Environmental Sustainability Indicator Organization Discourse Community Analysis

Memorandum

To: Dr. Arlene

From: Jennifer

Date: May 2, 2011

Subject: Environmental Sustainability Indicator Organization Discourse Community Analysis

Purpose

This memo will explore and describe the discourse community of environmental sustainability organizations. It will define what this type of organization is, what they do, the documents and writing conventions commonly used, and what constitutes an authority in this field. My assessment is supported using my analysis of a journal article published by The International Society of Sustainability Professionals, (ISSP), and of a newsletter put out by Sustainable Seattle, an indicator organization located in Seattle, Washington, review of both of these organizations websites, and from personal interviews with Tim Flynn and Hannah Clark, Development and Happiness Initiative Coordinators of Sustainable Seattle.

Summary

The environmental sustainability field involves numerous scientific disciplines, economic conditions, physiological influences, and societal processes. More specifically, sustainability indictor organization measures sustainability from these positions and promotes positive change in all realms, through all endeavors, in all areas in order to improve the quality of life on our planet. This improvement is achieved through: the efforts of sustainability professionals, conduction of scientific research and development, analysis of this research, and the subsequent education, awareness, and training done on the findings of this analysis.

The fundamental characteristics of this discourse community can be found in its writing conventions, types of media used, style of communication, as well as who is considered an expert or authority in this field. These types of organizations not only value diverse backgrounds, it is required that their employees include people with a wide variety of degrees, specialties, and experiences. To work in this field one must: be able to communicate with people from all walks of life, possess an open mind, utilize creative expression, believe they have an obligation to the environment, and face the necessity to change with genuine compassion. Those unique values and desired traits offer additional clues to help identify this group of people.

Discussion

One neighborhood at a time, a sustainability indicator organization measures, monitors, and reports findings in order to encourage change that benefits the entire planet. The focuses of these groups may vary from region to region and can include things like social equality, resource conservation, and energy efficient business practices. For example, the team at Sustainable Seattle has three main focal points: social justice, collaboration and stewardship. The goal of this organization is stated clearly in the mission statement found on their website, "Sustainable Seattle's mission is to be a catalyst and resource for positive change." Values such as: togetherness, compassion, progress, purpose, interconnected systems thinking, freedom, a willingness to change, stewardship, respect, and resourcefulness represent the heart of this discourse community. These values are reflected in numerous documents and sections on both the both the ISSP and Sustainable Seattle websites.

Referring to the purpose of an ongoing project, The Happiness Initiative, Clark stated the purpose was "to engage and inspire people, get groups involved and to encourage policy members to take action." Even within one organization there could be numerous projects, each with its own purpose. Some examples of these various reasons are to, protect and conserve our natural resources, gauge community interest, bring to light problems that need to be addressed, highlight areas where improvement is most needed, or to simply collect data for future use.

Writing Conventions

Indicator organizations, like many non-profit organizations, depend on the awarding of grants for the survival of what they do. Grants are formal documents that follow a specific format and use a strict set of instructions in order to apply for funding. These documents, called request for proposal, (RFP), must be clearly stated and well written in order to receive the funding. These grants may be from government sources or private investors, have specific requirements, or important deadlines, so following the terms is essential. Flynn points another significant aspect behind grant writing. He says "Relationships are a key aspect in applying to a grant. You must begin to build relationships with those who you will be asking for funding." That ties directly in with the value of effective communication within this community.

Effective Communication

Communication is one of the main objectives of these organizations. Throughout research and as a part of educating, communicating with a variety of people is mandatory. Knowing who your audience is, being able to adapt presentation style, create a visually appealing, yet simple and accurate document, banner, flyer or sign. The use of electronic media such as, Facebook, twitter, local blogs, email newsletters and interactive websites are necessary for enhancing this type of organization s mission of improvement.

When communicating sustainability techniques and claims