BUILDING COMMUNITY
Knowing a person’s gifts, strengths and talents is the starting point for making connections between people in our community. Building a stronger community involves connecting the gifts, strengths and talents of all people.
The acceptance of diversity and the active participation of all people build stronger communities.
Interactionz bases its community building efforts on the concept of Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) which is based on the principle that communities become stronger when they welcome and include marginalised people as contributors. Interactionz enables people to develop relationships, make a contribution to their community, make choices, live with the dignity that goes with having valued social roles, and share ordinary places and activities. Through natural supports, people form and maintain a variety of ties and connections.
The right to exercise choice
Interactionz supports people in making their own choices and developing their own identity – choosing what activities fill their days, who they get to know, where they belong and where they live, learn, work and play.
Community building – a process
The process can involve
- Listening - especially to the dreams and desires relevant to the community
- Starting with what and who you know
- Pursuing several channels
- Following many roads
- Asking for input from those you know
- Offering knowledge to others
- Connections in and around the network
- Allowing time for connections to grow
- An acceptance that nothing lasts forever (except, perhaps, friendship)
- Addressing the challenges of isolation
- Overcoming reluctance
- Working with paid support staff
- Celebration
- Creating a safe space for people to come together
(Adapted from Sharing Community - Options, Atwood Press):
Inclusion
Strong friendships contribute to society’s good.
Strong friendships contribute to society's good. Inclusion for people with disabilities is easier when they have the opportunity to develop personal relationships, expand connections to community associations and become part of a circle of support where they can pursue and express their dreams.
People with disabilities meet more challenges than most when developing friendships because of issues related to access, money, dependence on others' assistance, restrictions on movement and communication.
Interactionz supports people in developing friendships at local community centres, where they meet with each other, get to know neighbours and use local amenities. Increased opportunity to participate in leisure time and work increase the range of contacts who may become friends.
Our community centres are welcoming and open to the local community and we actively pursue community involvement in them.
Mentors – those who recognise gifts and make connections
The role of the mentor is to make gifts visible. The mentor assists with forming connections, rather than with organising them. Mentors lead the way by demonstrating their understanding that the community is filled with gifts and assets – hospitality, compassion, friendship, happiness and inspiration.
|
