Annual Planning 2026
Our 2026 Annual Planning Gathering will be on Saturday, January 10, 8AM–2:30PM, at the Media Community Center, 301 N Jackson St, Media 19063. You can enter the Borough parking lot off 4th Street between Monroe and Jackson; the Community Center is on the left (Monroe St side). There is free parking in the streets around the Borough Building if the parking lot is full. If you haven’t already, please RSVP using this link as soon as possible so we can plan food and materials.
Together, we’ll explore initiatives that reimagine what’s possible for our local economy, our future, and the land itself – initiatives that ask bold questions such as: What if we built it ourselves? What if we claimed the power already in our hands?
We’ll begin the day with breakfast at 8:00am – come enjoy coffee, scones, and conversation, get settled in, and be ready to start at 9:00am. We’ll open with a grounding meditation, followed by a review of our current projects and the inspiring impacts they’ve already made.
Next, we’ll break into five theme groups (listed below). Each group will reflect on existing projects we want to strengthen or expand – and explore new projects with the potential to make a meaningful difference in our community. After these in‑depth conversations, we’ll come back together to share highlights from each group.
By then, it will be time for lunch – a chance to refresh, reconnect, and clarify where you feel called to participate in 2026.
In the afternoon, we’ll stay together as one group to explore several big‑vision ideas that we may pursue if there is sufficient interest and support. Finally, we’ll return to breakout groups – either deepening your original discussions or visiting a new theme area to learn more.
We expect to close formally around 2:30pm, though everyone is welcome to stay and continue conversations and next‑step planning. If you’d like a copy of the agenda, you can find it here.
These are the five theme groups we’ll be working with. Consider where you feel most drawn – and remember, you’ll have the chance to explore more than one area if you wish. If you have a project idea and are seeking support, please bring it to the group that best aligns with it.
Core Theme #1: Community & Local Economy
This breakout group will explore how we strengthen our local economy and deepen community connections. We’ll revisit the vision for the FreeStore, imagining how it could evolve into a vibrant hub for sharing, mutual aid, and economic justice. We’ll also focus on the Circle of Aunts and Uncles, our small business loan fund currently supporting four Chester-based enterprises with low-interest loans and mentorship. Expanding both monetary and social support for this fund is a top priority. Other projects in this theme include a Third Space, the Green Sunday Craft Fair, Community Builders, and Fire Circles – all working to weave a resilient, caring local economy.
Core Theme #2: Arts & Communication
In this group, we’ll launch a new era of storytelling and public engagement for Transition Town Greater Media. We’ll clarify the difference between plan (what and why), strategy (how we build trust and visibility), and tactics (the creative tools we use – media, performances, campaigns, design). We aim to co-create a Strategic Communication Campaign that boldly amplifies our shared vision and invites broad participation. The arts will be central – from visual storytelling to public installations. We’ll also explore a new partnership with Gallery Green, a space dedicated to highlighting local green groups and creative projects.
Core Theme #3: Health, Well-Being & Spirit
Amid rising climate stress, chemical exposure, and an overstretched healthcare system, this group explores how we reclaim our health – individually and collectively. Instead of reacting to illness, how can we enable proactive, holistic well-being? We’ll explore creating community health education circles, modalities training, and peer-based support networks. Anchored in practices of self-awareness and collective healing, this theme also holds space for Inner Transformation, the Radical Regeneration Book Group, and Beloved Community Circles – cultivating spiritual and emotional resilience for the long journey ahead.
Core Theme #4: Resilience & Repair
This group focuses on building practical resilience at the household and neighborhood levels. We’ll discuss launching a Civil Response Communication Group to explore how we stay connected and coordinated if power or digital infrastructure goes down. We’ll support the work of the Community Resilience Group in areas like re-skilling, local food systems, and community-based preparedness. Other groups represented here include Foraging, Cool Blocks, and Local Food – all essential to adapting to resource depletion and climate impacts with creativity and cooperation.
Core Theme #5: Climate & Ecology
In this group, we’ll strengthen our ecological stewardship and climate action efforts. We’ll support projects like Green Wagon, Tree Tenders, the Tree Lovers Collective, and EcoFest. Our focus will be on Zero Waste solutions, such as expanding food rescue and composting programs for households, businesses, and institutions. We’ll work with local Environmental Advisory Councils (EACs) and the Delaware County Sustainability Office to identify bold, collaborative pathways to reduce plastic use, improve recycling, and protect living systems. This is where we align love for the Earth with collective action.
Again, please RSVP here. Breakfast and lunch are provided at no cost.