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Getting involved is how you get ahead - enabling community involvement is a great lever when addressing complex issues

Harnessing social innovation for community solutions This week I have been fortunate to be part of some really interesting discussions on developing trust and closer ties with communities, in this instance - councils and their communities working together to develop a deeper understanding of need, the root causes, and how they can be improved or overcome. Time and time again, traditional top-down approaches to social issues fail to address the unique needs and dynamics of local communities, resulting in ineffective interventions and wasted resources. Social innovation - empowering communities to develop their own solutions - is a powerful and necessary approach for addressing complex social challenges in an increasing resource constrained environment. The approach leverages local knowledge, builds community capacity, and creates more sustainable, context-appropriate solutions. This is not new, it's been talked about for years, but it's application is not as prevalent as you might expect. This week I have been talking with an organisation identifying key social challenges that could benefit from community-led innovation, and exploring the provision of resources, training, and support for community innovators including: - Participatory grant-making processes to fund promising community initiatives. - Partnerships between community groups, businesses, and social enterprises. - Mechanisms to scale and replicate successful social innovations elsewhere. It's been an important feature of our conversation to be clear that social innovation is not about council's abdicating responsibility, far from it, it's about tapping into the creativity and resilience of their communities, addressing social challenges more effectively and building stronger, more empowered localities. #SocialInnovation #CommunityEmpowerment #LocalSolutions #CommunitySolutions #LocalGov #Transformation #Change RPNA

In a recent project, 81% of community members said they didn't attend in-person events for a new local planning application. But why? 🚫 Many people were unaware of the events, highlighting the need for better publicity ⏰ Time constraints, particularly due to work, were also a major barrier emphasising the need for flexibility and a variety of engagement methods. 😐 Some felt that their participation wouldn't make a difference, which indicates to us the need for transparency and consistency in communication. Community engagement is important in order to build projects that reflect the needs and wants of local community members. By addressing these barriers, it ensures that everyone has a voice in the planning process. #Tech #PropTech #TechForGood #Community #Consultation #Technology #CommunityEngagement #Future #RealEstate #Environment #Sustainable #SocialImpact #BCorp

Harnessing the Power of Community 💫 In a world where connection reigns supreme, the influence of community cannot be overstated. It's a force that propels us forward, offering support, inspiration, and boundless opportunities for growth. Within a community, we find a sense of belonging, a network of like-minded individuals who understand our journey and champion our endeavors. It's a place where we can share our triumphs and tribulations, seek guidance, and celebrate each other's successes. But perhaps most importantly, community is where collaboration thrives. It's where diverse perspectives converge, ideas flourish, and innovation takes flight. Together, we're not just individuals; we're a collective force, capable of achieving far more than we could ever imagine alone. At #trueU, we understand the transformative power of community. That's why we're committed to fostering an inclusive, vibrant space where individuals come together to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us, and let's unlock the extraordinary potential of community, together. #PowerOfCommunity #trueUCommunity #TogetherWeThrive

How does social change happen? One of the key things I've learnt over the years is that change can't happen without people. Sounds bleeding obvious right? But often conversations around social issues tend to treat them as technical problems that simply need a technical solution - new powers to do X, new rights to do Y. As if the issues somehow exist seperately from the people experiencing them. I remember when the Coalition government came in and introduced a whole raft of new community rights, which were swiftly taken up in a few middle-class areas but didn't get much traction in more deprived communities. The reason for this was quite simple - just because you technically have the right to do X, does not necessarily mean you can. There are often a whole range of barriers, systems and processes you need to navigate. Over the past few weeks I've been reminded me that, in order to unleash the energy and potential within communities, and to support them to develop and flourish, it is as important to engage with the person as it is the problem. For policymakers and funders, this means tailoring support, recognising and easing the barriers people experience accessing various opportunities. And the good news is, there are lots of great examples that show what this looks like when done well. I've provided a couple below to kick things off 👇but what are the best examples you've seen where this is done well? #socialchange #communitydevelopment #humancentred #ship30for30

One pressing social issue we face today is the digital divide, which refers to the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not. This disparity often exacerbates existing inequalities, limiting opportunities for education, employment, and social engagement for underserved communities. Bridging this divide is crucial for fostering inclusive growth and ensuring that everyone can participate fully in the digital age.

Community First, Always: The Power of Prioritizing People Over Progress By Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat In an age where progress and technology often overshadow the importance of human connections, it's crucial to remember that putting our communities first should always be our priority. "Community First, Always" isn’t just a catchphrase; it's a guiding principle that can transform our approach to both personal and collective growth. Focusing on community means fostering environments where every voice is heard and valued. It means investing in local initiatives, supporting small businesses, and creating opportunities for collaboration. When we prioritize the well-being of those around us, we build stronger, more resilient societies. This approach not only enhances our collective quality of life but also drives sustainable development that benefits everyone. By embracing a community-first mindset, we ensure that our advancements and achievements contribute to the greater good, rather than just individual success. It’s about creating a legacy of mutual support and shared prosperity. Let’s commit to leading with empathy and inclusivity, making every decision with the betterment of our communities at the forefront. After all, real progress is measured by the strength of our connections and the impact we have on each other’s lives.

How can we create thriving, inclusive neighborhoods without displacing the people who call them home? SmartGrowthUSA shares 5 powerful lessons from their 15 Community Connectors, including: 💬 Engage authentically with residents. 🤝 Build trust at every step. 🏘️ Pair infrastructure investments with community support. 🛑 Disrupt exclusionary practices to ensure equity. Let’s work together to make our communities stronger and fairer for everyone. 👉 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eU6fXwi9  #SmartGrowth #CommunityEngagement #Equity #UrbanDevelopment #NoDisplacement

At AUZ.life, we believe that true community transformation happens when people are empowered to build bridges across cultures, experiences, and generations. Our dedication to uplifting communities and fostering inclusion, embodies the spirit of this mission. Working with local communities and organizations across multiple countries creates meaningful connections and a lasting impact. AUZ.life aims to create spaces where businesses, governments, and citizens can collaborate for the greater good. Through our platform, we empower communities to thrive—supporting local economies, sharing resources, and strengthening human connections. Together, we can create ecosystems that work for everyone, ensuring that no one is left behind. Let’s work together to build a brighter, more connected future, from grassroots initiatives to national programs. #CommunityLeadership #Collaboration #DigitalTransformation #RefugeeSupport #PhygitalEconomy #AUZLife

Pathway to Community Empowerment: PATHFINDER+ in Action! PATHFINDER+ is more than a project; it’s a movement toward sustainable, community-driven development. By focusing on community-owned enterprises, this initiative equips individuals with the tools to strengthen local economies, foster social inclusion, and address pressing social challenges. Case Studies That Inspire: PATHFINDER+ shares real-life success stories of community-led enterprises making a difference across Europe. Each case study highlights innovative solutions, practical strategies, and impactful outcomes, showcasing how communities have transformed challenges into opportunities. These stories serve as a blueprint for others looking to spark similar change in their own regions. Join us to explore these inspirational journeys, learn from best practices, and become part of a network that empowers communities to thrive independently and sustainably. Stay tuned !! #CommunityDevelopment #Empowerment #CaseStudies #PATHFINDER #ErasmusPlus #LocalInnovation #SocialInclusion