Work with, not against the grain.  Identify the key members of the community, and involve them in the information transfer – it is much easier to share suggestions within an established group than to have an “outsider” approach a neighbourhood.  Remove the expert from the equation - ensure key members have enough information to facilitate workshops and begin training residents.

Reach everyone.  Design a combination of educational and training approaches to encompass the entire community.

Set reasonable goals for implementation and obtain acceptance from the community.  Prove that it can work.  Divide the eco-community into phases of implementation and find examples of each step towards an eco-community, even if precedent for the entire project as a whole does not exist. Above all, do not ask too much at the beginning – it is much easier to persuade people once momentum exists.

Start small, think long term.  Empowerment begins with one simple action, and recognition that the action is contributing positively to the overall goal.  Positive reinforcement through neighbourhood communication is an easy way to foster community spirit and involvement.

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