Overview
Community development (CD) involves people taking democratic control by participating in planning, bottom-up decision-making, and community action. The process and outcomes of community development reflect common values, conflict and compromise, and the shifting of power to the community. CD seeks to empower individuals and groups of people by providing them with the skills they need to effect change in their communities.
Our courses and workshops are geared to those working in a professional or volunteer role in community development. Our Program integrates theory with practice, introducing tools and approaches used by community development practitioners. The skills needed to practice community development range from political organizing to affecting social and institutional change and working effectively with individuals and groups. We encourage learners to challenge assumptions, examine deeply-held values and explore approaches that integrate personal, group and community development.
We offer:
- A wide range of practical courses and workshops geared to those working in a professional or volunteer role in community work
- Creative learning environments that build on the strengths, capacities and life experiences of participants.
- An annual Summer School on Building Community held in June each year
- Co-sponsorship (with Co-Development Canada and the World Community Development Education Society) of the World Community Film Festival held annually in January/ February
Our learning opportunities are accessible to a wide range of community participants. They are taught by highly skilled and experienced instructors.