methodology...

Permaculture followers will recognise the O'BREDIM mnemonic that forms the basic operational method of thiis approach to growing plants.
I want to explore its use in human systems thinking, particularly as the possible ways of creating a working methodology that enables people to nurture sustainable community.
The sequence is as follows:
Observation, Boundaries, Resources, Evaluation, Design, Implementation and Maintenance.
In order then, first in relation to permaculture, and then extending into community.
Observation allows you first to see how the site functions within itself, to gain an understanding of its initial relationships. Some people recommend a year-long observation of a site before anything is planted. During this period all factors, such as lay of the land, natural flora and so forth, can be brought into the design. A year allows the site to be observed through all seasons, although it must be realised that, particularly in temperate climates, there can be substantial variations between years. In the community context this approach is stressing the importance of time to get to know and feel the ways that a community responds to situations. It is about taking stock, reflecting and connecting.
Boundaries refer to physical ones as well as to those your neighbours might place on you, for example. Within communities boundaries can be environmental - what physical space have we got to do things, emotional - in terms of the impediments and possibilities the emotional state of readiness exists in the community, and conceptual - based on preconceived ideas
Resources would include the people involved, funding, as well as what you can grow or produce in the future. Similarly in the community - who, how and what would people be doing, or be able to offer to do?
Evaluation of the first three will then allow you to prepare for the next three. This is a careful phase of taking stock of what you have at hand to work with. This is interesting as it emphasises the importance of taking stock along the way, in the form of continuous examination and reflection as part of a learning process.
Design is always a creative and intensive process, and you must stretch your ability to see possible future synergetic relationships.
Implementation is literally the ground-breaking part of the process when you carefully dig and shape the site. In a similar way we engage and develop strategic activity, build things, establish working patterns and foster new initiatives with colleagues.
Maintenance is then required to keep your site at a healthy optimum, making minor adjustments as necessary. Good design will preclude the need for any major adjustment. To maintain the sustainable community we nurture the relationships, we seek patterns that reinforce and encourage relationship and interdependence and we encourage connectivity.