Championing the Enough For All Strategy
Many of the stories that I hear about CDLI on a regular basis include that people learn so much from their time interacting with the CDLI staff and network. Learning happens in formal gatherings and also from “the way CDLI does what they do”.
For as long as I have been a part of the CDLI network (8 or so years!) I have known that CDLI is working toward a future where there is Enough for All in Calgary. There are a number of key things that demonstrated this to me as a network member before I was working on the CDLI staff team.
CDLI brings together people who are interested in having conversations about what might be possible in our communities, including there being Enough for All. We recognize that this is a base of many of our gatherings even if not explicitly stated.
CDLI supports people to contribute to the network and their community in whatever way they find meaningful. This includes offering honoraria for those who share expertise - recognizing that lived experience is expertise. It also includes opportunities for those working professionally in the community development sphere AND those passionate about community development - all are welcome to participate in a space we strive to make safe and demonstrate belonging.
CDLI prioritizes the feedback of those we work with when deciding the when, how, where and what of our gatherings. We recognize that free opportunities hosted in a variety of ways and with a variety of options for engagement mean that we are doing what is in our ability to meet folks wherever they are. We are always open to feedback on doing better.
These may seem like small things. They are small things done with intention to demonstrate ways that organizations, networks and other ways of coming together can be set up to acknowledge poverty as a reality in our city - and are small steps toward there being Enough for All. CDLI is one very small facet of work in Calgary acknowledging and addressing poverty. Signing on to be a Champion of the Enough for All Strategy is our way of formalizing our commitment to continue our work while supporting, listening to and lifting up the work of others doing their part. As of May 2023 CDLI is a formal Champion and looking forward to learning more from others about increasing our steps toward there being Enough for All.
- Contribution from Lee-Ann Baines
