Learning Through Networks - TAP is a pilot project created fourteen years ago to address an all too common experience for small and mind-sized not-for profits: the inability to afford the professional assistance needed to increase their organizational capacity and effectiveness. This document reflects the insights generated as those engaged in the TAP were invited to reflect on what is now best described as a "learning network" where collaborative capacity building occurs through learning circles.

Community Asset Audit - This resource is used to conduct an audit of a community’s assets.

Helping People Work Together for Creative Community Change - The Everyday Democracy website offers a diversity of resources to support community engagement.

Coady Institute Celebrates 50th Birthday – Moses Coady would have been proud to participate in discussions on deepening the practice of asset-based, citizen-led community development.  From July 7-10, 2009, the man who inspired the founding of the 50-year-old Coady International Institute at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish would have met 100 community development-minded guests from more than a dozen countries. The forum title – From Clients to Citizens – drew its inspiration from the recently published book of the same name. Visit the Coady Institute website.

Community: The Structure of Belonging - In his book, Community: The Structure of Belonging, Peter Block suggests that in order to address the complex issues facing them, communities must rediscover a sense of connection to one another and an understanding of the common good. His book outlines six kinds of conversations that help to create community accountability and commitment, along with lots of practical ingredients, questions and actions that can be used to restore vitality to your community. Learn more about Community: The Structure of Belonging.

Increasing Power of Community Activists - A report from the UK government provides useful recommendations for both government and community activists. Communities in Control: Real People, Real Power, attempts to give power back to communities by suggesting, for instance, that there should be an "obligation to respond" to public petitions. Many of the recommendations are useful to community builders in any country. Download Increasing Power of Community Activists. [Source: Charity Village]

Community Organizing Toolkit - This toolkit is a set of resources that supports face-to-face training for residents and community leaders. The computer-based component (the "Organizing Game") is used to introduce concepts, prompt discussion, and allow residents to practice skills in a safe, non-threatening environment. Learn more about the Community Organizing Toolkit.

Community Organizing & Development - The Online Conference on Community Organizing and Development, COMM-ORG was founded in 1995 with the mission to link academics and activists, and theory and practice, toward the goal of improving community organizing and its related crafts. Learn more on the COMM-ORG website. [Source: WIRA]

Profile of Effective Practice - Ma Mawi, Canada's first and largest major urban native child and family support program, is a great example of a community taking charge of their own challenges and opportunities and empowering those who experience barriers to participation in society. They have reclaimed control over family and community support services available to Aboriginal people, thereby ensuring that the services are culturally appropriate and serve to empower and build the capacity of individuals, families, and the broader community. In addition to improving these services, Ma Mawi employs 140 Aboriginal individuals who engage in a wide variety of community and family support initiatives. Download full profile and check out the Ma Mawi website. [Source: WIRA]

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