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Presentation delivered by Cormac Russell (Keynote) in Preston, Uk. 2012.
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A life of my own choosing
Asset Based Community Development
Cormac Russell, ABCD Institute
ABCD in a nutshell
About the ABCD Institute
Est. 1995,
Northwestern
University, Illinois
- Presence on every continent throughout the world.
Tell us a story…..
‘Can you tell us a story about a time when
you and your neighbours came together to
make things better?’
people focusedtheir attentionon….
What can be doneinstead of what can’t be done
What
might be
possible if
rather than problems
more than weaknesses
Children and Familieshave deficiencies & needs
Children and Families also have skills and talents
The Dilemma . . .
On which should we focus most?
Fundamental Needs
Security
Autonomy
Belonging
Competence
?
Emotional & Material
Agency. Independence. Sense of efficacy in the world. Plus authenticity
Community, Family & Friends, as giver & receiver
Ability to sustain tasks of choosing, to contribute.
Russell, C (2010)
Festival Day in Thornton Heath-Sept 18, 2011
And on the day people were invited to share their gifts….
This is Shirley with her neighbour...Shirley is a neighbourhood connector
Why have a meeting when you can have a party?
The connectors want to discover hidden treasure and build relationships….
They had already knocked on doors, and heard peoples stories like Mr and Mrs Ahmed…..
Paul Macey who is a wonderful Community Builder, and isfacilitating the process on behalf of Croydon Voluntary Action and Croydon NHS sat with Peggy and heard her story….
And Peggy and Mr & Mrs Ahmed were connected
The connectors have experienced the power of connecting people…
And they have been mapping local associations too….
And seeing the huge potential for connecting these assets also….
And the older people will have plenty to teach the kids as well…
Bingo!!!!
Being intentional about the process of engagement, mapping:a) associations; b) capacity/contribution and then invitation
What formal or informal groups are you part of?
What are your skills and talents?
What gifts and talents would you like to share?
Wow! That many? What would happen if we had these conversations with everyone in Thornton Heath?
Young people are leaders of today, not tomorrow, we invite them in. The message on the day: Thornton Heath needs you, we can not do this without you…
The art of conversation, conversations matter….
And they stayed for the vision….
Even strangers are Twice as Likely to
Assist as You Think
Studies by Flynn & Lake (2010) of Columbia University show that people underestimate how likely others are to help by as much as 100%
News flash: the streets of Thornton Heath were filled today with young people (and the young at heart) making fun…and Community
Even strangers are Twice as Likely to
Assist as You Think
Studies by Flynn & Lake (2010) of Columbia University show that people underestimate how likely others are to help by as much as 100%
‘You can’t know what you need, till you know what you have…’
The glass is half full…..
There are things that only we can do
through people powered change to have a
good and healthy life….
Insert 12 domains over 4 slides
• Plus Tessy’s slides
My Vision
Kevin Russell
My Good Life
• Real friends• A relationship like Cormac
has• A real job• Enough money to do the
things I like
My Good Life begins at Home
• I live at home with my wonderful Mom and Dad
• I am a proud Limerick man
Social inclusion? Where it matters?
Participation
Friendship
Intimacy
Economic Exchange
Full circles indicate capacity to deal with life andare a powerful measure of health in our society.
Our Solutions are often not fit for purpose
Real change…Real change…
The move is from services to clients
to
supports for citizens
Health
Doing work the old way
Processes with ownership
Before you reap the harvest…..
Strengths-based Community Development Methodology
Discovering Strengths
Organizing & Mapping
Linking andMobilizing
Community Driven Initiatives
Sustaining the Process
Contact
Cormac Russell,
ABCD Institute & Nurture Development
