ABCD Learning and Action Team!
In late 2020 the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good began exploring a city-wide Abundant Communities initiative. To support this effort, Jodi Lammiman created a Neighbourhood Block Community of Practice to bring together Calgarians who were, or seeking to, activate neighbourhood block connections in their own communities.
CDLI was an active member of this group throughout 2021, and was happy to offer it a new home when funding changes meant that the work could not continue in its current form. Thus, the Asset-Based Community Development Learning & Action Team was born!
Why an ABCD LAT?
Our community has been interested in and exploring asset-based community development approaches for many years now. Last year, some of our most anticipated gatherings has an ABCD focus. For instance, our January 2021 panel on Exploring Asset-Based Community Development in Calgary, and our May 2021 gathering on Engaging Community through our Strengths: Asset Mapping in COVID.
ABCD is a powerful approach to community development that calls on us to start from a place of our community’s strengths, and on the possibilities that those create. It is founded on a by community, for community focus. It recognizes that our power is from the people within the community, who know their community best.
While many of these are foundational principles shared by many, they are not the easiest to implement. It can also take a lot of time, patience, and creativity to shift the mindsets and act on the possibilities… as such, having a regular group you can be a part of with others who are doing this work can help us to find solidarity and support through new and deepened connections, learn how to improve our own practices, find inspiration, and motivation to continue to act!
What does the ABCD LAT do?
The ABCD LAT meets once a month - typically the first Wednesday - from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
These gatherings typically involve some reflection time for us to focus on our inner selves in this work. They will also hold space for connecting with and learning from one another. Each gathering will also allot time for an ABCD Marketplace to note our requests, offers, or declarations of the month!
In addition to the monthly gatherings, the ABCD LAT will help organize quarterly community conversations on the topic of ABCD to help deepen the learning of those in the group and beyond.
The LAT may also identify areas of work or projects that they would like to take on.
How do I get involved?
Our first gathering as the ABCD LAT will be on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. Prior to coming to an ABCD LAT gathering, we ask that people meet with someone from the LAT for some onboarding. To express your interest, please email us at cdli@caryacalgary.ca.