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Donella Meadows (1998) writes that: "Indicators are natural, everywhere, part of everyone’s life

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Donella Meadows (1998) writes that:

"Indicators are natural, everywhere, part of everyone’s life. Indicators arise from values (we measure what we care about), and they create values (we care about what we measure)....Indicators are partial reflections of reality, based on uncertain and imperfect models…. The search for indicators is evolutionary. The necessary process is one of learning."

For this week's discussion, first go to the Sustainable Measures website (Links to an external site.) and read the sections related to "Indicators of Sustainability" (most importantly "Characteristics of an Effective Indicator").

Initial Post

Think about the community where you live. What sustainability issues does your community care about?

Write a 300-500 word post to:

1. Identify the name and location of your community. Describe three sustainability ends (intermediate or ultimate) that your community values. (See the Daly Triangle (Links to an external site.) pg. 42)
2. Identify three sustainability indicators that community leaders could use to assess progress towards the ends you identified.
3. Explain why these would be effective indicators for your region. Use material from the characteristics of an effective indicator (Links to an external site.) to justify your choices.

For examples of community sustainability indicators, check out the Sustainable Seattle Indicators of Sustainable Community and the Cascadia Scorecard.

• Cite at least two of the required readings in your post. Be sure to include parenthetical citations (Links to an external site.) and a reference list in your post using APA style (Links to an external site.).
• The Initial Post is worth 25 points.  Due Wednesday at midnight.
• NOTE: You will not be able to reply until you have posted your initial response.