Join us for this National Gathering
Dynamic neighbourhoods are the foundation of strong cities and municipalities. Engaged citizens and residents are essential in the creation of strong neighbourhoods. Community-based organizations play an important, catalytic role in making positive community change possible.
The most creative and lasting solutions for translating community hopes and dreams into realities depend upon citizens, organizations and government working together towards a common vision. No matter what the issue or desired result, the benefits are greater -- and the results are more powerful -- when we can work effectively together.
Across Canada and beyond there are inspiring examples of what can be achieved when neighbours work with community organizations, associations and governments. There are also inspiring examples of how policies can support and encourage neighbourhoods to build, strength and foster creativity. Today, our shared challenge is to learn about -- and from -- these innovative examples so that they become the reality in every community.
Programs that support neighbourhoods to do what they are meant to do -- support one another, work and have fun together -- need to be documented and promoted so that their successes, challenges and learnings are easily shared and can be adapted to other neighbourhoods. This is how we will build a movement for neighbourhood-led change that will be a source of leadership for advancing positive community change on a range of issues affecting our well-being.
At the same time, we need to better understand the policies within our governments and our organizations that support and encourage the citizen leadership within neighbourhoods to flourish. Policies that:
- Recognize, celebrate and support the innovation, context expertise and solution-making of citizens
- Establish infrastructure that engages and supports resident leadership
- Create intentional, shared and strategic processes to bridge and align formal government and organizational systems with informal community systems
- Appreciate the importance of place – regional economies and local solutions – as essential in addressing issues of food security, community health, safety and well-being.
Who Should Attend?
This gathering is for you, if you are:
- A community-builder seeking to enhance your knowledge of policies, programs and practices that can advance neighbourhoods and quality of life in your community
- A neighbourhood leader wanting to find new ideas to inspire you and further your work
- A staff member or volunteer in a neighbourhood association
- A policy-maker in government, a city employee, or elected official involved in positive neighbourhood change
- A member of a community organization who intuitively knows that strengthened engagement with residents is essential in creating effective programs;
- A planner or researcher who recognizes that that innovation is needed in how we paln and design our neighbourhoods
- A leader in a non-profit organization who is working to mobilize action for positive community change
