The public is invited to a hands-on workshop July 22 exploring the strengths and skills individuals can contribute to building a healthier, more vibrant and liveable community for all.
Hosted by Green Wood Coalition, and guided by Jonathan Massimi, a leader in grassroots community development, Mobilizing the Neighbourhood will look at examples of communities where transformational change is underway and offer a toolkit for beginning the steps at the local level.
A passionate advocate of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), Massimi believes engaged citizens can become the “the architects of their own future” when they connect to discover the strengths that exist within their own community. Using this approach, Massimi has worked for over 20 years helping communities tackle problems and create local opportunities. He is the Community Centres Supervisor for the City of Kitchener, an Anglican minister and has a doctorate in the relationship between ABCD and communities of faith.
“This is a new way of organizing for change with enormous potential to solve problems, like poverty and homelessness,” says Green Wood Coalition Community Director David Sheffield. “It’s a positive and proactive way of thinking that shows how citizen engagement — neighbours helping neighbours — has the power to make a positive impact.”
The workshop will be divided into three parts, leading off with Massimi providing examples of successful community building and introducing the ABCD framework. Participants will then divide into break-out groups to discuss the skills and strengths within their own neighbourhoods and community. Groups will come together in the final half hour to share thoughts.
“We’re hoping for a broad cross section of participants that includes business people, members of the faith community, local activists and everyday citizens who believe they have something to contribute. This is how we’ll discover our strengths and assets, because one thing is certain, it’s not something we can do alone,” Sheffield says.
Mark Monday, July 22 on your calendar. The free event takes place at Grace Church, 2 Centennial Drive, Port Hope, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. as part of Green Wood’s ongoing Community 101 information series made possible through funding by Northumberland United Way.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
