Community development is rooted in a belief that people have special knowledge, skills, and experience regarding their communities, and should be involved in programming, planning, and action to make change. However, there are many challenges to getting people to attend events, get involved in programs, or take part in planning or visioning for their community. Various tools and approaches developed for city and community planning can help mitigate conflict and maximize opportunities to build a common vision and collaborative partnerships, which leads to successful community development. This workshop will explore different engagement and participatory planning strategies, consider ways to deal with some of the most likely challenges in the process, as well as featuring tips and stories by local community development workers with a wealth of experience successfully engaging their communities.

Brendan Reimer is the Regional Coordinator for the Prairies and Northern Territories at the Canadian Community Economic Development Network, a Board Member at the Assiniboine Credit Union, as well as a member of the Social Enterprise Council of Canada. Working out of the new Social Enterprise Centre at 765 Main Street, Brendan is a teacher and an organizer, and works hard to change policy in support of building fairer and stronger local economies, reducing poverty and homelessness, and creating more sustainable communities. He has taught the "Management of Non-Profits" course at the University of Winnipeg's School of Business and Administration, and facilitates many workshops every year on the topics of CED, social enterprise, building financial sustainability in non-profits, and understanding and advancing policy.