"Experience is only the name we give our mistakes" Oscar Wilde

Whether your action project is still just a vision in your mind, or is already in the planning stages, your path will rarely be without stumbling blocks. Sharing ideas with others around you, seeking advice, learning from past mistakes and experiences can prove invaluable in any project. Asking others for advice can often save a lot of time and frustration, and help your project avoid or deal with some of the problems that creep up along the way.

There are lots of amazing action initiatives already happening all across Canada. At the Green Street Youth conferences, we invite folks that are active in communities to give skills-building workshops to help youth carry out their action projects. They're a great resource, especially when it comes to ideas and advice.

Check out some of the things they have to say:

Take Only Positive Positions
Instead of saying what you're against, think of what you are FOR. If you're against something, you must be for something else as the solution

Do Your Homework
Be prepared. Complete your research - study the issue and all its different elements and viewpoints … Know that what you are saying is based on evidence …

Know Your Community
Be aware of all the people and their positions on the issue. Know who's for, neutral, or against your position, and interview those for and against your position. Know how to defend your group's position and when and how you could accept some parts of other peoples' positions.

Listen to All Peoples' Views
Attempt to see all sides of the issue. Focus on the good in others, the good in yourself and the good you are doing. Keep an open mind and listen actively to what others have to say. Treat every person as you would like to be treated, with respect and consideration.

Avoid Stereotyping
It is easy to lump individuals into a category or group like "All developers care about is making money." Stereotyping is misleading, often blocking solutions rather than building bridges among people or groups. Recognize that each person holds his or her own identity within a group.

Accept Responsibility
Never blame anyone or anything else for your lack of success. Accept responsibility and move on - look to what you could have done better. When you encounter a block, back off, reconsider your options and directions, then try another route. Never let failure be an endpoint rather than a new beginning: use what you have learned!

Be Persistent
Hang in there! Environmental problems are complex and usually take years to develop, so long-term commitment is important. Look at the big picture and don't let small obstacles get you down. Think long term - but break your plan into smaller projects and monitor progress on these as you go.

Celebrate!
Hold a celebration when the project is completed or when you have reached a milestone. Celebrate all you have done so far!