I’ve just returned from the NAICS conference in Philadelphia, PA. What an experience. It was hosted by the folks at PhillyCarShare. It will take me quite a while to digest everything that I learned while rubbing elbows with some amazing CarSharing pioneers. Over 20 independent carshares were represented, from the US, Canada, and even Australia! A gentleman from GoGet carshare came all the way from Sydney to present some innovative marketing ideas and to share what’s new down under.
The biggest gift I came away with by far was the inspiration to keep on keepin’ on. I have moments when I fear that ACS will never become a real carshare. It was inspirational to hear the stories from founding members of established carshares in cities like San Francisco, Philly, Chicago, Boulder, and Madison. They shared what their early days were like and encouraged all of us newbies to keep up the great work. It’s hard to imagine that Philly CarShare ever struggled. With 20% of the adult population of the city of Philadelphia currently participating in carshare, it’s obvious they’re doing something right!
These founding mothers and fathers are the perfect examples of empowered young people with a desire to make a difference. They pioneered the carsharing industry in North America at a time when technology, public policy, and the general population were unable to support their visions. Now, after 10 or more years of their collective blood, sweat, and tears, people like us are able to benefit enormously from their difficult years of laying the ground work and setting the stage for an association of independent carsharing oraganizations.
As a group, we talked at great length about the importance of working together. Plans are already in the works for us to share group insurance as well as reciprocal memberships for members who travel. Having the support of NAICS will certainly be a huge benefit for us as we get ACS off the ground.
I am, at times, overwhelmed by a sense of immense responsibility to bring large doses of hope and inspiration for the direction our world is headed. In the midst of ground breaking social change and the rapid diminishing of formerly abundant natural resources, these leaders of the carsharing movement prove that our commitment to positive, progressive environmental causes will indeed bring about the shift in our collective consciousness as a society of human beings unwisely dependent upon personal car ownership.
Listening to the passion and dedication that every single person in attendance these past two days displayed, I am truly humbled to have been included. It was well worth the jet lag and the hassle of traveling across the country at the last minute. And it wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity extended by Philly CarShare. Thanks guys!
