We do not inherit this land from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. In the tiniest of nutshells, this Haida Nation saying is a definition of sustainability. What it doesn’t say, it implies: we should take great care of the earth so the generations that follow are able to meet their needs to live. Who couldn’t agree with that?

Working toward sustainability is not only our obligation to future generations; it is an opportunity for progress. It encourages creativity and collaboration, resulting in vibrant, desirable, and more united communities.

Monona now has a Sustainability Committee charged with taking the pliable dough of a general commitment to sustainability and molding it into concrete goals, actions, and targets — all based on a clear vision. Our municipal leaders recognize the need to think innovatively in order to secure a prosperous long-term future for Monona and her residents.

But how can citizens help our city in this effort? How do we help move neighbors, businesses, and ourselves toward sustainability?

First we have to learn about it.

Simplistic slogans, such as ”Only you can prevent forest fires,” can have a positive impact in public-education campaigns, but they won’t work well to educate about sustainability’s more complex mix of environmental, economic, and social issues. Rocket science it isn’t, but sound bites aren’t enough.

Monona is blessed with many opportunities to learn. The three-month-old Sustainability Section at the Monona Public Library is one. Not only are there books and DVDs on topics related to sustainability, more than 30 free brochures are available — from rain gardens to mass transit. The collection is growing, so return to it again and again to see the latest additions. Treat the Sustainability Section like the fabled guru on the mountain top. Go there to have your questions answered.

Green Tuesdays: Films & Lectures on Sustainability were held at the library in January. The presentations on ”Affluenza,” transportation, and Permaculture were enthusiastically received. Plans are to continue the series on a monthly basis, so watch for announcements.

Participating in a study circle on The Natural Step framework for sustainability is the best way to learn about sustainability in depth. A circle provides ideas for individual action, as well as community action, and gives momentum to the shared ideas. In the last year and one-half, 47 people have participated in study circles in Monona.

Project Leader of the Swedish Eco-Municipality movement, Torbjörn Lahti says, ”Perhaps the most important factor for their (Swedish communities) success in becoming eco-municipalities was study circles. It’s a question of taking control over their own situation and their own future.”

Monona’s Bob Miller participated in a study circle. ”Inspiring, invigorating, and enjoyable, I thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue and thought-provoking discussion every Sunday evening,” says Miller. ”It also provided a stronger sense of community within Monona. I believe The Natural Step is the future of Monona and hope the city embraces The Natural Step.”

The Natural Step Monona encourages you to sign up for a study circle. They begin the last week of February. There are no tests or pop quizzes, no dress codes, no demerits, and no grades.

There are once-per-week meetings, invigorating conversations, enthused neighbors, a celebratory ”graduation” pot-luck, and a great book to ground it all — The Natural Step for Communities: How Cities and Towns can Change to Sustainable Practices by Sarah James and Torbjörn Lahti.

Each circle has a trained facilitator. A free study guide is provided; the book costs $25. The maximum number of people per circle is twelve. You can sign up at the Monona Public Library, at www.tnsmonona.org, or by calling 663-2459.

Please become involved in learning about sustainability. Do it for your city. Do it for your neighbors and friends. Do it for yourself. And do it for all the generations to follow. All will thank you.