Low Carbon West Oxford (LCWO) tries to avoid large traditional-style meetings, which they feel can be boring and intimidating. Initially they held regular open drop-in sessions to collect ideas and feedback from the community. The sessions were designed to be welcoming and fun, and people were encouraged to chat to members of the group and to share their ideas often by writing on flipcharts around the room. These sessions have been replaced by open meetings, which focus on a theme and encourage discussion, exchange of information and ideas as well as encouraging local people to get involved in projects, activities and events in their community. Open meetings are held in an informal setting such as the community centre café and LCWO provides refreshments.

Source: Low Carbon West Oxford and West Oxford Community Renewables (2010), Low Carbon Living: Power to make it possible [1]