When I began working with Bridges, it felt like a door had been opened to a world of community I had never seen before. I was moved by the number of people doing meaningful work and creating spaces of belonging on the land of Moh’kinsstis. During the winter, I had the privilege of getting to know one of these spaces through the Community Development Learning Initiative's (CDLI) 8-week Success in Community Action (SiCA) course, hosted by the knowledgeable and resourceful Tyson Bankert.
The course was designed to foster thoughtful conversation among community members in a mindful space. The space strives to honour "everyone's perspective on what's here," and ask participants to act with the assumption that we all approach community development with good intentions and we all have the capacity to learn.
Each session is both structured and flexible, allowing for deep engagement and collaboration. It is designed for learners at any level, offering opportunities for deeper involvement if desired. The approach strikes a balance between practical tools and theoretical understanding, focusing on actionable strategies. I find myself often referencing the course materials, even months later.
When I began, I didn't know how to define community development, but I've since come to understand it as a grounding in the reality of our surroundings. It prompts us to examine who and what is in front of us and think about how we can make the most of our day-to-day interactions (AKA "touching grass"). This focus on tangible, real-world relationships is where meaningful change begins.
After completing the SiCA course and being hungry for more opportunities to meet and learn from community development practioners, I signed up for CDLI's Mini Summit Working Group and was warmly welcomed by Lee-Ann Baines. It was both humbling and exciting that Lee-Ann was so open to my young perspective. Her leadership made participation breezy and fun. Lee-Ann is welcoming to all viewpoints and clearly works hard to ensure every member, speaker, and summit participant has the best experience possible.
The Mini Summit consisted of 12 sessions happening simultaneously over three hours, covering a wide range of topics. It allowed me to meet a plethora of community development practitioners, all of whom had a genuine energy for the work they do. I attended sessions from the kitoko Afro Hair Training Center Society, the Government of Alberta’s Community Development Unit, and the Women's Centre of Calgary. I really enjoyed the diversity of sessions and was struck by the embodiment of inclusion.
I believe the best way to create change is to start within and reflect that change out to our communities, with the people around us. In reflecting on these experiences, I've come to realize that community development is not just about large-scale initiatives; it's about the everyday actions and connections we nurture within our local environments. By engaging with these opportunities, I've gained a deeper appreciation for the power of collective effort and the importance of being present in our communities. As I continue this journey, I'm excited to see how these lessons will shape the impact we can all have, starting right where we are.
I recommend all those working in Treaty 7 communities should check out https://www.calgarycdli.com/ to connect and grow with other community-minded people.
Thank you, Tyson, Lee-Ann, and the CDLI team for all the work that you do!