Mike Ferrell, OblOSB’s Post

When it comes to Culture, change is the only constant 🧫 As a community builder, evolving your offerings along with the fluid nature of your community culture is critical. In this free preview lesson from our Advanced Strategy: Mature Communities, Brian walks you through how to think about culture and how to orchestrate the necessary changes as your community matures. Get the full course here: https://lnkd.in/g-aShr9X

In the communities you live in, what do you... see? hear? say? do? feel? believe? As servant-leaders, how do we build communities that thrive together in meaningful & impactful ways? Stay tuned for our upcoming blog as we discover what it means to lead by building communities in our workplaces, as individuals, and as servant-leaders!

Latest article in the Reimagining Community series.

Check out this new handbook by SFU CERi! It’s a great resource that will equip you with facilitation tools and strategies to engage with your community in a meaningful way.

I haven't completely formulated my thoughts on this, just something I've been pondering and open to having a conversation about... Right now many of us seek justice under the parameters of how justice has been defined for us in the past, both individually and through the institutions designed to uphold justice. As we do this, we are very critical of those same institutions and their conceptualizations of justice. Is it possible to circumvent this current state? Can we collectively design a more inclusive concept of justice and see it through, without resorting to vigilantism? What are the limits? Where can we actually see this play out? Can we seek justice under a system with a very unjust legal structure? These questions have profound implications on everything from community development all the way to navigating workplace cultural interventions (like OD and DEI) vs. compliance.

If you're serious about nurturing meaningful communities, you should definitely take a look at the Community Weaving project from Fabian Pfortmüller and his collaborators. Among the elements of the Community Weaving framework that resonate with me are the following: - Community emerges from a shared purpose. - A community has a dynamic set of roles, including stewards (highly committed), members (actively participating), and friends (loosely connected). - Communities have a rhythm punctuated by rituals. - Engagement within a community is fractal. I'm particularly interested in the last point. How can we find ways to catalyze small-group conversations at scale within a larger community to cultivate deeper connections, increased trust, effective learning, and the benefits stemming from cognitive diversity? https://lnkd.in/gUtiHnmi

I have already heard awesome feedback from folks about this resource! I think there are a lot of good principles for guiding #KnowledgeMobilization practices and activities. Check it out!

Reflecting on my Flight Home from Kansas City: Key Insights on Facilitating Community Engagement in Unfamiliar Cities As a Community Engagement practitioner, I've learned some invaluable lessons during my visit to Kansas City. Here are three crucial points I want to share: 1. **Embrace Local Culture and History:** Understanding the unique cultural and historical context of a city is crucial. It's not just about adapting your strategies; it's about respecting and integrating local values and traditions into your approach. This fosters trust and shows your genuine interest in the community. 2. **Leverage Local Networks and Leaders:** Collaboration is key. Identify and connect with local leaders and organizations. They have the grassroots knowledge and influence that can amplify your efforts. Building these partnerships not only enhances your impact but also ensures sustainability. 3. **Prioritize Listening Over Speaking:** The most powerful tool in community engagement is listening. Enter new communities with a learning mindset. Understand their needs, concerns, and aspirations. This approach not only enriches your understanding but also builds a foundation of mutual respect and collaboration. Why is this important? Engaging with communities, especially in unfamiliar settings, is more than a project—it's a commitment to fostering inclusive and empowered societies. These insights from Kansas City have reinforced my belief that effective community engagement can bridge gaps, inspire change, and create lasting impacts. #CommunityEngagement #LocalCulture #Collaboration #Listening #Inclusivity #Empowerment #KansasCityInsights ---

What do you think about The Full Frame Initiative's latest take on centering community and moving past extractive approaches to community engagement? Share your thoughts.

It is way easier to be proactive and have the tough conversations now, rather than during a disaster when things have gone wrong. Want to understand more on how to have those conversations, the Helen Clark thought piece 'A Shared Future' is a great read.