Description
In the vast and culturally rich landscape of Canada, there lie two hidden gems in our fight against poverty: the power of community and our sense of belonging.
Poverty is deeply intertwined within our social fabric, leading people coping with poverty to experience higher levels of loneliness and social isolation. By understanding the social aspects of poverty and the transformative impact of feeling like you belong, we can pave the way towards a better future for all people in our communities.
This 2-part webinar series will highlight ways an Asset-Based Community Development approach can disrupt the cycle of poverty and alleviate some of its immediate impacts, while helping to build community resilience and resist polarization.
Part 1: Well-being, Connection and Poverty
November 19, 2025 | 1:00 PM ET - 2:00 PM ET
In Part One, we will examine the social dimensions of Belonging in terms of people’s health and wellbeing, what Belonging means, and its central role in fostering equity and alleviating the impacts of poverty.
Part 2: Your Part in Building Connection
December 3, 2025 | 1:00 PM ET - 2:00 PM ET
In Part Two, we will learn to recognize and map community strengths to support those who need it most. A strong sense of belonging and social cohesion may translate to a higher likelihood of people engaging in participatory processes to solve their problems, and we all have a role to play to build inclusion and care into our neighbourhoods.
"When communities work together to create a sense of belonging, people find support and experience resilience, breaking free from the poverty cycle."
Heather Keam
Speakers
Heather Keam. Consulting Director, Asset-Based Community Development. Tamarack Institute
Heather Keam is the Consulting Director of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) and Belonging Strategy at the Tamarack Institute, with over 22 years of experience in community development and collaborative change. A Steward of the ABCD Institute, Heather works with governments, organizations, and community groups to design strategies that centre local assets, build belonging, and strengthen civic participation. She brings deep expertise in Asset-Based Community Development, Results-Based Accountability (RBA), and Collective Impact, helping teams move from vision to action through practical tools and measurable outcomes.
Kathryn Colby. Senior Community Animator, Communities Ending Poverty. Tamarack Institute
Kathryn works with communities as part of the Community Ending Poverty team at Tamarack Institute. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Security and Peacebuilding, alongside over 20 years of experience supporting marginalized communities, developing cross-sector partnerships, and promoting collective impact through a social work lens.
