Changing business practices to create a sustainable world – this is an experiment to create new practices for how these problems get addressed

Basic concept:
* An ongoing series of open source modules on specific topic:
* Via a conference calls and podcasts; probably three-months in length with 6 different calls/podcasts/events
--> Steady backbeat of podcasts 1-2 times/month around modules – with topic that leads to a challenge issued (how do we get the word out far enough?) – 1st call: led by expert, setting the stage, here’s the idea, issuing the challenge 2nd call: invite communities of practice 3rd step: go deeper, sharing resources (could be multiple calls) 4th step: some kind of face to face that brings together the people around this topic 5th call: reflection on process & effectiveness (who showed up, what came out of it, who created business practices about this, etc)
* Every call has this shape: here’s what we did, how we did it, here’s what we produced, stimulate open conversation around it
* Bring in other communities or networks
* One in-person event at a place that's relevant to the topic at hand (i.e. a data center implementing efficiency measures)
* Making room for the indepth conversations that aren’t happening in the media

Other similar resources
* Net Impact calls
* LinkedIn groups
* Webinars (tend to be too promotional/salesy)
* Wiser Earth
* Communities of practice

What EDF offers (our value add):
* Convener
* Deep expertise on specific topics
* Connections large companies
* Opportunities to promote participants (such as promoting a consultant that makes the time to participant)

Concerns heard:
* Too big of a time ask (an hour every 2 weeks)
* "What's in it for me?"
* Very difficult to engage participants (everyone multi-tasks on webinars) -- Chris Page: Very difficult to run communities of practice (she had experiences with the Society for Organizational Effectiveness)

Suggestions:
* Beta test a topic
* Pick a speaker for the first call that is a big draw.
* Need a searchable, consistent place to send people that’s well groomed/maintained