The topic for discussion was: “Community Wisdom and Power Dynamics.” This was attended by most of our Service Learning class (may have been missing a couple) on April 6, 2017.
In order to frame this session, I began with a review of the readings based around the model of Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) as a strategy for developing successful and healthy communities. One reading for this section was the article by Alison Mathie and Gord Cunningham, “From Clients to Citizens: Asset-based Community Development as a strategy for community-driven development.” This was a lot of material to unpack, so I focused on simplifying the main features and goals of the ABCD model. Then contrasted it with the theories of a Community Economic Development (CED) model, throwing in some key quotes for impact. I shared a printed out sheet highlighting Asset-Based vs Needs/Deficit-Based Paradigm for quick reference from the section on CR#6. The next mention was to the example of Voces de Canal, and a recall to their model of a research plan, vision, and the balance of power in the “Community Pyramid.” There were some key connections about Voces de Canal I really wanted to further develop, but because of nerves, time, etc., it unfortunately didn’t happen.
Using the readings to frame a video Ted Talk by Mia Birdsong was the main focus. This was an invitation to inspire some thoughts with respect to personal communities — specifically the unique assets recognized in our community partners. The connection to discussion and shared inquiry in identifying assets as a group demonstrates the value of social relationships and benefits mobilization.
In the interest of time, preprinted questions for thought were given out before video to contemplate for a group discussion. The video, seemed well-received and accomplished what I’d hoped — empower discussion. Birdsong is very inspirational, and the examples she uses make the ABCD model easy to relate. This was my main goal for sharing it. A couple of my questions seemed to get a little lost, but it was ok because there was still great dialog. Thinking I could have worded or refocused the questions better to facilitate it all. For some, it was easier to identify the ABCD model connections than others depending on the needs of the idividual partner’s we work with. In some communities it is more easily identifiable, obvious, or independently achievable. We also wrestled with the idea of sustainability using these models (ABCD and CED) with some realistic viewpoints. The consensus seemed to be that a combination of both might be the scenario, with careful designation.
Mia Birdsong’s video is at this link: https://www.ted.com/talks/mia_birdsong_the_story_we_tell_about_poverty_isn_t_true
Additionally, her recommendations of reading Martin Luther King, and Octavia Butler I thought were inspirational and spot on! She also provides a reading list of further resources at the end of her video.
Two other websites worth looking at:
1. The ABCD Institute in Chicago, Dr. John L. McKnight (director), https://resources.depaul.edu/abcd-institute/faculty/us-active/Pages/default.aspx
2. ABCD Resources and Training — Nurture Development
At : http://www.nurturedevelopment.org/
