Celebrating the New Asset-Based Community Development Project by CDLI!
Building Connected Communities Using Asset-Based Community Development
What is Building Connected Communities?
In May 2024 the City of Calgary released a call for proposals for the Building Connected Communities Project Implementation. The aim of this project is to use the Asset-Based Community Development framework within Calgary to focus on community strengths to better create local opportunities and meet shared objectives of community members in their communities. Residents will gain access to additional resouces to increase community-level skills, strengthen social connections, and in turn enhance their sense of belonging and civic participation.
This project includes 2 pillars:
1) Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Capacity Building
2) Community Connectors (using ABCD)
The project implementation work is being paired with developmental evaluation work to create Calgary-specific outcomes, support continuous improvement efforts, and create recommendations for project sustainment.
How is CDLI involved?
CDLI, as a champion of ABCD in Calgary for many years, and with proven excellence in community capacity building, was selected as the successful proposal for the Building Connected Communities Project implementation. This means that very shortly CDLI will be welcoming a new ABCD Project Team which will bring this project to life from capacity building through to community connectors in a variety of communities throughout our City.
What will this look like for the CDLI network?
The ABCD Project Team will work alongside the Core Staff Team at CDLI until the end of the project in December 2026. Working in this way will allow for the intentional use of curriculum and structures already developed through CDLI. It will also bring new opportunities to the CDLI network including community conversations about ABCD, expanded reach for capacity building opportunities, and increased possibilities for partnerships. The developmental evaluation pairing to this project will also bring new, local data to support community development work in our local communities.
How can I support this project?
1) Share the job postings for the ABCD Project Team - or consider applying yourself. We need community development champions on board to make the best of this opportunity!
2) Contribute your thoughts on how this project can be successful, what community partnership means to you and more! Stay tuned for community conversations on this project coming in the next CDLI e-newsletter as well as on our social media and website.
3) Contact us anytime with your ideas on making this project impactful in communities in our city.