web sites and other references. The idea in each case is to get the ball rolling and provide a single accessible central place to post our thoughts and clues together in each of these areas, so that others can come in with their ideas and suggestions. Within a few weeks, they should be far enough along in their development to be provided to full kit status.

(In a few cases you may find that the work pads do not as yet have content, but we ask you to be a bit patient. If we have put them up top here, it's because we wish to make near term progress on them as priorities. So come back again in a week's time and have another look.)

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Safety First

If there is one common theme that we need to put into highest relief for all these more independent initiatives, it is that of the importance of ensuring their safety, in all respects. Certainly one of the ugliest threats that the present car-based system imposes on people is the level of danger that they impose.

So, for this reason, if we are to retain our credibility as we work to fashion and demonstrate an alternative set of arrangements, we must above all so what is needed to ensure that they do not provoke accidents or injury. To actually achieve this, we are going to have to make an effort to consult the people who know most about these matters, the police, the traffic authorities and the schools, among others, and make sure that we obtain their feedback and support of the things that we propose to do.

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Media Coverage

Half of the battle is to make your own contribution, and the other half is to make it known. We also intend to try to provide some useful leads in this important aspect as well. Stay tuned!

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What's missing: Your suggestions/contributions:

If you have any suggestions, corrections or ideas for the various kits, materials or concepts that others should be considering for their CFD's, this is the place to let us all know.

Register your event here

ECFD_Postmaster@ecoplan.org

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