Abundant Community Edmonton

The Abundant Community Edmonton project successfully uses an asset-based approach. The project, initiated by Howard Lawrence, uses neighbourhood leaders, neighbourhood connectors and block connectors to better engage neighbours to build relationships, reduce social isolation, share their vision for the neighbourhood and increase safety in the neighbourhood.

Neighbourhood connectors identify, mobilize, encourage and support block connectors while meeting with other neighbourhood connectors from across the city to share resources, stories and new information. Neighbourhood connectors are responsible for supporting the block connectors, who spend time listening and connecting with people in their neighbourhood. Block connectors talk to their neighbours to discuss ways to make their community great, activities they would like to participate in, and skills or experiences they have that may help others (City of Edmonton, n.d.; Hopes, McKnight & Lawrence, 2015).

Action for Neighbourhood Change

Action for Neighbourhood Change (ANC) was a partnership that took place across Canada between 2005 and 2007. It worked to build and strengthen the assets of five communities to address issues such as substance abuse, health, sustainable housing and personal security.

ANC used locally-driven revitalization strategies in Surrey, Regina, Thunder Bay, Toronto and Halifax. The program had a number of successes and supported individuals by reducing isolation, reconnecting them with others and supporting engagement and future opportunities.

Working with local residents, not-for-profit agencies, and public and private sector partners, ANC combined local resources in new ways to develop creative, locally-based solutions for sustainable community development and neighbourhood revitalization. While no longer active, the successes are still supporting change and strengthening neighbourhoods today.