grad school thesis research

Mark C Brodrick (mbrodric@uoguelph.ca)
Sat, 19 Nov 1994 10:09:47 -0400 (EDT)

during the summer of 1994 I conducted and completed research for a local
community environmental group in Elora, Ontario. This resulted in a
Rural Action Plan, recommending Elora to consider certain options
regarding energy and water conservation/efficiency, and waste reduction
in two rural townships. The Elora group is one of the Green Communities
supported by the Ministry of Environment and Energy.

Now from that work I am working on my thesis. The fundamental hypothesis
includes: a group (preferably a local community group) to endorse a One
Window Approach to conservation/environment. This means before
developing a new initiative, to identify and understand existing
initiatives, and whereever possible network/enhance/partner with them.
This role assists residents to learn about all available
initiatives/services thus improving participation rates and the
net benefits to themselves and to to the environment.

Questions:
1) Does anyone have any knowledge of groups already taking this approach?
2) My hypothesis assumes that the One Window Approach will improve
participation rates and benefits to residents and the environment. Does
anyone have proof (empirical evidence) of this assumption being correct?
3) Any suggestions as to appropriate supporting literature?

Note:
A considerable portion of the research involved agricultural groups, and
farm areas.

thank you in advance
Mark