After one workshop at the Tamarack CCI, Barbara MacLennan handed me a copy of an Inspiring Communities (NZ) resource - 'What We Are Learning about Community-led Development in Aotearoa New Zealand' (2012).
Sitting on the GO train this morning on my way to a meeting in Toronto, I had the opportunity to read through the publication (although not cover to cover - but I will make the time to do this).
For folks engaged in community-led development - this is a must have publication. It's accessible, readible and gives you a strong sense of the excellent work going on in New Zealand.
The principles that drive the Inspiring Communities movement in NZ are important:
- Place is the focus
- Local voice and leadership is valued and empowered
- Working together across boundaries
- Building on strengths and assets based
- Growing collaborative community leadership
- Being intentional, adaptable and demonstration progress
- Designing for whole systems change
What I really like about this resource is that it includes key lessons that Inspiring Communities has learned through their work and networks, and pushes their partners to accelerate community change efforts.
Well done Barbara - and the Inspiring Communities team. Visit their website and download a copy of the resource.
