Community Development in 2023: Reflections from Reconnecting in the Collective

By Amanda Palmer

In December we brought together online some of the community leaders who have been an important part of CDLI’s efforts. We asked everyone to share something they were celebrating from their efforts in 2022.

Most of our time together was spent in circle. We asked everyone to think about their top priorities for their community efforts in 2023, and the conversations they have been having with their community that helped lead to those priorities… then we asked during their speaking time to share a story that highlights the why for a priority.

What we heard were a lot of stories that spoke to several key themes around the importance of and focus on connection… especially connections that are rooted in strengths and creativity, and that are made with intention. We also heard many stories about a variety of urgent needs being faced in our communities right now, and how those struggles are and will continue to shape how people engage and how we must engage with people. These stories also spoke to our role as community development practitioners in offering a critique of social services to help respond to what our communities are seeking. A third theme that emerged was around the notion of agency, and our explorations of power in community. Things like exploring mutual aid principles, focusing on small steps and creating space for community members to lead.

To support our learnings for the day we brought in the wonderful Skye Louis to do some graphic recording for us. Skye captured those key themes in the graphic below! Note that not everyone is captured here.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated!

This graphic harvest was made for CDLI by Skye Louis

After our circle practice we asked people to share some of their stories of CDLI to help with updating our Mission and Vision process. We’d love to hear your stories too!