Communities Collaborating Blog

I recently had the pleasure of hosting a learning circle on the topic of Prosperity Enhancement and Poverty Reduction.  The learning circle was joined by enthusiasts from communities across Canada and we reflected on a number of issues during the course of the calls. 

We first shared our views on poverty reduction efforts and what these meant to and in communities.  Vibrant Communities and its partners have contributed significantly to our collective knowledge and understanding of the issue of poverty and the complexity it poses when communities come together to challenge this issue. 

 Next the learning circle tackled the question of prosperity enhancement.  Is this the flip side of the poverty reduction coin?  We mused that these conversations - poverty reduction and prosperity enhancement often take place in different corners of our communities.  While the ideas might be linked, the groups trying to address or tackle the ideas often aren't. 

The Learning Circle members then discussed how we might join the two conversations.  There are a couple of important steps to take. 

1. Find out who is leading the conversations in your community.  What are they talking about?  What are the issues they are struggling with?  Who are the thought leaders in each conversation?

2. Educate yourself about the conversation you are not familiar with - if you are an expert in the prosperity conversation - learn about the impacts of poverty on your community or if you are an expert in understanding poverty - learn about the role prosperity enhancement can play and contribute.

3. Join the other conversation.  Invite yourself in.  Talk to as many people as you can identify.  Talk...but also LISTEN.  Where do the conversations diverge and where do they converge?

4. Look for others to invite in and increase the conversation. 

Our learning circle identified that these conversations have to be bridged to make significant community change.  We can't just watch the conversations occur, we need to participate in the discourse, contribute our ideas and thoughts. 

The learning circles provide an excellent tool to listen, learn and contribute.  We invite you to view our learning circle resources and contribute your thoughts.  We'll continue to talk, learn and LISTEN.

 Liz Weaver on behalf of the Prosperity Enhancement / Poverty Reduction Learning Circle