Asset Based Community Development: 6 months of learning and connecting!

CDLI hosts an Asset Based Community Development Learning and Action Team once per month. This is a virtual (sometimes hybrid in person) space for people who do community work to come together, learn and act. The focus of the learning, discussion and action is the model of Asset Based Community Development. At it’s core this model is for people who want to focus their work on what is strong in a community instead of what is wrong.

In January 2024, the format of the gatherings changed slightly to focus on topic areas each month, some with a highlighted guest speaker, ABCD initiative or resource. This summer we are taking the ABCD LAT “on the road” by visiting initiatives happening in Calgary that have been grounded in ABCD, or used ABCD principles to inform their process.

While we are out an about we thought we would share some of the learnings from the first half of 2024.

Common themes so far this year have included:

1) A small group of dedicated people can make it happen.
2) There is no substitute for having relationships in this work, and they take time to build.
3) People are willing to share - if you have an idea that you aren’t sure how to move forward the ABCD LAT is a great place to learn about other’s projects, and in doing so, build out your own.

If you are interested in learning, connecting and taking action with this team you can find out more here, including how to join!

Wishing everyone a safe summer rooted in community.
Written by Lee-Ann Baines
Graphics Designed by Bolade Afolabi